Moscow Watchdog

The Moscow Watchdog (Russian: московская сторожевая, tr. Moskovskaya Storozhevaya) is a breed of dog that was bred in the Soviet Union. It descends from crosses between the St. Bernard and Caucasian Shepherd Dog. It contains the physical size, attractiveness and intelligence of a St. Bernard and the awareness and assertive traits of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Moscow Watchdog
Moscow Watchdog
Other namesMoskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka
OriginSoviet Union
Dog (domestic dog)

The breed is very large and weight is between 45 and 68 kg (100 and 150 lbs) with a life expectancy of 9-11 years. They are known to be a large powerful breed with a gentle temperament, therefore if it is raised properly with training with discipline, the Moscow Watchdog could fit into any environment and be the perfect protective family pet. Unlike its modern St. Bernard counterparts, the breed needs much vigorous exercise. They do not drool, like many of the other molossers. Until recently, Moscow Watchdogs were uncommon outside of Russia and the former Soviet states; however, they are now becoming more popular in Europe and have recently reached the United States. The first litter of Moscow Watchdogs was born in the US on June 6, 2015. There are currently 27 Moscow Watchdogs living in the United States. [1]

Appearance

Related to livestock guardian dogs, the Moscow Watchdog, one of the larger dog breeds, stands between 64 and 69 cm (25 and 27 inches) tall and weighs 45 to 68 kg (100 to 150 pounds). They are a muscular dog that has a bulky head and powerful legs. Their coat is thick in a moderate length with the color white and red. Their puffy tail is long enough that it could touch the floor. They are an average shedder and with a well-arched chest, and they generally give an impression of firmness and confidence.[2][3]

Temperament

The Moscow Watchdog is fine in temperament, but it requires training and early socialisation with both people and animals. In this relationship, Moscow Watchdog is known to be a gentle giant, assertive and protective to his family when in danger.[4]

Health concern

The Moscow Watchdog is generally a healthy breed, but still has a risk to be prone to hip dysplasia and other large dog breeds’ problems.[5] Moscow Watchdogs require a fairly large space to move and are not suitable to live in a small apartment. They need regular exercise, such as going for a long walk, jog or run freely at a safe area to stay unstressed and healthy.[2]Regular grooming with a bristle brush and bath or dry shampoo are also necessary.[3]

History

During the period after World War II, Russia needed thousands of guard dogs due to the rising crime, a breed of dog that could adapt to a very low temperature −30 – −40 °C (−22 – −40 °F), snowy environment during winter and to be able to guard nearly everything that was owned by the government, such as warehouses, railroads, labor camps and infrastructure. That was the reason why they started an immense project led by Gen Medvedev. It began in 1946 and lasted a year at the Central School of Military Kynology, a department of the USSR Ministry of Defense. After many years of experiments of crossbreeding purebred dogs, the Moscow Watchdog was one of the most successful breeds from crosses between Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and St. Bernards. It provides the mental and physical aspect that they desired.

In 1986, the first few Moscow watchdogs were brought to Hungary for breeders to help popularize the breed. Future growth was guaranteed by devoted breeders and also the breed owner, Club Karakán. In addition, dozens of breeders from the former Soviet states had also worked with the breed to ensure their existence for the future. At the time, around 500 Moscow Watchdogs could be found in Hungary.[6]

The breed standard was first published in 1985 when it received "official status" in the Soviet Union. In 1992, it was approved by the Federation of the Dog Breeders of Russia and in 1997, by the Department of Animal Breeding and Pedigree of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. The standard was also approved by the Russian Kennel Club in 1997.

The Russian Kennel Club is working with the International Kennel Federation (FCI) to gain official recognition. Currently, the Moscow Watchdog is considered by the FCI as part of the 2nd group Molosser. In FCI sanctioned dog shows, they are shown in what is referred to as a "Special Show." Inside Russia, they are widely shown and a recognized breed.

References
  1. "Moscow Watchdogs in US". Glorious Kennels. Archived from the original on 30 August 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  2. "Moscow Watchdog (Moskovskaya Storodzevay Sobaka)". Dog Breed Info Center. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  3. "Moscow Watchdog breed information, pictures and more". Euro Puppy. Archived from the original on 31 August 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  4. "Spartan dogs- Moscow Watchdog, Moscow dog". Spartan dog. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  5. "Moscow Dpg- Gentle Giant". Russian Dog: All Russian dogs and Russian dog breeds. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  6. "Moscow Watchdog History". Gem of Jeke Kennel. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
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