As the name suggests, the Moscow Watchdog originally hails from Russia.
And his task is also clear from the naming: he serves as a guard and protection dog.
Let’s take a closer look at this breed.
Moscow watchdog: wanted poster
Size Male: at least 68 cm, ideally 77 to 78 cm, female: at least 66 cm, ideally 72 to 73 cm However, there is no upper limit for both sexes.WeightMale: at least 55 kg, female: at least 45 kgColorsChecked red, spotted red, orange, red and black, sable red must always be present.Life expectancyApprox. 12 yearsOriginUSSR, now Russia character/temperamentCalm, confident, alert, stubbornFCI groupNot recognized by the FCI. According to the Russian umbrella organization RKF, which belongs to the FCI, but classified as follows:
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoids – Swiss Mountain Dog, Section 2: Molossoids, 2.2 mountain dogsWithout working test
Look
The Moscow Watchdog — also known as Moskovskaya Storozhevaya — is one stately apparition.
Its appearance is reminiscent of a St. Bernard. He is also originally descended from him.
Let’s take a closer look at this impressive dog.
anatomy
The body is massive with a strong, straight back. Despite its powerful physique, the Moscow watchdog looks never ponderous.
The tail is thick and evenly haired. It is slightly curved and reaches to the ankle.
The size is between 72 and 78 centimeters – depending on whether it is a male or a female.
But there is no upper limit to the size of the Moscow watchdog.
Moskovskaya Storozhevaya weighs between 44 and 55 kilograms.
Head
The head of the Moscow watchdog is large with a broad forehead. The snout is also broad and occupies about 35 percent of the head length.
Its teeth are large and set in a scissor bite. The jaw is wide.
The eyes are dark brown to black. With their round shape, they look at the world with self-confidence.
One black mask is wanted and desired.
fur
This breed has thick and long fur. The top coat is straight and the undercoat is well developed.
Males have a strong neck mane. They also have feathers on their front and back legs.
The recognized colors of the coat are always associated with red. There are red piebald, red spotted, orange, sable, and red and black.
White spots on the chest, the front legs up to the elbow joint must be present – also on the hind legs up to the hock.
Slightly curly fur on the body and thighs is permitted.
History & Origin of the Moscow Watchdog
The breed was created in the 1950s by Red army. She crossed St. Bernard with Caucasian Ovcharka.
Later, hounds were crossed. The Russians wanted to use the resulting hybrid to breed the Ovcharka, which was difficult to control, more calmly.
In 1958 the first breed standards were created. In 1985, the Soviet Union recognized the Moscow Watchdog as a separate breed.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian governing body RKF retained recognition.
The current standard dates from 1997.
Essence & Character of the Moscow Watchdog
The Moscow watchdog owns a hot temperament. He’s full of energy.
At the same time he is active, persistent, skilful, intelligent, willing to learn and self-confident. This breed needs a task and should not be under-challenged.
He was bred as a service and working dog. He sees his task in guarding and protecting.
With appropriate training, he is very influenced by his trainer. He is obedient and balanced towards him.
Towards strangers, the Moscow watchdog is reserved and skeptical. Under no circumstances should you pressure him or fall below his individual distance.
If strangers approach too hectically, problems quickly arise.
attitude & upbringing
The training of the Moscow watchdog must begin even with the puppies. You should understand from the start that man is the guide takes over.
The puppies learn this through consistent training. This is particularly important because this dog breed is said to have a certain stubbornness.
Socialization at a young age is also important. A dog school or dog trainer with experience in handling livestock guardian dogs is a must.
Important
Consistent upbringing is the be-all and end-all of the Moscow watchdog.
Because of the size of the Moscow watchdog and its body mass, you don’t have much to oppose an adult, untrained dog.
With appropriate training, starting as a puppy, the Moskovskaya Storozhevaya can become a great family dog.
The Moscow Watchdog is a demanding dog when it comes to activities and attitude. He belongs to an active family with a house and land.
Due to its thick fur, it loves cool temperatures more than warmth.
Health & Care
The Moscow watchdog does not have breed-specific diseases.
His Life expectancy can be 12 years.
Because of its dense and thick fur with a lot of undercoat, your furry friend should be brushed regularly – once a day during the moult.
The dog breed does not require any special food. The diet should of course be balanced and based as much as possible on meat.
Is the Moscow watchdog right for me?
Are you an active person who likes to do something with your four-legged friend in your free time? Perhaps you have a house and yard that you would like to have guarded?
Then you already meet a few criteria to do justice to this strong and self-confident dog.
Another important point is that you can take the time to train a young dog consistently from puppyhood.
If you’re too «soft-hearted,» it will take its toll later and be difficult to correct.
Your living arrangements should be generous.
You can certainly leave your fur nose alone from time to time, because it is very independent. But when compensation you have to deal with it sufficiently afterwards.
This also applies if the Moscow watchdog has meanwhile blossomed into a family dog. Be careful with very young children.
This is already true because of the temperament and the mass and strength that this breed brings with it.
Fun facts about the Moscow watchdog
There is some interesting background information about the Moscow watchdog:
Until the 1980s, the Moscow Watchdog was a state breed. private citizens Possession and keeping were forbidden.
Only after the official recognition of this breed did breeders start selling their dogs.
Males of the Moscow Guard Dogs bark only if absolutely necessary. Females bark more than males.
Have you had any experience with the Moscow watchdog yourself? Please leave us yours in the comments Story with this amazing breed.