Moscow Watchdog is a breed of dog that was bred in the Soviet Union. It descends from crosses between the St. Bernard and Caucasian Shepherd breed. It contains the physical size, attractiveness and intelligence of a St. Bernard and the awareness and assertive traits of a Caucasian Ovtcharka. The breed is very large and weight is between 45 and 68 kg 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 former Soviet states, however are now becoming more popular in Europe and have recently reached the United States. The first litter of Moscow Watchdogs was born in US on June 6, 2015. There are currently 27 Moscow Watchdogs living in the United States.
Appearance
Related to livestock guardian dogs, the Moscow Watchdog, one of the larger dog breeds, stands between 64 and 69 cm tall and weighs 45 to 68 kg. 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, they generally give an impression of firmness and confidence.
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.
Health concern
Moscow Watchdog is generally a healthy breed but still has a risk to be prone to hip dysplasia and other large breeds’ problems. Moscow Watchdogs require a fairly large space to move and is 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. Regular grooming with a bristle brush and Bathe or dry shampoo are also necessary.
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, 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 USSR Ministry of Defense. After many years of experiments of crossbreedingpurebred dogs, Moscow Watchdog was one of the most successful breeds from Caucasian Ovtcharka and St. Bernard. 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 former Soviet states had also work with the breed to ensure their existence for the future. At the time, around 500 Moscow Watchdogs could be found in Hungary. 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 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 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.
