Moscow Watchdog

The history of this breed began in the post-war years when the Soviet Union was in dire need of service dogs. The Second World War had destroyed a huge number of livestock, and the national economy and military facilities required reliable protection. The order came directly from the USSR Ministry of Defence to the “Red Star” kennel.

Cynologists faced a difficult task: to create a dog that would be undemanding regarding climatic conditions (from Siberian frosts to heat), possess a terrifying appearance for the enemy and immense physical strength, but at the same time be highly trainable. The purebred breeds existing at that time did not satisfy all these requirements simultaneously.

Several donor breeds were chosen for selection. The foundation was formed by two opposites: the good-natured giant Saint Bernard, which gave the breed its size and orientation towards humans, and the ferocious, mistrustful Caucasian Shepherd Dog, from which the Moscow Watchdog inherited its aggression towards strangers and resilience. Russian Harlequin Hounds also participated in the “cocktail”, which added stamina and improved the sense of smell.

The work was long and painstaking. The first results were shown at exhibitions in the 1950s, but official recognition of the standard only occured in 1985. This makes the Moscow Watchdog a relatively young, yet already legendary breed.

The Moscow Watchdog is a heavyweight athlete. The first impression upon meeting one is power, confidence, and massiveness. This is a dog of a rough constitution type, with developed musculature and a strong skeleton. Sexual dimorphism is clearly expressed: males are significantly larger, more massive, and more masculine than females.

Head and Muzzle

The head of representatives of this breed is massive, wide in the cranial part, with a deep transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The muzzle is somewhat shorter than the cranial part, wide, blunt, and voluminous under the eyes. The lips are thick, black, and slightly drooping, but not as much as in Saint Bernards, which helps avoid excessive drooling (although it is still present).

Coat and Colour

The coat of the Moscow Watchdog is thick, long, with a well-developed undercoat, allowing the dog to feel comfortable outdoors in winter. The presence of a “mane” on the neck and “feathering” on the legs is mandatory. The colour is spotted. The main background is white, on which red, black-and-red, or sable spots are located. A white chest, front legs up to the elbow, hind legs up to the shank, and the tip of the tail are mandatory.

The character of the Moscow Watchdog is a unique balance of opposites. From the Saint Bernard, it took composure and a lack of baseless aggression, and from the Caucasian Shepherd – mistrust of strangers and an instant reaction in case of danger. This is not a dog that will bark at every passerby behind the fence. The Moscow Watchdog attacks silently or with a dull growl, and only when the intruder has crossed the line of what is permitted.

• Self-confidence. This dog knows its strength. It does not fuss.
• Territoriality. Guarding territory is in its blood. You don’t need to spend long teaching it to guard the garden – it will do so instinctively.
• Family orientation. Unlike many service breeds, the Moscow Watchdog is very attached to the family. It does not choose one master but takes all “its own” under its wing.

It is important to understand that this is a dog with high intelligence. It is capable of making independent decisions. This distinguishes it from many other breeds. For example, if compared with decorative dogs, such as the Chihuahua, which are completely dependent on humans and react emotionally, the Moscow Watchdog is an analyst. It assesses the degree of threat.

It is also worth noting the difference in temperament from hunting breeds. For example, the Estonian Hound is oriented towards pursuing prey and can get carried away by a scent, ignoring commands. The Moscow Watchdog will never abandon its post for the sake of a cat or hare. Its priority is the perimeter and the safety of the facility.

Training this breed is a process that requires patience and firmness from the owner, but not cruelty. The Moscow Watchdog matures late. Psychologically, the dog forms by 2-3 years of age. However, training must begin from the first days the puppy appears in the home.

Basic Principles of Work

The main mistake of beginners is trying to “break” the dog with force. This will not work with this breed. It is physically stronger than a human, and if it senses injustice, it may withdraw or respond with aggression. The basis of success is partnership, where the human acts as the unquestionable leader.

A basic obedience course is mandatory. A large, unmanageable dog in the city or even in the countryside is a source of increased danger. Particular attention should be paid to inhibitory commands: “Leave it”, “Stay”, “Come”.

The ideal place for a Moscow Watchdog is a spacious kennel with an insulated booth and free roaming in the fenced territory of a private house. Keeping one in a flat is possible but problematic due to the dog’s size and the large amount of hair. If you still decide to keep it in a flat, prepare for long walks (minimum 2-3 hours a day).

Coat Care

The coat requires regular grooming. Usually, it is enough to do this 1-2 times a week. During moulting (spring and autumn), you will have to brush daily, otherwise the entire courtyard will be covered in fluff. For care, you will need a slicker brush and a metal comb with long teeth.

Feeding such a giant is a costly affair. The Moscow Watchdog is prone to obesity, so it is important not to overfeed. The diet can consist of either natural products (meat, grains, vegetables) or premium and super-premium dry food for giant breeds.

Like all large breeds, the Moscow Watchdog has its weak points. In general, their immunity is strong, but genetics and heavy weight take thier toll.

• Hip dysplasia. The most common problem for giants. It is important to buy puppies from tested parents who have certificates proving the absence of dysplasia.
• Gastric torsion (Bloat). A deadly condition. It occurs with physical exertion immediately after eating. Rule: fed – leave the dog alone for 2 hours.
• Allergies. Food allergies are common, so new products need to be introduced carefully.

Pros

• Excellent guarding qualities without excessive aggression.
• Undemanding of weather conditions (can live outdoors all year round).
• High intelligence and learning ability.
• Balanced psyche (with proper breeding).
• Love for family and children.

Cons

• Requires a large space and physical exertion.
• High expenditure on food.
• Heavy moulting twice a year.
• Tendency to dominate (needs a firm hand).
• Short lifespan (as with all large dogs).

• The breed is often called the “intelligent guard”. Unlike many guard dogs, the Moscow Watchdog first warns with a bark and a menacing look, and attacks only in extreme cases.
• Not only the Saint Bernard and the Caucasian participated in the creation of the breed. To lighten the skeleton and add speed, cynologists infused the blood of the Russian Harlequin Hound, although this is visually almost unnoticeable now.
• This breed is still not recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as a separate breed at the global level, although it is recognised by many local clubs and has a huge army of fans.

Is the Moscow Watchdog safe for children?

Yes, with proper upbringing, it is one of the most reliable nannies. They are patient with children’s pranks. However, given the dimensions, you should not leave very small children alone with the dog – the animal may accidentally push the child with its tail or body.

Can this dog be kept on a chain?

Categorically not. Constant presence on a chain destroys the psyche of this intelligent animal. The dog becomes embittered, dull, or depressed. Temporary tethering is allowed (for example, when guests have arrived or the gates are open for a car to leave), but most of the time the dog must move freely around the enclosure or garden.

How much does an adult dog eat?

A lot. An adult male can eat about 2-3 litres of thick porridge with meat in one feeding (twice a day) or about 800-1000 grams of dry food per day, depending on activity and the season (more in winter).

Is it difficult to care for the eyes?

Yes, the eyes are a weak point. Due to the slight drooping of the eyelids, dirt can accumulate there, leading to conjunctivitis. It is necessary to regularly inspect the eyes and wipe them with special lotions or a weak tea solution.