Moscow Watchdog: Description, Characteristics, and Photos of the Breed

The large Moscow watchdog was bred specifically to help people. This working breed is an excellent guard and protection dog, and is also useful in agriculture. The breed was created by crossing Russian Pied Hounds, Caucasian Shepherds, and St. Bernards. The result is a loyal and sensitive dog, easily trained, unpretentious, and an excellent guard dog.

Moscow Watchdog: Breed Description

An active and agile dog with well-developed, voluminous muscles and strong bones. Tall dogs are most prized. whose height reaches 77-78 cmA light frame and insufficient massiveness are considered a serious fault.

The breed standards include:

1. The weight of males is from 60 kg, and females from 45 kg.
2. Slightly elongated body.
3. Long and large, parallel paws of a rounded shape.
4. The back is level, the chest is wide, the croup is muscular.
5. A massive head with a broad forehead and a full, slightly upturned muzzle. Slightly pendulous lips must be black. Narrow muzzles are considered a fault in the breed.
6. The short and massive neck may have a slight feathering.
7. Dark, round eyes are set wide apart.
8. The hanging ears are triangular in shape.
9. Large teeth and scissor bite.
10. The high-set, wide tail reaches to the hock. When excited, it is carried like a sickle above the level of the back.

The Moscow Watchdog's long coat has tight-fitting undercoatFluffy fox-like tails, manes, and trousers lend volume and majesty to the dog. The coat color should be white and reddish-brown or white and red. The muzzle is especially important. It must have black markings. A white blaze is located in the center of the muzzle. Dark glasses should completely cover the eyes and be symmetrical. Their absence or asymmetry is considered a serious fault.

It is desirable that the front legs, the hind legs up to the shins, the collar, the entire chest and the tip of the tail be white.

Compared to its ancestor, the St. Bernard, the Moscow Watchdog is very agile. It moves at a heavy gallop or short trot.

The character of the Moscow watchdog

Despite their enormous size, the Moscow Watchdog has a submissive nature. Confident yet reserved, these dogs possess a strong guard and watchdog instinct. A gentle and kind bear at home, they become a formidable guard outside. A menacing growl makes this dog look intimidating, like an enraged bear. There's no doubt they'll flirt or be friendly with strangers. At home, this pet becomes affectionate and loves to play with children.

The Moscow Watchdog has a balanced personality, but can easily become agitated and aggressive at the slightest threat. This breed requires a responsible attitude and regular training. It is not recommended for teenagers, the elderly, or those accustomed to coddling animals. A weak-willed owner could cause the dog to become overly aggressive or timid, losing its best qualities.

An active dog can be trained to have the calm character of a city dweller, but exercise is essential. Trainable, intelligent, and smart, these pets are very quick-witted. They won't bark without reason. However, they may occasionally exhibit independence and stubbornnessAll this is smoothed out by the manifestation of one's own character and persistent training.

It's important to remember that the Moscow Watchdog is wary of strangers and animals. Therefore, letting it out for walks without a leash is dangerous. To develop the right character, it's essential to train and discipline it from puppyhood.

Contents of the Moscow Watchtower

The best home for such a large breed is a private home. A large, spacious dog house should be built, with a mat to close the entrance. If the dog is to live in an apartment, it should be kept in mind that it needs active exercise. Therefore, it should be taken for walks. twice a day, one at a time – two hoursWhen going for walks, you need to train your pet, run with it, or play active games.

The dog's area in the apartment should be bright and spacious. It shouldn't be placed near a radiator, door, or in a draft. Food and water bowls should be conveniently located.

Be prepared for the fact that during the puppy's first few months, the apartment won't be perfectly clean. Furthermore, the decor and various household items may be damaged. Only with time, through careful and proper training, will the pet learn to lie in the hallway waiting for its owner to return from work.

A puppy acquired from the street in winter You can't keep them in a boothAt first, especially during severe cold weather, he should live indoors. He needs a designated area and food bowls and toys.

Nutritional Features

Moscow Watchdogs, especially those living in apartments, are prone to obesity and allergies, so a proper diet is essential. They can be fed regular natural food or a specially balanced diet.

Natural food should consist of the following products:

• lean meat;
• porridge;
• seasonal vegetables.

It is essential to include vitamins and nutritional supplements in your diet. The breed cannot be fed:

• fatty meat;
• sausage;
• pasta;
• bread;
• sweets;
• river fish;
• small chicken bones;
• confectionery products.

Moscow Watchdogs need to be fed several times a day. Puppies and nursing mothers should eat more frequently than adult dogs. To avoid harming the puppy, ask the breeder about the puppy's diet when purchasing it. It's best if the new owner continues feeding the same food, as a change in diet can cause stomach upset.

Puppies up to seven months of age should eat 20% of their body weight in foodTheir diet should include:

• bran;
• seasonal vegetables;
• green;
• rice, rolled oats, buckwheat;
• chicken and beef;
• hard cheese;
• kefir, fermented baked milk, milk, low-fat cottage cheese.

As the pet ages, it is introduced into its food. meat, meat by-products and sea fish.

Adult dogs should be fed in the morning and evening. The morning portion should include:

• dried bread soaked in whey or kefir;
• eggs;
• chopped greens;
• sour milk or kefir;
• cottage cheese;
• vegetables.

In the evening, your pet's diet should include meat and grains. Boiled grains should make up no more than a third of the serving.

During periods of heavy shedding, dogs need to feed with dietary sulfur and methionine, adding them to food. In winter, pets are fed more liquid and fatty foods, which are preheated. Vitamin D should also be included in the diet. Clean drinking water should always be available in the dog's bowl.

Once a pet reaches six years of age, its diet is revised to reduce grain bulk and increase nutrient content. Cream and sour cream are added to stewed vegetables, and cereals are replaced with hard bread soaked in kefir. Prepared food and supplements are selected according to age. Since large breeds are prone to osteoporosis, calcium supplements are added to adult dogs' diets.

Care of the breed

The thick, dense and long coat of the Moscow Watchdog It is necessary to comb it once a weekOtherwise, tangles will form, and the dog will look unkempt and unattractive.

After walks in the forest or park, your pet's paws, head, muzzle, and ears should be checked for ticks. Any ticks found should be removed, and the wound treated with iodine. Every month, the dog should be treated with a special tick and flea repellent. Deworming is also recommended for this breed every six months.

Often You don't need to bathe a pet of this breed.Three to four times a year is sufficient. Your dog's eyes should be examined periodically. If they become sore, wipe them with cotton pads soaked in a weak tea solution. Once a month, trim the nails of large breed dogs using a special nail clipper. Wipe the ears with a damp cloth once a week. There should be no discharge or unpleasant odor. Any inflammation should be treated with a veterinarian.

Training of the Moscow Watchdog

As soon as a puppy arrives, it's time to begin training and raising it. It's important to immediately determine what's "allowed" and what's "not" for your pet, and then strictly adhere to these guidelines.

Feeding a dog should only begin with a call, which can be accompanied by certain soundsFor example, you can call your pet to feed while tapping on its bowl. It should eat in the presence of its owner and see you placing pieces of meat in the bowl. This will show who's boss and prevent the pet, the younger member of the family, from taking over the spoils.

Puppy walks should begin from an early age. However, walks should only begin after vaccinations and a week-long quarantine period. Three days before the walk, put a collar on the puppy to help it get used to it. Once outside, attach a leash to the collar. Drop it on the ground and let the puppy walk around for about half an hour. After this, the leash can be removed.

When you go for a walk, you should take a treat with you to call your pet to you. After moving away from the puppy, you need to call him over and thank him for comingWhen taking a dog outside, it should be hungry. As a result of this and an innate reflex, a six-month-old puppy will follow its owner everywhere. The first walks should be in a secluded area, free from distractions such as people, vehicles, and animals.

Lazy owners always encounter a multitude of behavioral problems with their adult dogs. They are the ones who later try to place their unruly pet in a good home or a kennel. To ensure that an adult Moscow Watchdog is reliable, intelligent, and loyal, it needs to be properly trained while still a puppy, and you need to establish authority over it.

Choosing a Moscow Watchdog Puppy

Puppies of this breed look like adorable teddy bears, making them a favorite with almost everyone. However, you should think carefully before bringing a large dog into your home.

When choosing a puppy, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Choose a dog according to the breed standard.
2. It's best to buy a puppy with paperwork and check the parents' pedigree. The dog's high price will be repaid in the long run by its behavior and appearance.
3. If the breed is chosen for guarding, the breeder must show the work and certificates of the mother.
4. You should not take puppies from timid bitches, since this character trait can be passed on genetically.
5. An excellent choice for a companion would be a sociable puppy who has shown curiosity and approached you. Wary and cautious puppies make excellent watchdogs.

With proper care, upbringing, and training, the Moscow Watchdog will become a true companion and family friend. An intelligent and smart dog She'll happily act as a true nanny for a baby. She'll treat them lovingly, giving them piggyback rides and sled rides. However, it's important to remember that due to her enormous size, she could unintentionally harm the baby, so leaving small children alone with her is not recommended.