Moscow Watchdog

The Moscow Watchdog is a large, powerful breed developed, similarly to the Black Russian Terrier, in the aftermath of World War 2. Combining the formidable traits of specific large, intelligent working breeds, the dog was designed for a specific role – to be a reliable and obedient watchdog.

Known for their strength and vigilance, Moscow Watchdogs soon became valued guardians of homes and properties within their original Soviet lands, and now more so in Russia than anywhere else. Beyond their guarding prowess, they are also gentle and loyal family pets.

Recognized by the Federation of the Dog Breeders of Russia and gaining international attention, the Moscow Watchdog remains a relatively rare breed outside its homeland. The Russian Kynological Federation is working with the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), to try to bring international recognition to the breed. At the moment, they are still too rare in many countries like the UK and the USA to really achieve recognition of those local clubs – the AKC and the KC.

History and Origins Of The Moscow Watchdog

The Second World War decimated the stock of working dogs in Russia. That, with a huge increase of desperate crime, left farmers and workers in wanting of a hardy breed that could work, guard and survive the harsh climates. In the post-war late 1940’s Breeders working for the state-owned Central School of Military Dog Breeding got to work in developing a breed.

Combining the traits of the Caucasian Shepherd (known for its guarding abilities and ferocity), the Saint Bernard (prized for its size, intelligence and gentle temperament) and the Russian Pinto Hound. The goal was to produce a large, strong watchdog that could follow commands reliably and thus, the Moscow Watchdog was created.

The first breed standards were published in 1958, but it was only in 1992 that they became officially approved by the Federation of Dog Breeders of Russia. From there the Russian Kennel Club approved the standard in 1997, but clubs outside of Russia have yet to officially recognize the breed. 

As it stands, the Moscow Watchdog is considered by the FCI as part of the 2nd section of the 2nd group of ‘Molossoid breeds‘.

Quick Facts About The Moscow Watchdog

• Strong and Resilient – The Moscow Watchdog is a formidable breed, known for its muscular build and stamina. Bred from Caucasian Shepherds and Saint Bernards, they have the genetic strength and resilience needed for guard duties.

• Loyal and Protective – Incredibly loyal to its family, the Moscow Watchdog is naturally protective. They will commonly form strong bonds and are always alert to potential threats. They are exceptionally vigilant guardians – the clue is in the name.

• Gentle Giant – Despite their imposing size, Moscow Watchdogs are gentle and affectionate with their families. They are particularly good with children, but they are big dogs though, so should still be supervised when around very young, boisterous children.

• Intelligent and Trainable – This breed is intelligent and responds well to consistent training. They need firm but supportive  guidance and positive reinforcement to develop into obedient and well-mannered dogs.

Characteristics Of The Moscow Watchdog

The Moscow Watchdog is often compared to breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd and the Saint Bernard due to its ancestry and similar traits. It lends very heavily on the traits of both it’s parents, but it does have its own unique characteristics and care needs that distinguish it from these breeds.

In its native Russia, the breed is officially known as Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka. The name translates directly to ‘Moscow Watchdog,’ and there are not really any widely known nicknames for the breed. Internationally, it is recognized by the same name, but it is a still a very rare breed to find anywhere outside of Russia.

Moscow Watchdog Puppies

Moscow Watchdog puppies typically come in litters of five to ten and it is essential for them to stay with their mother and littermates, as with all dogs, for at least eight weeks to develop crucial social behaviors. Early socialization and training are vital with a strong willed breed like this, to prevent behavioral issues as they mature.

For those interested in adding a Moscow Watchdog to their family, the cost can vary. In the United States, prices generally range from $2,000 to $2,500 and they are very rare here. The first American litter was only born in 2016, so as you can imagine, there are not many to go round. In Europe, prices are typically between €900 and €1,800 and In the UK, expect to pay upwards of £800.

Russian clubs are working hard to have the breed officially recognized with the FCI (International Federation of Kennel Clubs) and perhaps once they achieve this, these big, gentle guardians may become more popular around the world. 

Appearance

The Moscow Watchdog is another large, purposefully imposing dog with a muscular and well-balanced body. The ideal heights are 30-31 inches for male and 28-29 inches for female, but a wider tolerance is acceptable. Anywhere between 27 – 31 inches tall is generally acceptable for a male, or  26-29 inches for females. In terms of weight, males should be over and around 55 kilograms (121 lb), while females should be over and around 45 kilograms (99 lb)

Some of the breeds notable features include a broad, powerful head with a strong, straight muzzle. Their dark, expressive eyes are well proportioned at each side of their muzzle bridge, while their medium-sized ears hang close to the head. They also have a thick tail which it carries high.

Coat

The Moscow Watchdog coat was a huge consideration in the breed development. It had to contend with harsh, Siberian winters as well as more temperate climates further south. Lending on it’s parent breeds traits, it has a dense and medium length double coat. The outer coat is coarse and straight haired with a weather resistant texture, while the undercoat is soft and thick providing ample insulation.

Color

Moscow Watchdogs are typically red and white with black markings. The colors are well-defined, and the black markings often appear on the face and ears.

Temperament

​Moscow Watchdogs are known for their calm and confident temperament. Often considered to be a ‘gentle giant’ with their family, but highly alert and always vigilant to any considered threat. They are exceptional watchdogs as you may expect, given the name. Their protective nature makes them wary of strangers and they need constant training and discipline to keep their nature in check. But with early training and socialization they are not aggressive and can fit into most households as a loving pet.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Moscow Watchdog is around 9 to 11 years, which is perhaps a little shy of the average for dogs of a similar size and type.

Known Health Issues

The Moscow Watchdog tends to be a healthy breed in general. But as with all breeds, there are a few health issues that can affect them:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – This is a common genetic condition where the hip or elbow joint does not fit together perfectly, which can lead to arthritis or lameness.

• Treatment: Managing dysplasia issues typically involves lifestyle modifications such as weight management and controlled exercise, along with anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) – This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply.

• Treatment: Immediate veterinary intervention is required. Preventative measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating.

Heart Problems – Moscow Watchdogs can be prone to certain heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy.

• Treatment: Treatment typically involves medications to manage heart function and regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the condition.

Obesity – Due to their large size, Moscow Watchdogs are at risk of becoming overweight, which can exacerbate other health issues.

• Treatment: Maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring regular exercise can help prevent obesity. Regular weight checks and portion control are recommended.

Daily Life

Food and Diet

Moscow Watchdogs, with their large size and active lifestyle, need a high-quality diet that meets their energy needs. A formula specifically designed for large breeds from a reputable dog food company is ideal, or if incorporating a diet like raw food allergy specific diet, make sure it is of equal nutritional value and not jammed full of fillers.

An average, active adult Moscow Watchdog should consume about three to four cups of dry food daily (or equivalent from wet/specialized diet), divided into two or three meals. Adjustments should be made based on the dog’s activity level to prevent obesity.

Puppies need more frequent meals throughout the day to support their rapid growth and high energy demands. A premium puppy food specifically made for large breeds is recommended, focusing on animal protein as the main ingredient and including nutrients like phosphorus, DHA, vitamin K, and fish oil for healthy development.

As Moscow Watchdogs age, their dietary requirements change. Older dogs often need fewer calories but still require a nutrient-rich diet to maintain health. Transitioning to a senior dog food blend will provide the necessary nutrition while adjusting portion sizes based on their activity level. For all life stages, it is crucial to monitor the dog’s weight and adjust their food intake accordingly.

Exercise

Moscow Watchdogs need at least an hour of vigorous activity each day. They will be more than happy to accompany an active owner on long walks or runs as well as engaging in interactive play sessions. Given their guarding instincts, they also thrive on activities that provide mental stimulation such as  tracking exercises.

These dogs enjoy interactive play sessions like fetch, tug-of-war, and puzzle toys, which help keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom. Due to their size and exercise needs, they are best suited for homes with large, secure yards where they can roam and play freely.

For owners without a large yard, they will need plenty of daily walks and access to safe areas for off-leash play. Consistent, varied exercise routines are crucial to keeping a Moscow Watchdog happy and well-balanced

Family Compatability

Despite their large size, Moscow Watchdogs are affectionate and enjoy being involved in family activities. In a home where they feel secure and included, they will often showing a gentle and playful side with their family members. It’s important to supervise interactions between these dogs and young children though to ensure safety for both, as their size can be overwhelming for small kids.

Moscow Watchdogs can coexist peacefully with other pets but to do so, they need to be are properly socialized from a young age. Their generally low prey drive compared to other breeds makes them less likely to chase smaller animals, though supervision and proper introductions are always recommended. They are after all skilled watchdogs, so while they have a lower prey drive, they do have an alert threat drive. 

The Moscow Watchdog is best suited to homes with ample space, such as a large yard where they can roam and play freely. They are a big dog to handle, so time off the lead in a secure place is really recommended. Apartment living can be challenging for Moscow Watchdogs due to their size and exercise needs, but it is manageable with a committed owner who ensures they receive enough outdoor activity and mental stimulation.

Training & Socializing

While training for the Moscow Watchdog is critical, they are intelligent and eager to please, which makes it relatively easy to do, but not for the inexperienced. Given their size and strength, it is important to teach Moscow Watchdogs basic commands and good manners from a young age. Early training helps manage their protective instincts and ensures they can be controlled safely in various situations. If you can include advanced training, such as agility or tracking then even better.

Proper socialization is also essential to ensure that pups grow into adaptable and sociable adults. They are naturally vigilant and protective, but by introducing them to different people and places early, they can learn to manage these instincts appropriately. They can learn to better identify friend from foe and become loyal but well-behaved family companions. 

Regular outings to parks, meeting new dogs, and inviting friends over are excellent ways to socialize and the earlier you start the better.

Grooming

Brushing should be done at least three times a week to manage shedding and prevent mats and tangles. You might need to up the frequency to daily brushing though during seasonal shedding periods. Use a pin brush or a deshedding tool to keep their coat healthy and distribute natural oils. 

Bathing should be done every 2-3 months or when particularly smelly or dirty. Only use a mild, dog-specific shampoo though to avoid stripping natural oils. Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort, but the frequency will depend on how active your dog is. Just keep a regular eye on them.

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

Overall, Moscow Watchdogs are a loyal, protective and gentle breed. A great breed to consider for active households but not for first time owners or those not capable of comfortably controlling a large and powerful breed. By design, they have very strong protective instincts and a vigilant nature making them outstanding watchdogs. Despite their imposing size, when well trained from an early age, they are patient and affectionate, particularly with children, and can get along well with other pets when properly socialized.