Moscow Watchdog is a powerful and beautiful dog that attracts the attention of lovers of large breeds. Before you get a "Muscovite", you should learn all the features of its content, nature and rules of training.
History of origin
The origin of the Moscow watchdog is not shrouded in various legends when compared with other breeds. However, the lack of mystery does not deprive the history of interest, because this species was derived by special order from the government.
When the Great Patriotic War ended, the country needed to restore the livestock of service dog breeds., as most of them died during the hostilities.
The amateur staff could not solve such a problem, so the task was assigned to the kennel "Red Star", which was located in the suburbs.
In this kennel, they worked on the creation of a breed of dogs that would have excellent guarding characteristics, good susceptibility to dog training and unquestioning obedience.
Planned dog, which would be different unpretentious, large size and good mobility.
The work was carried out in 1947-50, when the management of the nursery belonged to A. P. Mazover, who believed that the new species will be the result of the actions of highly skilled dog breeders. As a result, dog trainers were able to form a breed, which today is referred to as the Moscow Watchdog.
For the first time these dogs appeared at exhibitions in Moscow in 1950. At that time, they were considered mestizos, which appeared from St. Bernard Barry and Caucasian Shepherd Dog Asha. The animals already owned the basic qualities of the "Muscovites", but the dog breeders did not stop at the received.
There were many thoughts on how to get a unique breed that would stand out among other varieties and have its own temperament. Other breeds became involved in the creation process:
- German Shepherd Dogs;
- individuals of the Russian borzoi;
- Russian Pinto Hound breed dogs;
- Newfoundland.
The work on the creation of a new breed was accompanied by numerous difficulties, as it was difficult for dog breeders to make a correction to the dog, which turned out during the crossing of so many varieties.
But dog handlers from the "Red Star" were able to cope with the assigned tasks. Only the best individuals of their breeds participated in the breeding. Attention was paid not only to external indicators, but also to merit, along with the propensity to train.
The search was completed by mid-1950, when the dog breeders created a new variety, following instruction from the government.
The first standard of the Moscow watchdog was established in 1958. Based on it, a decision was made on further adjustments. All subsequent modifications were carried out by amateur cynologists, along with dog breeding clubs.
In 1985, the breed was officially adopted in the USSR, as a breed with an approved exterior. In 1992, the Moscow watchdog suffered repeated adjustments, about which breeders responded, if not very successful.
The new version was approved in 1997, but this standard was corrected several times. Such processes are considered normal when working on new breeds of dogs.
At the moment, connoisseurs of these dogs are trying to ensure that the Moscow watchdog is recognized as independent in FCI.
Description
The severe dog, which looks like a mixture of St. Bernard and Caucasian Shepherd, has a specific appearance. Despite the fact that the muzzle resembles St. Bernard, and shaggy fur is comparable to Caucasians, there are significant differences between these breeds.
The Moscow watchdog is a rather large dog, but it is smaller than a St. Bernard.
The minimum weight of the dog "Muscovite" is 55 kg. St. Bernard weighs 70 kg. Skull box of the Moscow watchdog already, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smoothed.
As well as the breed characteristic implies a stronger constitution, along with an elongated body. Dogs are light and agile.
Head
It is allocated with the large sizes, cheeklasty. The forehead is moderately convex, wide. It crosses the longitudinal groove. For the muzzle is characterized by a blunt shape with volume. Its length is significantly shorter than the skull.
The infraorbital region is normal, the occipital tubercle with supracipital arches is well defined.
Lips
"Muscovites" have fleshy lips that are painted black. Bryl absent.
Jaws and Teeth
Scissor bite. The jaw itself is massive, has 42 white teeth. They fit snugly together, the incisors are located on a single line. In the exterior, the absence of several teeth is allowed if they are broken or knocked out.
If this situation is congenital, it is considered a vice.
Nose
In purebred specimens, the lobe is black, large in size and elongated in width.
Eyes
The eyes of the Moscow watchdog are distinguished by a deep landing and are hidden under the eyelids of black color.
The breed standard says that the iris should also be black.
Ears
Ears in the shape of a triangle, the tip has a soft roundness.
They should be placed above eye level.
With the help of cartilage, the ear canal is supported in a hanging state.
The front of the ears should touch the cheekbone area.
Neck
The neck of the animal is endowed with muscles, a medium length with a rather developed crib part. The suspension is moderate, may be absent in some representatives. Lack of suspension is not a breed defect.
Body part
When compared to St. Bernards, “Muscovites” have a more stretched body.
The withers of the dogs are high and immediately catch the eye when looking at males.
The back is characterized by strong bones, sufficient width. The loin is short, voluminous. The croup is slightly sloping.
The chest has a sufficient depth, the ribs are convex and expanding towards the rump. The lower line of the abdomen is a little tucked up.
Limbs
Paws set parallel to each other, straight. The blades have a sufficient length, obliquely directed. The shoulders are well muscled. Moscow watchdog thighs are the same length with the legs.
The limbs are massive. The front legs have round shapes, the cushions are thick, elastic. Rear - in their form are similar to the oval.
If additional fingers are found in puppies - they are removed.
Tail
The tail is thick and must continue the line of croup. When the dog is in a relaxed state, it is located at the bottom and bends slightly at the tip.
When the animal is excited, the tail takes the form of a crescent and is located above the back.
Coat
The coat is abundant. The hairs are double and consist of guard hairs with a thick undercoat.
Male representatives are particularly spectacular: they have a collar around their necks with attractive comb-hairs on the back of their paws.
Females can not boast of such spectacularity, as their fur is more modest due to the small number of laty hairs.
Color
Allowed white color with spots of red, black and red or sable color.
If the Moscow watchdog does not have shades of red, this color is regarded as non-standard.
The standard provides for a chest area painted white, as well as snow-white paws with a tail tip. On the head there is a black mask with glasses.
Ears should also be black.
Health and life expectancy
On average, these dogs live for about 9-11 years.
Despite the fact that "Muscovites" are characterized by endurance, resistance to many diseases, dogs are prone to certain ailments.
The most dangerous disease for the Moscow watchdog is considered to be hip dysplasia. This disease is genetic.
Choosing a new friend, you should ask for the results of X-rays, which must necessarily be present during the registration of documents for the animal.
Dysplasia destroys formulations. Subsequently, osteoarthrosis appears, which causes lameness and deprives of the ability to fully move.
The lack of dysplasia is that it is not treated. With the help of high-quality veterinary care, you can slow down the progression of the disease, but you cannot get rid of it.
In addition to dysplasia, the following diseases occur:
- obesity;
- food and contact allergy;
- skin infections (most often it is coccidiosis);
- fungus (ringworm);
- infections (viral enteritis, nursery cough, plague, rabies);
Pros and cons of breed
Any person who wants to become the owner of such a breed should be familiar with the list of positive and negative qualities.
Benefits include the following features:
- Moscow Watchdog is easy to learn;
- the dog can act as a guard, companion, bodyguard;
- the animal quickly finds a common language with all members of the household;
- breed suitable for captive content;
- unpretentious care.
Despite this number of advantages, the animal also has negative features:
- requires a special type of training, with which you can control and exploit the strong qualities of dogs;
- in order for the animal to grow to the required size, a sufficient amount of balanced food is required
- Moscow watchdog shed very strongly;
- the breed is not suitable for housing content.
Character traits
Dog breeders from the kennel "Red Star" tried to create an aggressive and impulsive breed, which will receive their qualities from the Caucasian Shepherd. Their calculations were only partially justified.
The Moscow watchdog has courage and courage, but recklessness and malice are not typical of it.
Conflict with someone animal decides only in the case when the second party will show its intentions.
Character traits depend on the inherited gene.
If the animal received more from the Caucasian Shepherd, it will be suspicious and ferocious. For such a dog is characterized by ease in lifting and working as a bodyguard. Individuals that are dominated by St. Bernard genes have a more phlegmatic character. Such dogs will be pets of the whole family and good guards at home.
Moscow Watchdog rarely gives voice. You can hear it only if necessary.
If the pet began to grumble, it means that he doesn’t like it very much.
With a household dog shows peace loving. This is due to her innate attachment to the person with whom she needs to live on the same territory.
With children, dogs are kept, but only with their own. On other people's babies who have run into its territory, she can be indifferent or express her displeasure.
Many people talk about how they managed to raise hyper-responsible nannies from their pets. In fact, everything is different. The dog will not resist if it is harnessed to a team, it can play with the child and even forgive them for little mischief. But leave with the "Muscovite" his child should not be.This is due to the large size of the animal. Even with the help of an active tail wag, the dog is able to knock a small child off his feet.
"Moskvich" will be restrained to all households who live with him under the same roof.
The animal does not divide people into pets and listens to everyone.
But his restraint does not mean that the dog will not be able to understand who is the boss in the house, and whose word is considered law in the family.
How to choose?
Initially, it should be understood which dog is more suitable for keeping. Moscow Watchdog will vary greatly by gender in character, appearance.
Dog owners have shown that the bitch will be more active in protecting her plot, but also has increased aggression towards other family members. She will only recognize one owner. Male same likes to fight with other dogs.
If an animal is selected for work, you need to understand that the bitch will be periodically relieved of her duties when she starts estrus, childbirth and the feeding period of babies.
Having defined the gender of the future dog, you can proceed to the selection.
Puppy Moscow watchdog like everyone. Externally, the children are similar to the bear, whose eyes are filled with sadness. However, the choice should take into account not only the external parameters of the puppy, but also other qualities.
Each responsible owner must pay attention to several indicators.
- Standard Moscow watchdog. Before watching the dogs you need to study the breed standards. Even a little kid must look in accordance with the stated rules.
- Pedigree. The presence of documentation is considered an indicator that the dog is purebred and owns all the breed characteristics. The cost of a purebred puppy with documents will be higher compared to individuals without them, but in this way a person will be able to protect himself from acquiring a bloodthirsty dog.
- External indicators. It is recommended to choose a fat puppy with a wet nose, clean ears and eyes. Kutyonok must have a good appetite and be cheerful.
- Color pigment. The presence of white spots on the head, the absence of so-called glasses in the eye area may indicate a weak nervous system.
- Sociability. If you want a dog that will be the pet of the family, you need to pay attention to sociable individuals. They will consider household members of the pack and will become a good companion to the owner. If a guard is required, you should choose from suspicious puppies.
- Manufacturers. Parents of a puppy pass on their character and external indicators, so you should not buy a baby from a cowardly bitch. To know what the “Muscovite” will look like in the future, you can ask for a photo of the father of the litter.
Puppy should be taken into the house at the age when he turns 7 weeks old.
Familiarity with the future pet should occur earlier in order to monitor its growth and changes in character.
- During the visit, attention should be paid to the behavior of the mother of the litter. If the bitch is shy and frightened by the visit of a new person, it means that her puppies also risk inheriting similar traits.
- You should not choose the largest puppy. A large mass is an increased load on the joints, which in the breed do not differ in strength. Monthly puppy should weigh about 3.5 kg, if there are many brothers and sisters in the litter. For a small litter the optimal weight is 4.5 kg.
- Choosing a friend, you should inspect the puppies. It should be warm, with elasticity. Umbilical hernia should not be present.
- The breeder must report how many puppies were in the litter. If less than six babies are born, this is good, as this means that the children received enough milk.
How to name?
Each owner ponders over the question of how best to name his Moscow watchdog. I want the name to demonstrate the power and courage of the breed.For such a dog is not suitable nickname, which is called the small dogs: Lyalka, Kid, Bim. It is best to opt for options that are suitable for large individuals.
Nicknames for girls
Owners of females can call their pet with the following names:
- Ida;
- Aina;
- Barefoot;
- Bertha;
- Burma;
- Bonia;
- Bella;
- Vita;
- Vesta;
- Grace;
- Jessica;
- Dana;
- Dina;
- Jeanne;
- Zhadi;
- Zlata;
- Zalta;
- Zita;
- Ida;
- Irma;
- Bark;
- Catherine;
- Lyolya;
- Lyme;
- Leila;
- Leon;
- Malta;
- Prism;
- Palm;
- Tsey;
- Shelley;
- Juno.
Nicknames for a boy
A reliable guard can be called by the following names:
- Amur;
- Ajax;
- Akela;
- Bundy;
- Bos;
- Boston;
- Walter;
- Grant;
- Thunder;
- Hector;
- Gucci;
- Gray;
- Django;
- Dick;
- Dingo;
- Yermak;
- Euro;
- Jean;
- Jeka;
- Zack;
- Zlatozar;
- Irbis;
- Eastwood;
- The prince;
- Cooper;
- Coconut;
- Karay;
- Leo;
- Fierce;
- Lord;
- Marty;
- Max;
- Noah;
- Nick;
- Nemo;
- Olympus;
- Oxy;
- Osti;
- Oscar;
- Pirate;
- Pegasus;
- Polkan;
- Ralph;
- Rolf;
- Ron;
- Rex;
- Simba;
- Sting;
- Falcon;
- Steve;
- Tyson;
- Tyler;
- Ulan;
- Umka;
- Urs;
- Shary;
- Felix;
- Phil;
- The Hulk;
- Hitch;
- King;
- Roma;
- Chester;
- Chuck;
- Circassian;
- Charley;
- Chance;
- Shrek.
- Yarik;
- Amber.
Content policy
Despite the fact that "Muscovites" are famous for their unpretentiousness, the owner needs to know how to care for a dog, and how it should be kept.
If the purpose of the acquisition is to protect the territory, then the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Germans are more suitable for this. They are considered the most budgetary option, as they are not so picky in terms of diet and eat much less compared to the Moscow watchdog.
Like any dog of large size, "Muscovite" will require a large number of physical activities.
The walk should last 4 hours. This is the minimum length of time during which the animal should warm up.
If the animal lives on the street, it will need to equip a spacious booth, as well as an aviary, which is fenced with two closed walls.
Nutrition
Owners of any dog breeds divided into two fronts:
- fans of natural food;
- lovers of finished feed.
In the first case, the diet must contain all the necessary components for the normal development of the dog.
The animal should be fed healthy ingredients.
It may be different products.
- Raw meat. Until the puppy reaches one month of age, he should receive at least 100 grams of meat, cut into small pieces. It is best to buy beef or lamb, horse meat. Pork is absolutely contraindicated for dogs. When the puppy is 2 months old, you can add veins with cartilage to the diet.
- Boiled chicken, rabbit. Tubular bones can not be given even to an adult dog.
- Chicken necks in the raw state.
- A couple of times a week meat should be replaced by boiled offal or sea fish.
- Boiled egg (no more than a couple once a week).
- Sour-milk diet (unsweetened).
- Buckwheat cereals, oatmeal groats, and steamed wheat bran.
- Required in the diet of vegetables, fruits with herbs and berries. Can be given raw or cooked.
- Top-dressings of vitamin-mineral type, along with calcium gluconate, sea kale.
Do not feed dogs with the following food:
- hot, spicy, fatty, salty or sweet foods;
- broths;
- pasta;
- chocolates;
- raw river fish;
- any bean products;
- mushrooms;
- alcohol;
- products made from yeast dough;
- tea or coffee;
- vitamins in which iron is present;
- grapes, onions, garlic;
- seasonings and spices.
If you plan to feed ready-made feed, you need to pay attention to:
- vitamin and mineral composition;
- shelf life;
- the energy value.
The dog must always have access to fresh water.
Walking
Despite the large size with external sluggishness, Moscow watchdogs are very active.
They do not fit permanent presence in the aviary.
If the owners keep their pets in the apartment, they will have to take care of quality walking. A minimum of 4 walks per day with active games will be required.
For individuals that live in an open-air cage, it will take 2 hours a day if the dog is free to move around the corral.
On the chain to keep this breed is unacceptable.
Walking babies is possible only after they are vaccinated with two complexes. Until the baby is one year old, he should not be loaded with long walks, along with energy-intensive games. This is due to the fact that the joints of the animal must have time to get stronger.
Hygiene
Moscow Watchdog put and hygiene procedures.
- Wool must be combed every week. When molting begins, such a procedure is integral to care. During this, you need to use a furminator or a simple puhokerka.
- You can wash an animal no more than a couple once a year. For these purposes, you should purchase a special shampoo. "Muscovites" who live on the street, bathe with the help of cleaning with snow and wiping with a cloth mitten.
- After each walk, you need to check the animal for the presence of harmful insects. And also require treatment with special agents against ticks and other parasites.
- Preventive measures against helminth infection.
- Constantly need to inspect and wipe the ears, eyes, nasal mucosa for the presence of discharge. Chamomile-based decoctions or simple tea brewing will help to cope with this. If there is a putrid smell or pus, you will need to immediately contact a veterinarian.
- The claws are trimmed if the animal does not erase them naturally.
- Routine vaccination.
Mating
If the owner of the Moscow watchdog wants to get offspring from his bitch, he should know that it is possible to knit a dog only after the third heat. Males are ready for procreation after 2 years of age.
Males are ready for procreation after 2 years of age.
Knitting should be done in a separate room or in the territory where the dog lives.
The floor in the room should be rough.
To get a breeding offspring, remember the following rules:
- You should notify the dog breeding club in advance;
- one month before estrus you need to vaccinate an animal;
- if the bitch is overweight, she needs to be put on a diet, or those extra pounds can negatively affect the carrying of offspring;
- when estrus began (on the first day) you should notify the club and get a mating direction from there;
- the whole procedure should be agreed with the owners of the dog;
- mating is carried out on the 10-13 day of estrus;
- when mating it is impossible to allow games between animals, and it is desirable to invite an experienced instructor
Training
Each dog, regardless of breed and size, must complete a general training course in order to be socialized for society.
Such a dog is considered safe and educated.
If bad upbringing is allowed, you can get a despot instead of an obedient pet who will terrorize the whole family.
The ill-mannered Moscow watchdog can be uncontrollable, which will lead to dire consequences. Some owners parted because of this with their pets.
To avoid negative consequences, you need to assess their capabilities in advance.
You need to weigh your financial condition and free time that you need to spend on walks and raising a pet.
The Moscow Watchdog needs firmness and toughness in the upbringing, so it will not suit insecure and gentle people.
Some dog experts believe that "Muscovites" always show kindness towards every household. This is not so, because such behavior is characteristic only if the dog is immediately shown who is in charge here.
Otherwise, the animal will take the place of the leader and will control its owner with other family members.
Since childhood, the Moscow watchdog should know its place.
This concept is interpreted in the literal and figurative sense. The dog must comply with the command "Fu". Do not allow disobedience.
Puppies mature for a long time. Maturity dogs reach only 2-3 years.
At this point, the animal reaches the required parameters in the exterior, character and psyche.
However, this does not at all mean that the process of education can be postponed for later.
Classes need to start from the first days of puppy life in a new house.
If the owners do not plan to give the dog a service dog and attend the exhibition, you can do the usual home education. It consists of learning simple commands and practicing unquestioning obedience.
In other cases, you need the help of a professional instructor in training. Despite the fact that the animal belongs to the category of intellectuals, it is distinguished by a particular stubbornness. Therefore, the owner must be stubborn and patient.
The owner must be for the Moscow watchdog authority, otherwise the pet will just sit on the neck, will neglect the requirements.
And also it is important for the reason that to be on the street with an inadequate dog of a large size is a big risk for others. Aggression and without human intervention laid in this breed in the blood, so you need to be able to stop its manifestations instantly with the help of commands.
You can see about the Moscow Watchdog in the video below.