Large breeds of dogs are mainly used for guarding and protection, as well as rescue services. The two types of Moscow Watchdog and St. Bernard are very similar to each other. What is the difference between one and the other?
Description and features
St. Bernard
The oldest breed. It comes from Assyrian dogs, Molossian, who came to the Alps during the conquests with the Roman legionnaires. Formed mostly by natural means, spontaneously, people only tried to consolidate the useful skills that appeared.
The name came from the name of the alpine mountain monastery of St. Bernard, where from the seventeenth century, the monks kept them and used to rescue victims from under the avalanches and during dangerous mountain crossings. The first mentions of smart and strong dogs also belong to this period.
Large size (growth in withers 70-90 centimeters), muscular strong legs, thick, dense coat, excellent sense of smell - all these qualities helped the animal to find people under deep snow, dig them out and drag them to a safe place.
Often it was necessary to act in extreme conditions, thanks to which the mental abilities of the St. Bernard rose to a rather high level.
The dog is able to quickly make independent decisions to get out of difficult situations.
The following qualities are characteristic of St. Bernard:
- with impressive size, it has a kind, docile character;
- calm, a little phlegmatic;
- strongly attached to the owners, showing love and tenderness;
- feels like a family member, does not tolerate loneliness;
- gets on well with other pets;
- may be a babysitter for small children, a companion;
- possesses high intelligence, is well trained;
- loves walks, games in the fresh air, especially in the snow.
Training and training should be organized so as not to injure the psyche of the animal, without undue pressure and rigidity. A much greater effect will be given by calm and affectionate treatment, a detailed explanation and a conversation with the dog, since the St. Bernard is able to distinguish not only the intonation of the voice, but also the meaning of many words. Suitable for content in the apartment.
There are two types of breed - long-haired and short-haired. The coat color is reddish with white. The chest, the front of the neck, the paws and the tail are white, the back is light red, the head, ears and eye area are brown, there is a white band on the forehead, and there are also light spots near the nose and lips. Fluffy tail, bent ring. The head is massive, the muzzle is slightly flattened, with folds (flews), the nose is snub-nosed, the ears are hanging, the forehead is bulging. The eyes are dark, close-set, with a good-natured and slightly sad expression.
In the role of a guard dog, it is not used as a guard dog, as it treats people, even strangers, favorably.
St. Bernard's vocation is the salvation and protection of the hosts during various natural disasters.
Moscow Watchdog
This breed is exclusively a work of breeders. She was bred in the Soviet Union in the kennel "Red Star" shortly after the end of World War II. It was designed specifically for the protection of various objects of the national economy. The work was basically completed by 1958, at the same time the description of the breed standard appeared.
The following species were taken as reference species:
- St. Bernard - large size and advanced intelligence;
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog - the ability to protect the owner and his property from any encroachment;
- Russian Pinto Hound - speed of movement, the ability to catch a robber.
The dog resulting from these experiments took some traits and body signs from each breed. But there are differences.
For example, if you compare with the St. Bernard, with a large external similarity, there is a significant difference in behavior and communication with people.
Moscow Watchdog clearly knows the boundaries of its territory and will not allow strangers to violate them.
Vigilantly guards the owners, to the visitors unknown to her is wary and with distrust.
Clever, well gives in to training. However, training must begin at an early age, only a puppy will be able to navigate the environment. It is necessary to take into account the size of an adult dog (a little smaller St. Bernard) and train it to execute commands without question. You also need to train in time to muzzle.
With improper or insufficient education there is a risk of getting an unguided, aggressive dog that will pose a threat not only to outsiders, but even to family members.
Understands the hierarchy, obeying the leader, a person with a stronger character. Can be alone for a long time, live on the street - in an aviary, a kennel or on a leash.
It calmly tolerates the winter cold and lowering the temperature (even to minus 30 degrees), you only need to provide protection from the wind.
The dog is muscular, strong, heavy, with rough forms. The torso and head are more elongated than those of the St. Bernard, the nose is straight, the folds on the cheeks are absent. The tail is smooth, not curved.
The coat is very thick, the animal sheds almost all year round. The coloring also contains red, brown and white colors. Paws, tail, neck, chest, muzzle - white. The back and sides are reddish, the head and half-erect ears are brown.
This breed is ideal for the protection of a country house, but not to stay in the apartment.
Different tempers
The St. Bernard and the Moscow Watchdog, although very similar in appearance, have completely opposite traits. These are different breeds intended for different purposes. This circumstance should be seriously considered before choosing a pet for yourself.
You can learn about the features of St. Bernard education by watching the video below.
