The Moscow Watchdog originated in Russia as a powerful guard dog. Similar in appearance to a Saint Bernard, but with a temperament more akin to that of a Caucasian Shepherd – those two breeds are in fact most of the makeup of this breed (in addition to the Russian Harlequin Hound). The breed was created to fill the demand for a protective guarding dog in a country facing rising crime after World War 2. The dog needed to be able to adapt to the very harsh temperatures of Russia, and would also need to be adaptable to working in a variety of urban environments. Originally produced by the military, the first standard was written in 1958. The breed was later recognized by the Russian Kennel Club in 1997. Currently the breed is not recognized by the FCI, nor by the AKC in the United States, and is fairly unknown in most places of the world outside of Russia.
Intelligent and obedient, the Moscow is gentle with his family but can quickly turn into a formidable opponent towards “the bad guys”. When correctly raised and socialized he should have a balanced temperament that is confident and self-assured, aloof towards strangers, and should never be randomly aggressive. This said – emphasis should be placed on “correctly raised and socialized”. He needs a good start in life that entails plenty of enrichment, well-rounded socialization and regular training sessions in order to develop this correct temperament! As with many guarding breeds, he needs an owner that understands the importance of establishing/maintaining household rules and order. His protective instincts are a special feature of the breed, but can become a liability if he is raised without any structure!
Developed to be highly trainable, the Watchdog can do very well in obedience when taught by an experienced person. He is strong-willed so a novice dog owner may not find him quick to perform commands, but a knowledgeable trainer will likely be able to “train him up” just fine. He needs a firm (yet not abusive) hand from a trainer that is fair and respectful of the dog, while also requiring respect in return. Because of the sheer size of this breed, training is not an optional task but an absolute necessity!
Watchdogs need regular exercise because, despite their lumbering size, they were bred to work! This said, they don’t require countless hours of jogging but rather do best when given a long daily walk (or the equivalent). This dog is more of the “slow and steady” type as compared to very active, energetic breeds. They just require a different type of activity! Exercise helps not only the body, but the brain, so a regular routine will serve the added purpose of keeping their minds stimulated and make them less likely to act out or have behavioral problems.
It is worth noting that the Moscow Watchdog is not known for being overly demonstrative with his affection. This is not to say that he doesn’t enjoy the company of his owner, just that he shows his affection in a quiet, calm manner. As long as an owner doesn’t take his aloof nature personally, they might even find this calm nature to be peaceful. Indeed, he can be an excellent house companion when his needs are met (assuming the house is big enough – he does need room to stretch out)!
In terms of appearance, the Moscow is a giant breed. The average height of males is 30-31″, and there is no upper size limit which means they can get even taller! The low end of the weight spectrum (for a male) is 120 pounds, and they are frequently heavier. The coat is medium-long and dense, with a thick undercoat. The color is white with spots of red, red-black, black-red, or sable. White must be present on the chest, forearms, hocks and tip of tail. A dog with black mask, monocles, and ears is highly regarded according to the standard. The tail is long, wide, and hangs with a slight curve at the end.
