Pug vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Moscow Watchdog is a cross between the Caucasian Oytcharka, the St. Bernard and other Russian hound dogs. This large breed dog was developed in the Soviet Union for the purpose of being guard dogs. It had the awareness and assertiveness of the Oytcharka and the size, intelligence and attractiveness of the St. Bernard. The breed is common in Russia today but hardly seen anywhere else even though they were exported to the United States and Europe. The breed had the first U.S. born litter in 2015 and it is not AKC recognized.

Following the second world war crime was on the rise in the Soviet Union and a new breed of dog was needed to counter this trend. The dog had to be adaptable to very cold temperatures, snowy weather and have a guard dog personality and ability. The breed was called on to guard such locations as railroads, government offices, warehouses, infrastructure and labor camps.

The project to develop this breed was led by General Medvedev beginning in 1946 at the Central School of Military Kynology – which was a department of the Soviet Ministry of Defense. It took many years to develop the Moscow Watchdog which then became a very successful breed.

It took until 1985 for the breed to be “officially” recognized in the Soviet Union and until 1992 to be recognized by the Federation of Dog Breeders in Russia and until 1997 for the standard to be approved by the Russian Kennel Club. They are still working with the FCI to gain international recognition for the breed. At the moment they are considered a part of the Molosser group and shown in the “Special Show” in Russia.

Committed breeders brought the Moscow Watchdog to Hungary in 1986 in order to make the breed more popular. In addition to this there were many breeders from previous Soviet States that wanted to preserve the breed as well. There were about 500 Moscow Watchdogs in Hungary around then. Currently there are about 27 Moscow Watchdogs in the United States. The breed is known to be a gentle giant and very much a family dog these days.

It is believed that Pugs originated in China, but not much is known about the early history of these dogs. There are some dog experts who believe that the dogs were brought to Holland by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.

These dogs then went from Holland to England in 1689. The American Kennel Club registered the Pugs in 1885.

In 1931, the Pug Dog Club of America was established.

The Moscow Watchdog is related to the mountain dogs and is a very large breed. They are sturdy, muscular and powerful. They have big heads and a thick double coat that sheds profusely four times a year. They have a long tail, an arched chest and an air of confidence.

He is in the Mastiff family and is smart and trainable. He is not clumsy but has big bones. He is surprisingly agile and active for a dog his size. Unlike the St. Bernard he is not a couch potato. He is also differentiated from the St. Bernard because he does not drool.

Temperament:

These dogs are large but they’ve got a gentle temperament and are good with kids, being playful and energetic with them.

Even though he is a docile dog, you want him trained and socialized, and then he gets along well with other pets too. His sheer size makes it that it is best to supervise him when he’s around small children. He is also a protective dog breed, willing to bond closely to, and protect his human family.

Pugs are small dogs standing at roughly 25cm and 36cm in height and weighing between 6 and 8.5kg. They are categorized as a toy breed.

The head is large in size compared to the body. It’s the eyes which are quite distinct – being particularly large and prominent, almost bulging. The face is fairly wrinkled too with the muzzle being short or blunt and black in color.

The coat of the dog is smooth and short with colors mainly being fawn, but black is also seen. The ears are medium sized and floppy while the tail curls up tightly over the back.

Temperament:

The Pug is unusual to look at and also has an unusual personality. He is an entertaining dog with his clownish antics but he happens to be intelligent too, and will respond well to training and socialization.

With their short coats they are regarded as low-maintenance dogs, although the short, double coat does shed quite a bit. They’re also not your typical live-wire and can quite easily be found lounging around.

Of course they can’t be left to do this too often as obesity can easily set it. Pugs will certainly need some physical exercise and mental stimulation. They’re playful dogs and get on well with children and other pets, especially if there are games to be enjoyed.

They are loyal, affectionate pets with their human owners and make a good pet for those living in the city or in the countryside.

This is a large dog who likes to be involved and busy, even though he is so big. He isn’t suited to city life and being confined to a tiny garden as he needs space.

They’re independent dogs too and you can leave them alone during the day. He is social, so while you can leave them during the day while you’re at work, he’ll want your attention when you get back. They're such loving, loyal family pets that you owe it to him to make this gentle giant of a dog as happy as can be.

The Pug just loves spending time with his human family. They’re good with other dogs too and with children.

They’re even tempered and will make anyone a splendid family pet, so long as they’re not heavy into things like jogging and cycling.

He is alert and can make you a good watchdog. With all the love he comes with, the comical Pug can make you a most wonderful pet and friend.

Moscow Watchdog is looked upon as a fairly healthy dog breed but there are some risks such as hip dysplasia as well as some other large breed problems.

With big dogs like this, hip dysplasia is a threat. Its an hereditary condition where the parent dogs pass down the problematic genes. Hip dysplasia results in inflammation and pain for your pet, and where once he loved to play, he is reluctant to and battles to get up after lying down.

Every dog, regardless of breed, can develop health problems. Good nutrition, exercise and love and care go a long way to ward off diseases and ensure your pet has a healthy, happy life.

The Pug can also develop certain health problems and we look at one or two -

Pug Dog Encephalitis:

This is inflammation of the brain and it causes seizures. Unfortunately there isn’t a cure. This neurological disease is luckily rare. Usually it attacks young Pugs of 2 or 3 years of age. Seizures, neck stiffness, loss of co-ordination, lethargy are all signs of this disease.

Sad though it may be, the best way forward would be to put your dog to sleep, but in any case your vet will discuss all options with you.

Brachycephalic Syndrome:

With this disease, your Pug can have breathing problems, which can be aggravated if the Pug is overweight or the weather particularly hot. Don’t exercise your Pug too vigorously on a hot day.

Stenoic nares is a medical term for narrow nostrils in a dog, and this is precisely what the Pug battles with. If the Pug battles too much with breathing problems, corrective surgery is possible.

Dental Disease:

Pugs often have to contend with some serious dental problems, and this is because their teeth are crowded. He may require more dental attention than other dogs.

Excercise:

The Moscow Watchdog is a giant sized dog and will require a lot of regular exercise, and apart from a fairly brisk daily walk, will also need games and a run in the park.

As a large dog requiring a regular dose of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation, he is better suited to life in the country or at least where there is a large garden.

Grooming:

The Moscow Watchdog has a medium length coat, and as a moderate shedder, you will need to simply brush his coat twice a week to remove loose hair. There is no professional grooming required for these dogs.

Diet:

Homemade food is always a treat for a dog, but if you’re feeding your Moscow Watchdog commercially manufactured food because of the sheer convenience it provides, make sure the packaging says 'large- or giant dog breed' food. This way you know your pet is getting the right amount of minerals and vitamins for his size.

Always buy the best quality food to avoid giving your pet an overdose of colorants and preservatives. Try and give your pet some home-made food such as boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. These can be added to his kibble every now and again.

A simple diet like this agrees with your pet and he will be healthy and happy with his lot.

Grooming:

Grooming your Pug’s coat will simply require a brush twice a week. They’re fairly heavy shedders these Pugs so you can’t neglect the brushing.

It’s your chance to check the inside of his ears for signs of redness and to also check that his eyes are alright. You’ll also need a damp cloth to wipe his face and get rid of debris caught in the wrinkles. Run your hands over his body and make sure there aren’t any unusual new lumps. Keep his nails trimmed too.

Diet:

Your Pug will need the best food there is to give his health the best chance. Remember that if you buy commercially manufactured dog food, to buy the very best one there is. Some of the poorer quality ones don’t come with the right balance of vitamins and minerals, and they also have lots of bad colorants and preservatives.

Also, be careful to read the packaging. Your Pug is a toy breed so you can’t be buying him food for large breed dogs such as Mastiffs or German Shepherds.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pug wants from you. Home-made food is always an excellent choice for your pet’s diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots can be very healthy for him. For your Pug, chop it all up and maybe twice a week add it into the dry kibble.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also ensure his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.