Moscow Water Dog vs Elo - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Elo is originated from Germany but Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia. Elo may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Moscow Water Dog. Elo may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Moscow Water Dog. Elo may live 4 years more than Moscow Water Dog. Both Elo and Moscow Water Dog has almost same litter size. Both Elo and Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
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Germany
Russia
Height Male:
46 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
43 - 58 cm
16 - 23 inches
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 35 kg
48 - 78 pounds
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 32 kg
44 - 71 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 16 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
5 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Elo Dog
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, All colors, red, or gray spots
dark brown to black, black
Coat:
double fluffy top coat medium and short
double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

eloDeveloped in Germany in 1987, the Elo is a fairly new breed and there are some unique situations surrounding its development. For one thing the Elo Breeding and Research Association has trademarked the breed name, Elo. The use of the name is supervised by the Elo Breeding and Research Association. Secondly, the goal in developing the Elo is the make the best possible pet for a family. The Elo is bred for behaviors rather than appearances, for companionship rather than work.

The Elo was developed when Marita and Heinz Stories crossed Old English Sheepdogs (Bobtails) with their Eurasiers. They believed that these two breeds were similar in type and development. They were looking to breed a great household pet. The litters from these original crosses were then bred again with Eurasiers or Chow, Dalmatians, and Samoyeds. This expanded the donor base and they continued to breed for character using just the Eurasier, Chow and Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog). Currently there are about 3000 dogs and 60 breeders of Elos. The breed is not really known outside of Germany but that is slowly changing.

The Moscow Water Dog was developed in the Soviet Union around the same time as other classic Soviet dogs. The Moscow Watchdog and the Black Russian Terrier are a couple of these other dogs. The Water Dog came from crossing the Caucasian Oytcharka with the Newfoundland. The breed is known by many names including the Vodolaz which means “diver of deep Water”. The Moscow Water Dog was only bred in the Russian state’s Red Star Kennels as working dogs for the military.

Following the second World War, most of the working dogs had been destroyed during the war. Not enough dogs could be imported to begin a breeding program for any working breed. So, the Soviet Red Star Kennels began to create several working breeds. Included in this group with the Moscow Water Dog, were the Moscow Newfoundland, the Moscow Great Dane, the Black Russian Terrier, and the Brudasty Hound.

The only really successful breed coming from this program is the Russian Black Terrier. All the rest are either extinct or found only in Russia today. The Moscow Water Dog was supposed to be a life saver/water rescue dog, but the dogs they developed were too aggressive, and the program was scrapped. It seemed that the cross had bred a dog that had too much of the working water dog traits and not enough of the rescue dog traits. The military breeders tried to pass the dogs off as a Russian Newfoundland and sell it to the non-military.

These non-military owners of the few “Russian Newfoundland”, did not try to change the dogs through breeding. Instead over time they bred the Russian Newfoundland with pure bred Newfoundlands almost eliminating the “Russian” portion of the breed. By the early 1980’s the stock had been so diluted with the pure Newfoundland that the Russian Newfoundland was basically extinct.

The Red Army kennel had other breeds with some of the genes of this breed in their lines. This included the Brudasty Hound, the Moscow Great Dane, the Caucasian Oycharka, the Moscow Watchdog and the Russian Black Terrier. The Russian Navy was unhappy with the situation and never again let the army developed the Navy’s waterdog.

Description

elo puppy - descriptionAs previously mentioned the Elo is bred for behaviors not appearance and not work. Therefore, the appearance of any one dog can vary greatly. There is a breed standard but there is also a lot of diversity in the breed. The Elos’ body is longer than it is tall and it tail is full and furry. He carries his tail over his back in a curve. The Elo has furry, slightly rounded, wide set ears. The undercoat is dense, and the top coat length can be medium or short.

The Moscow Water Dog was intelligent, vigilant, an excellent swimmer, and great in artic waters. However, he was too aggressive and instead of saving the swimmer, they would attack them. The Moscow Water Dog is a tall, balanced and powerful dog. They have a wide muzzle and a square head like the Newfoundland. Their eyes are dark and small while the ears are triangular. The nose and lips are black. He has webbed feet of course and a hanging tail.

The coat on the Moscow Water Dog was of course waterproof and double. The top coat is very dense, straight and soft. It is usually a dark brown with some black and white.

Characteristics

elo dog - characteristicsHaving been bred to be a companion animal, the Elo loves children, is loyal, playful, obedient and calm. They love to and need to be with their people. These are not independent, think on their own dogs. They depend on their people in order to be happy and well behaved. He is outgoing and friendly with people.

Children friendliness

yes

Special talents

Swimming and stamina

Adaptability

Yes but needed some land. Better in countryside.

Learning ability

This is an intelligent dog, but he could not be trained out of his aggressiveness.

Health Problems

elo puppies - health problemsAt this point in time the Elo breed is very young and has a very small population, so the breeding group is small and probably inbred. This can lead to hereditary diseases and the Elo is not immune. However, they are a healthy breed and it seems the major issue is Disticha – an eye disease that causes corneal damage. It causes corneal ulcers, inflammation, scarring and tearing. There are a variety of treatments including surgery

Because the breed was around for such a short period there is not a lot of documentation or information regarding genetic or propensity health issues. There are however a few issues that just his heritage and Newfoundland blood would lend itself to.

  • Tendency toward obesity. Do not free feed.
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – could lead to arthritis.
  • Bloat or gastric torsion – could be fatal.
  • Cardiovascular issues.
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Hypothyroidism

Caring The Pet

Feeding

elo dogs - caringThe Elo is a non-working family dog so do not over feed them. Use a high quality dry food made for a medium size dog.

Health issues

As mentioned previously the Elo breed is so young as a breed that there have been very few health studies and the only inherited issue at this time besides the Disticha.

Exercise and games

Even though the Elo is a non-working dog, they do require a substantial amount of exercise daily. They need outdoors space to run and play as they are very playful with their family. He loves to go on walks, to run, play and dig. Yes, he can be a digger if he is not provided with appropriate and alternative exercise. Without exercise the Elo can be irritable and display behavior issues.

Feeding the puppy

Required high quality food made specifically for large or giant puppies. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 21/2 -3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Required high quality food made for large or giant dog breeds. Feed twice a day a total of 2 cups.

Games and Exercises

The Moscow Water Dog did not need a high level of exercise, but they did have a lot of stamina. They loved to swim. Not overly active – more of a couch potato.

Comparison with other breeds

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  27. Elo vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Elo vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Elo vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Elo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Elo vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Elo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Elo vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Elo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Elo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Elo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Elo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Elo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Elo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Elo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Elo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Elo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Elo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Elo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Elo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Elo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Elo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Elo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Elo vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Elo vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison