Wetterhoun vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Wetterhoun is originated from Netherlands. Moscow Water Dog may grow 17 cm / 7 inches higher than Wetterhoun. Moscow Water Dog may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Wetterhoun. Both Moscow Water Dog and Wetterhoun has almost same life span. Moscow Water Dog may have more litter size than Wetterhoun. Both Moscow Water Dog and Wetterhoun requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
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Russia
Netherlands
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
6 - 8
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
Coat:
double coat
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

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.

wetterhounThe Wetterhoun is a water dog developed in the 1500 or 1600s to hunt otters. The breed was developed by the Frisians in the Netherlands near the Northwest corner. In addition to catching otters in the lakes near by, they were also used as gundogs to hunt game. They are a fearless, tough and loyal working dog. They love the water and they are build for it with a waterproof coat and tight tail that is spiraled. They will swim happily in freezing cold weather as well.

The Wetterhoun is rare and not seen outside of the Netherlands. Descendent of the Water Dog, that is now extinct, he is probably a relative of many spaniel types that also call the Water Dog their ancestor. Yet the Wetterhoun is not a spaniel or spaniel type.

The breed almost disappeared during World War II, like many others, they brought back and are now becoming more and more popular. The breed is only recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club. AKC does not recognize them, but there are many hunting clubs and other registries that do. They are often promoted as one of the rare breeds.

Description

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.

wetterhoun puppy - descriptionThe Wetterhoun is a compact, medium sized breed weighing about 55 to 77 pounds. Great water dogs they are athletically built with low set ears hanging next to their heads, a waterproof coat, distinctive eyes with a very serious expression and a tightly curled tail held aloft over the back. Their coat is waterproof, somewhat oily, curly and thick. The fur is of a smoother texture on the ears, head, and legs. They can be solid black, solid brown, brown with white, or black with white.

Characteristics

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness -yes but large and active

2.Special talents loves to swim

wetterhoun dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – not a great apartment dog even though he is not that big. They need space. They need a job and they will finish their job at their own pace no matter what you say. It is impossible to train this trait out of them.

4.Learning ability Very high learning ability, very eager to learn and very smart. He is stubborn about finishing whatever job he is working on

Health Problems

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

wetterhoun puppies - health problemsA hardy and healthy breed they do not have severe health issues. But like every his

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and/or arthritis.

• Ear Infections – like any breed with hanging ears they can be prone to infection. This is particularly true because the dogs are in the water a lot. Be sure to clean and dry them after every water episode and inspect them on a regular basis even if the dog has not been in the water.

• Patellar Luxation – Knee cap issue with movement and inflammation. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

  • Hunting/Swimming Injuries.

Caring The Pet

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.

wetterhoun dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy -This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality puppy food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your puppy in smaller amounts 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality adult food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your adult twice per day.

3.Points for Good Health - general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises – This is an active working dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. A 30 minute walk is only the beginning. They need outdoor time to play and run. They need to swim if at all possible.

Comparison with other breeds

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