Moscow Water Dog Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

Basic Information - Moscow Water Dog for Sale

Group:

Working dog

Origin:

Russia

Height Male:

66 - 76 cm25 - 30 inches

Height Female:

64 - 74 cm25 - 30 inches

Weight Male:

45 - 55 kg99 - 122 pounds

Weight Female:

40 - 50 kg88 - 111 pounds

Life Span:

8 - 12 Years

Litter Size:

5 - 12

Size:

Giant

Other Names:

Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,

Colors Available:

dark brown to black, black

Coat:

double coat

Shedding:

Moderate

Temperament:

Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent

Grooming:

Moderate Maintenance

Trainability:

Moderate

Hypoallergenic:

Kids Friendly:

Yes

New Owners Friendly:

History - Moscow Water Dog for Sale

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 - Moscow Water Dog for Sale

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 - Moscow Water Dog for Sale

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 - Moscow Water Dog for Sale

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 - Moscow Water Dog for Sale

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.