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Usually the history of the formation of a dog breed has many mysteries. But this cannot be said about the Moscow watchdog. And, despite this, their story is very entertaining.
Historical facts
This breed was bred by order of the authorities. The story is connected with the fact that in the post-war years the number of service dogs fell sharply, as many service dogs died. Amateur breeders would hardly have completely dealt with this. Therefore, the authorities entrusted the Krasnaya Zvezda nursery near Moscow with this task.
Dog handlers had to breed a breed whose representatives would be good guards. Also, they had to give in to training well, and obey the owner. It was necessary to get strong and agile dogs that were easy to care for.
Several breeds were involved in the crossing process. These are St. Bernards, Caucasian, German Shepherds, Russian Greyhounds and Hounds. Breeding the breed was difficult, as the results of complex crossbreeding are not easy to predict. Still, the experts managed.
For breeding, individuals were selected that possessed not only external data, but also good abilities. The breed was bred for three years, after which the work of specialists led to an excellent result. A new breed appeared - the Moscow watchdog. The first dogs, which were then considered to be crossbreeds, participated in the exhibition. They appeared as a result of crossing St. Bernard and the Caucasian Shepherd. These dogs already had features of a new breed. But dog handlers continued their painstaking work. They reflected on how to create a breed that would be easy to distinguish from others.
By the mid-50s, the nursery staff had fully completed the task assigned to them. That is, a pedigree group of representatives of the new breed appeared. Already in 1958, they created a standard that they were guided to improve the characteristics of dogs. Further work was continued by amateurs and some pedigree clubs. In 1985, the Moscow watchdog was given the status of a breed that had its own standard. And in 1992, the standard underwent changes, which, according to experts, have happened for the worse. Also, changes were made several more times. That was in 1997 and 1998. But such changes are always made when the process of becoming a young breed occurs.
After that, breed lovers wanted to be recognized internationally. This task was not easy, but perhaps it will be completed soon.
Description of appearance and standards
Moscow Watchdog has a strong skeleton and a massive body. The body is slightly elongated. The paws of these dogs are quite long and large. A disadvantage is considered if the dog is not powerful enough. Minimum height - 68 cm (males), bitches - 66 cm. The higher the dog, the more it is appreciated.
- In males, the weight starts at 60 kg, bitches weigh 15 kg less.
- The neck is a little saggy, short and powerful.
- The head is large, the forehead is wide. The muzzle is voluminous, the lips are black. If the transition to the face is smooth, then this is considered a drawback.
- The drooping ears are triangular in shape. Round eyes are dark in color.
- Muscovites have large teeth with a scissor bite.
- The body is muscular, the chest is wide.
- The limbs are straight.
- The tail reaches the hock lengthwise.
- The coat is long, thick. There is an undercoat that is adjacent to the body. Dogs have a mane and pants that make the dog even more voluminous.
- Their color is white-red. It is imperative that there are black spots on the ears and muzzle.
Representatives of this breed are more mobile than St. Bernards, from which they come.
Character
When this breed was bred, specialists sought to create a dog with a special character. Moscow watchdogs were supposed to be aggressive towards strangers, but be very loyal and affectionate towards the master. The result was a dog, which among the members of the host family behaves very good-naturedly. But on the street among strangers the dog behaves very menacingly, frightening everyone around him only with his appearance and growl. No one wants to approach such a dog or its owner.
The representatives of this breed expressed watchdog qualities. These dogs are smart, good-natured to their owners, love to play. Their psyche is stable, but if they feel that something is threatening to the owner or his family, then they instantly become aggressive.
These dogs are active, they need a place where they could run. But, if you want to have a Moscow watchdog while living in the city, then you can raise a dog so that she gets used to such conditions.
Fact! Outwardly, they are similar to phlegmatic people, although in reality this is not so. Moscow watchdogs bark only when it is really needed.
Bitches usually bark more than males, but they are more intelligent and easier to train. But both of them are very smart, intelligent and cheerful. These properties for dogs are very important.
The disadvantage of Moscow watchdogs is their stubbornness and desire to be independent. But, if the owner persistently shows character, trains the dog well, then this feature can be significantly smoothed out. In the end, the dog will be very loyal.
Moscow watchmen will suit serious, strong people. Do not start them for the elderly, adolescents or those who are too mild. In this case, the dog can grow aggressive, as it will feel power even over its owner. It may also happen that a cowardly dog grows up on a soft host.
We must not forget that these dogs do not like strangers. They should walk only on a leash, as they can show aggression not only to adults, but also to children, as well as to animals. To raise a dog, it must be properly trained.
Parenting
If it is wrong to approach the issues of training and educating a representative of such a serious breed, this can lead to big problems in the future. Therefore, before starting such a dog, you need to think about whether you will have time and desire to deal with it. If the “Muscovite” is brought up incorrectly, he can become aggressive. And if he attacks someone, then problems cannot be avoided.
It is important to reflect not only on your free time, but also on character. Do you have the guts to raise such a dog properly? The fact that the dog in any case will be kind with its own is a delusion. Softness in education can lead to the fact that the dog will consider himself your master, and not vice versa. Over time, you yourself will become afraid of it. Therefore, it is very important at the very beginning to show that you are the main one.
As a puppy, the dog must understand what place it takes. The "no" command must be executed implicitly. Growing up at Moscow watchdogs takes quite a long time. The psyche of them is formed until the age of 2-3 years. But you need to raise a puppy as soon as you have it.
If you are not going to use the Moscow watchdog for work purposes, or to participate with her in exhibitions, then you can educate her at home. If you need it for work purposes, then you need to hire a trainer who has the appropriate qualifications and experience. These dogs, although smart, are often stubborn. Therefore, perseverance is necessary for their training.
The owner must be an authority for the dog. Otherwise, with such a big dog it’s just dangerous to even go out. She can attack someone, but you can do nothing.It is very important that you know how to immediately suppress the displayed aggressiveness. Moscow watchdogs may not even bark before attacking a stranger.
Care
When the authorities set the task of breeding the breed, it was assumed that an unpretentious dog would be created. And so it happened. But they still need some care. The dog needs to be given attention and care.
Note! The most comfortable Moscow watchdog will be in a house outside the city, where there will be a lot of space for her.
It will be difficult to ensure that the dog does not spoil the property in the apartment. Especially in the early years. It should be prepared for the fact that, leaving the puppy at home, you will return to the apartment with spoiled decoration and furniture. In the apartment, the dog should have its own place where she can lie, play and eat. A little puppy bought in winter should not stay outside. But he should not be left around the clock in the apartment either.
Feed the puppy on schedule. Food should be varied. It is very difficult to feed such a dog with purchased feed. Most often, the owners prepare food for them from natural products. The diet should be meat, cereals, as well as vegetables. Sometimes you need to give boiled fish, from which it is necessary to pull out the bones. It is also necessary to add dairy products. Nutrition is of great importance, because with a lack of any substances, the dog will not grow as you expect it to be.
Even if you keep this dog in an aviary, you need to take care of its ears, teeth and hair. Sometimes the Moscow watchdog can be redeemed. Do not forget about antiparasitic drugs.
According to research, Moscow watchdogs are suitable for people who are sociable, intelligent and calm, but at the same time have an overbearing character.
Choosing a puppy by gender
You need to decide which sex you need. Since the appearance and character of the dog will depend on this.
Bitches more aggressively guard the territory. But they will love more than their master. And family members will be attributed without much tenderness. And males love to fight with other dogs.
Price
There are many nurseries where you can buy a Moscow watchdog. If you buy a puppy in a special kennel, of course, you will have to pay more, but you will be sure that you get a real representative of the breed. In addition, they are grown according to all the rules. Only healthy puppies are sold there.
Of course, you can buy a dog in the market. This will save money. But the dog is likely to have certain flaws. She may not meet the standards for external signs, have a different character, or be sick. If you buy a dog by ad, ask to show at least the puppy's parents. But since you will not have any documents on him, you will not be able to show anything to the person who bought the dog in case of claims.
If you purchase a puppy of the Moscow watchdog from amateurs, you will have to pay about 15 thousand rubles for it. If you buy in the kennel - the dog will cost you about 5 thousand more.
Of course, if you do not need a puppy urgently, then you can wait for the opportunity to get a thoroughbred dog for a small price. Maybe someone from acquaintances will buy an expensive puppy in the kennel, and then change their mind about raising him for any reason. A person will be ready to give the dog cheaper.
Video: Moscow watchdog breed
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