Moscow Watchdog vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison

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.

This well built, powerful dog breed is also known as Indian Alangu Mastiff or Pakistani Mastiff. These dogs come from the Punjab and Sindh region of the Indian subcontinent. It is believed that mastiff dogs came with British soldiers during the British invasion, however English Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Bull Terriers and Great Danes are seen as potential ancestors of this large dog.

There are disputes about the country of origin of this breed, and some people claim that the dog comes from India, while others say it comes from Pakistan. Certainly in Pakistan these dogs are still used for fighting.

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.

The Bully Kutta is a big, heavy, muscular dog, standing at roughly 81 – 89cm and weighing in at 70–90kg. He isn’t particularly good with children or with other pets simply because the dog is aggressive by nature. If you do opt for this large breed, you’re going to need a large garden and he is going to require a lot of exercise.

This is a dog breed that is going to require socialization and training if you want him to be obedient and calm, as he is inclined to be a dominating breed. He’s an intelligent dog and when well trained, he makes a splendid pet with firm, fair owners.

The Bully Kutta has a large, broad head which is supported by a thick well-muscled neck. The skin around his lower jaw is loose. The ears are short, set high and are mostly cropped, but other times they are left to flop over. The tail is sometimes docked but these days mostly left long and tapered.

He has a short smooth coat and is essentially white in color although the coat can also be fawn, brown, black or brindle.

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 Bully Kutta is a powerful, imposing dog and they have been nicknamed the ‘Beast from the East’. Unfortunately it is this dog’s thick bones, his looks and his strength that have him used for cruel dog fighting in Pakistan.

When not used for fighting, he makes a loyal, devoted companion for the owner who ensures proper socialization and training. Well raised Bully Kuttas are then good with children, being loving, protective and playful.

One just hopes that the future of this giant dog breed is brighter, and that he will be looked upon as more of a companion that just a dog-fighting object to bring in money for his owner.

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.

Your Bully Kutta is generally a healthy dog and not often affected by hereditary diseases, but with giant breeds such as this you will have to look out for diseases common to large dogs.

Typical illnesses to watch out for will include hip dysplasia, arthritis, skin allergies and bloat.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition where the hip joint is improperly formed. For your Bully Kutta it causes wear and tear as well as stiffness in the hips and your dog battles to rise after lying down.

Arthritis:

Arthritis in your dog can be managed but it can cause a lot of discomfort for him. This inflammation of the joints can cause pain and stiffness. It is more often seen in older dogs. It can also start at an early age because of problems with bone and joint development and abnormal rubbing within the joint.

Today there are a number of therapy options that can bring some kind of relief to your dog.

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:

The short coat is low maintenance and as a moderate shedder too, all that is required really is to give your Bully Kutta a good brush twice a week to keep the coat in good condition.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week with special canine-toothpaste and toothbrush to prevent plaque build-up. He’s a drooler too, so you will need to wipe his face and maybe your clothes of slobber from time to time.

Diet:

This strong, muscular dog of yours will require an excellent diet. It’s always wonderful if you can give him home-made food such as vegetables, rice and meat. These days you get excellent commercially manufactured food for dogs, and your vet can advise you on the best food for a large, active dog such as the Buly Kutta.

Raw meat is absolutely essential for your dog from time to time and will ensure that his coat doesn’t become dull and with bald spots. Remember, that before dogs were domesticated they used to live on raw meat, so see that he gets some raw meat to prevent skin disorders. Make sure your large pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

Bully Kuttas are going to need a walk every day in the form of exercise. If he is socialized you can take him into the park for ball games. He is a dog that will require plenty of space.