MyDogBreedsMoscow Guard dog is originated from Russia but Appenzell Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Moscow Guard dog may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Moscow Guard dog may weigh 36 kg / 80 pounds more than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Moscow Guard dog may live 3 years less than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Moscow Guard dog may have more litter size than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Both Moscow Guard dog and Appenzell Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance.
Looking much like the Saint Bernard, the Moscow Guard Dog or Moscow Watchdog is large, descending from quite a few giant breeds such as the Saint Bernard, different Russian Hounds and the Caucasian Ovtcharka.
The dog has a gentle temperament. Known also as a gentle giant, the Moscow Guard Dog was developed in the Soviet Union and is fairly common in its native country.
The first US-born litter of Moscow Guard Dogs was born in 2015. The Moscow Watchdog hasn’t yet been recognized by the AKC.
Hailing from the Appenzell region of Switzerland and known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde, this athletic breed of dog has a history which is debatable and which has several theories.
It is believed the dog is descended from Molossus.The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is one of the 4 recognized Swiss Sennenhunds, appearing to have descended from cattle dogs. The first breed club was founded in 1906 by Albert Heim. However, an early reference to the breed's predecessors was made in a book of 1853, where it refers to dogs in the Appenzell region.
In 1898 the Appenzeller Mountain Dog was shown at the first international dog show and was recognized internationally as a separate breed in 1989.
The Moscow Watchdog is a large mastiff-type dog. He stands at between 64 and 69cm in height ad weighs in the region of 45 – 68kg. He has a thick coat which is medium length, he has floppy ears and a long, plumed tail. The most common colors for the Moscow Watchdog are red and white with a little bit of black and tan around the head.
He is quite a heavy shedder so regular brushing and grooming is recommended.
He takes his role seriously as guardian and protector of his human family.
Large dogs don’t usually live as long as smaller breeds, and with good care your Moscow Watchdog can reach between 9 and 11 years of age. If you want your dog to be a parent, the litter size you can expect is anything from 5 to 10 puppies.
The dogs were used for guarding purposes and they are strong-willed, dominant and independent. They are also gentle dogs but will still require training and socialization to make them obedient and an all-round pleasant dog.
While the Moscow Watchdog is described as a pleasant dog, he isn’t a friendly teddy-bear kind of dog, tending to be fairly aloof. He would do well with an owner who is firm, fair, consistent and strong, as he is strong-willed.
The Appenzell Mountain Dog is a medium-sized dog standing at between 47–58cm at the withers and weighing in at 22–32kg.
He is a heavy-built dog and sports a tri-color coat – black, tan and white. He has a double coat with the topcoat being shortish, thick and straight. He sheds throughout the year and isn’t hypoallergenic. He has small ears which are high set and which are floppy. The tail is long and curls when held high.
The Appenzell is an active breed who has been used to herding, fetching and working. Because of his energy levels, he won’t fit in well in a small home where his energy needs can’t be met. However wherever he is, he bonds closely with his human family and thrives on attention from them.
He isn’t known as an aggressive dog, but if as a working breed, he felt that the livestock he was guarding was under threat, he could exhibit some aggressiveness.
He gets on well with children in the home and other pets but is inclined to be wary of strangers. Just as with any other dog, training and socialization does wonders for him, making him relaxed and obedient around people and dogs.
The Moscow Watchdog is a large dog and beautiful to look at. Even though he is large and strong, he is gentle and calm and makes a splendid pet.
Because of his large size he is better suited to life in the countryside or the suburbs as compared to smaller properties in the city. Their exercise needs will also need to be met such as a walk every day.
Think carefully before you take such a large dog into your home as he will require a lot of good food. Before investing in any dog, make sure that you have the means to provide him with an excellent home where he gets the best care, because he is willing to give you the very best of himself.
Herding dogs tend to be independent and somewhat reserved but the Appenzell Mountain Dog is social, outgoing and loving with his human family. When trained and socialized he gets on well with other pets as well as children in the home.
He is a working dog, and thrives on being active, so a good amount of exercise will be necessary. He is a courageous, affectionate dog and when you give him the right upbringing and treat him as he deserves to be treated, he becomes a splendid pet.
The Moscow Watchdog is a healthy dog breed, and with few inheritable health problems, you’re not likely to spend much at the vet with him.
Of course, any dog needs a good diet, adequate exercise, vaccinations, and parasite treatments to stay in top condition. Some of the common diseases to look out for -
We always have to mention hip dysplasia as it is so common with all dogs. Its an hereditary condition where lack of hip joint stability causes pain inflammation and lameness in the dog. Your dog, even though he is young, can develop hip dysplasia and then it can lead to early arthritis too. Your dog will need to get to the vet.
There are some health problems with dogs which are inherited. It is why some people insist on getting certificates from breeders to show that the parents were cleared of certain diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
Certainly, it’s a known fact that many health problems can be prevented by the way you feed your dog and the way you raise him.
If you suspect your pet is suffering with an ailment that is making him lethargic and run-down, get him to the vet immediately.
This is a large breed dog so you want to make sure that if you feed him from the many commercially manufactured foods there are, it is the high quality one packed with vitamins and minerals and which cater specifically for large breeds to ensure the right amount of minerals and vitamins for his size.
You don’t want to just go on and on giving him dry kibble every day, so occasionally it will be a good idea to give him some boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables which can be added into his kibble. This is all the variety your dog needs, as dogs like consistency and simplicity because then they don’t suffer with digestive issues.
Never leave him without a constant source of cool, fresh water.
Contrary to what this dog looks like – large and clumsy, he is actually quite agile and will require a good amount of exercise. He may not look particularly active but he will certainly want a daily walk and he will also require running off the leash in the park or some ball and rope games in the garden.
he Moscow Watchdog has a thick, medium length coat. He doesn’t require professional grooming, but a good brush through once a week will help to condition the coat. Also, the breed is a moderate shedder so removing loose hair keeps the coat shiny and healthy.
You want your Appenzell Mountain Dog to maintain his thick shiny coat, and because he sheds throughout the year, a good brushing twice a week will benefit him.
Dogs with hanging ears, such as this dog, are always more prone to ear infections, requiring more attention to the inside of the ears. Clean, dry ears resist ear infections.
The Appenzeller is a working dog, used to being active all day, so he will require a lot of exercise. He just loves being outdoors, and while he adapts to city- and country life, he will prefer living in the country. Take him for walks, play ball with him and allow him to run with you when you go jogging or cycling.
A young adult Appenzeller Sennenhunde will require a different calorie intake compared to a dog that has been spayed or neutered or a puppy that is still growing. You need to watch your dog’s age, his size and the particular season of his life he is in and adjust his food intake.
Kibble is good and well, and there are excellent brands packed with nutrients, but your furry friend will require brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken mixed into his kibble from time to time as well as raw meat added in when possible.
An excellent diet is important for the wellbeing of your pet, and always ensure that fresh, cool water is available.