MyDogBreeds
Moscow Watchdog is originated from Russia but Broholmer is originated from Denmark. Moscow Watchdog may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Broholmer. Moscow Watchdog may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Broholmer. Both Moscow Watchdog and Broholmer has almost same life span. Both Moscow Watchdog and Broholmer has same litter size. Both Moscow Watchdog and Broholmer requires Moderate maintenance.
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 giant dog, the Broholmer, comes from Denmark and falls into the general Molosser type of Mastiff dog. The breed was originally developed by crossing the local German dogs with the English Mastiffs to create what is also known as a Danish Mastiff. The breed is named after an 18th century game-keeper names Sehested of Broholm. This type of dog has been present however since the Middle Ages in Europe. It started out as a stag hunting dog but quickly evolved into a guard dog. They were greatly favored by the wealthy and nobility, including being featured in portraits with King Frederick VII and Countess Danner.
Like many European dogs, the Broholmer, did not fare well during the second World War. During this time there was little purebred breeding and their numbers decreased almost to the point of extinction. Brought back by a group called “The Society for the Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed”. With the support of the Danish Kennel Club, they were successful in bring the breed back. They were recognized by both the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale and the Danish Kennel Club. By 2009 they were being imported to the United Kingdom, hoping to get them onto the import lists of the United Kingdom kennel club (UKC).
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.
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 Broholmer is a very large dog with Mastiff qualities. He is strong, rectangular and powerful in build. He has a massive head and neck with a deep and broad chest. The length of the nose is the same as the length of the skull. He is tall, well built and his thing and hindquarters are powerful. His stance and gait are powerful and intimidating as well. His appearance and size alone account for his guard dog status. However, he is a little smaller than most Mastiffs and he is athletic looking as well.
The Broholmer is a double coated breed with a short topcoat and a thick undercoat. The color of the Broholmer is yellow or a golden red. Some have white on the feet, tail tip or chest and some have a black mask. Most do not have any mask.
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 Broholmer is a calm, friendly dog. He is a large dog that thinks he is a lap dog. He wants to be close and snuggle with his people all the time. He is great with kids and other dogs. At the same time, he can be very watchful and protective. Because of this along with his size he needs a strong owner who is clearly the pack leader. He is wary and protective around strangers and can be stubborn if he thinks he is in charge.
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.
The Broholmer faces many of the same health issues as other large breeds, even though he is overall a very healthy breed. Some of the types of health issues the Broholmer might deal with include:
Bloat – caused by eating a large meal too quickly and drinking a lot of water or exercising too soon before or after the large meal.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t overfeed the Broholmer. Give her about three and three quarters to nine cups of a high quality dry food. Depending on the size of your dog, adjust the amount of food within the guidelines listed here. Feed at least twice a day. Use a large breed dog food.
Bloat – when the stomach is twisted and distended. This can cause death is not responded to by a vet immediately.
Eye Issues – Entropion turning inward of eyelids and irritating eye; Ectropium eyelids turn outward, Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) -genetic defects of the retina can cause blindness.
The Broholmer is not an overly active dog but he is big and athletic so has strong exercise needs. A large fenced in back yard is essential or be prepared for several long walks every day. You can play inside games like teaching new tricks or hide and seek but remember this is a big dog. He would love to swim, play frisbee or ball, go hiking or organized activities such as fly ball, agility, rally and obedience. Don’t let your Broholmer over exercise while it is young and still growing. He needs as much mental stimulation as physical exercise.