Bagel Hound vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison

The Bagel Hound is a hybrid breed that emerged in the early 2000s by crossing the Beagle and Basset Hound. Both parent breeds have ancient origins—Beagles were bred for hunting small game with their exceptional sense of smell, while Basset Hounds, with their calm demeanor and powerful scenting ability, were also used for hunting.

The Bagel Hound was developed to combine the Beagle’s playful, energetic nature with the Basset Hound’s laid-back, affectionate temperament. Though relatively new, this hybrid quickly became popular for its friendly disposition, moderate energy, and suitability as a family companion.

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.

The Bagel Hound is a medium-sized, affectionate hybrid breed resulting from the cross between the Beagle and the Basset Hound. With a sturdy, muscular body and a short, dense coat, this breed combines the best features of its parents.

Typically, a Bagel Hound has a short to medium-length coat that can come in a variety of colors, including tri-color (black, white, and tan), bi-color, or combinations of tan, white, and black. Their face is expressive with long, floppy ears and a soft, gentle gaze, a trait inherited from both parent breeds.

This breed is known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful, making it an excellent companion for families, including those with children or other pets. While generally calm, they do have a stubborn streak due to their strong scenting instincts, so consistent training is important. Despite their playful nature, they are not overly energetic and are typically content with moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime.

The Bagel Hound has a balanced temperament—loyal, loving, and a little mischievous—which makes them a popular choice for families and first-time dog owners who are willing to invest in training and care.

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 Bagel Hound is a friendly, affectionate, and playful breed, combining the best traits of its Beagle and Basset Hound parents. They are medium-sized with a sturdy, muscular build, and a short, dense coat. Bagel Hounds are social and enjoy being around people, often following their owners around and seeking attention. They have a gentle, patient nature, making them great with children and other pets.

While they are generally calm, they are also curious and scent-driven, which can make them a bit stubborn and prone to distractions. Their affectionate personality and loyal nature make them great companions, though they benefit from consistent training and exercise.

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.

Hip Dysplasia

A common genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly, causing pain and potential arthritis. It can lead to limping or difficulty moving, especially as the dog ages.

Ear Infections

The Bagel Hound’s long, floppy ears trap moisture and debris, making them more susceptible to infections. Regular ear cleaning and keeping ears dry can help prevent this issue.

Obesity

Bagel Hounds love food, and without proper portion control and exercise, they can easily gain weight. Obesity can lead to other health problems like heart disease, joint issues, and reduced life expectancy. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential to keep them at a healthy weight.

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.

Daily walks help keep them fit, while interactive play sessions like fetch offer mental and physical stimulation. Avoid overexerting them, especially in hot weather, to prevent exhaustion.

Provide a balanced diet with portion control to maintain a healthy weight. Brush their coat weekly to manage shedding, and clean their ears regularly to avoid infections.

Use positive reinforcement during training for best results. Regular vet check-ups ensure they stay healthy, and keeping an eye on their weight helps prevent obesity.

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.