Moscow Guard dog vs Kishu - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Moscow Guard dog is originated from Russia but Kishu is originated from Japan. Moscow Guard dog may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Kishu. Moscow Guard dog may weigh 41 kg / 91 pounds more than Kishu. Both Moscow Guard dog and Kishu has almost same life span. Moscow Guard dog may have more litter size than Kishu. Both Moscow Guard dog and Kishu requires Moderate maintenance.

History

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.

kishu - historyThe Kishu is a Spitz type hunting dog that originates from Japan. Many people believe he is a descendant of the wolf. Those who have studied the dog say that it has kept its genetic purity and that there has been very little cross breeding with other dogs.

The Kishu is also known as the Kumano Ken, a name given after the area the dog originated from. The breed was officially recognized and standardized in 1934, and is known as the Kishu Ken. In 1934 the dog was also designated a Living Natural Monument in Japan and is protected by law.

The dog is also included in the group ‘Asian Spitz and Related Breeds’ class of primitive dogs.

Description

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.

Temperament:

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.

kishu puppy - descriptionThe Kishu is a medium sized dog standing between 43 – 56cm in height and weight is between 14 – 27kg.

He has a short, straight double coat which can be white, red or brindle. The dog has minimal shedding, making him an easy dog to groom.

The nose of the dog is black, but particularly with the white coated dogs, the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The ears are erect and pointed forwards and the tail is carried slightly curved over the dog's back.

Temperament:

The docile Kishu is no pushover and he is a strong minded, courageous dog. He is also an amicable dog breed, getting on well with his human family as well as with other dogs in the home.

He is somewhat aloof and reserved around strangers. Even though he is a docile dog, it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he can be obedient and balanced in all situations.

He is intelligent and learns easily. An interesting aspect with the Kishu Ken is that he likes to take in everything going on from a vantage point, often seeking out a higher spot from where he can look about.

Kishu Kens like to keep an eye on whatever is going on, and sometimes he looks for a high place so that he can survey everything. They can be aloof or shy around strangers.

Characteristics

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.

kishu dog - characteristicsThe Kishu is a hardy dog breed known for his exceptional hunting instincts and loyalty. He is a brave, clever, playful, tenacious dog eager to please his master.

He isn’t so much a hunting dog anymore but is essentially a companion dog, bonding closely with his human family. He will get on well with children and pets in the home, but more so when he has been trained and socialized.

Apart from making a splendid companion, the Kishu promises to be an excellent guard dog to anyone who threatens his human family.

Health Problems

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 -

Hip Dysplasia:

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.

kishu puppies - health problemsBefore you bring a new puppy or rescue dog into your home, you must be prepared for the responsibility of a dog. If you're just simply looking for a watchdog to stick into your backyard, you're being cruel.

A dog is a social creature and you need to spend time with them and care for them. Sometimes he can get sick and then you may need to get him to the vet.

Some of the illnesses your Kishu can get will be easily treatable, while others may be life-threatening and require surgery.

The health of your dog will depend a lot on the food you provide it with as well as your lifestyle. Common dog health problems can range from typical eye- and ear infections to bloat, hip dysplasia and cancers.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone which can lead to other health problems such as tiredness and weight gain. A daily thyroid pill from the vet can help sort this issue out.

Arthritis:

This is a common health problem, seen more in older dogs. Your once active dog will move around slower and battle to stand up after lying down.

Arthritis can’t be cured but you can alleviate the pain and suffering. Your vet will tell you that diet and nutrition are important factors to ward off arthritis in the first place.

If your dog has arthritis and is in pain, get him to your vet who can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.

Kennel Cough:

This is a respiratory infection which can be transmitted from one dog to another. You’ll notice coughing, tiredness, runny nose and watery eyes and loss of appetite. Take him to your vet who will know what to do to speed up recovery for your pet.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

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.

Exercise:

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.

Grooming:

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.

Grooming:

kishu dogs - caringThe Kishu will need to be brushed twice a week to keep the coat free of dust and loose hairs. Their ears should be checked regularly too for wax build up and dirt as ear infections are a common dog illness.

Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. Take him regularly to have his teeth cleaned because dental problems can put his entire body at risk for disease.

Exercise:

The Kishu needs a good sized garden to roam. He is best suited to country life because he needs regular exercise. If he lives in the city, put him on a leash and take him for walks.

Diet:

Apart from exercise, good food is imperative as nutritious food contributes to longevity. Top quality food and the right size portions can ensure lean, energetic, happy, healthy dogs.

Take trouble to understand the ingredients listed on the commercial dog food packaging. Generally the low quality, processed commercial foods are inflammatory.

Even if you go for the top brand kibble, don’t just provide your pet with dry kibble night after night. Mix in some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

Remember too, that fresh whole foods such as vegetables have live enzymes and are packed full of fiber which is so necessary for digestion. A good diet with fresh, cool water is guaranteed to provide an excellent dimension to your pet’s health.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
Japan
Height Male:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
2 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Moscow Watchdog
Kumano Ken, Kishu Ken
Colors Available:
Red and white - bit of black and tan
White, red or brindle
Coat:
Thick coats of medium length
Short, straight and dense double-coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  9. Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  10. Russo-European Laika vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  11. Ryukyu Inu vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  12. Seppala Siberian Sleddog vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  13. Serbian Mountain Hound vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  14. Shiba Inu vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  15. Sulimov vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  16. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  17. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  18. Standard Schnauzer vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  19. Kishu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  20. Kishu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  21. Kishu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  22. Kishu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  23. Kishu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  24. Kishu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  25. Kishu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Sarplaninac vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Mountain View Cur vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Native American Indian Dog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Mucuchies vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Shepherd Husky vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Slovak Cuvac vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Southern Hound vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Taigan vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  39. St. John's Water Dog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Tornjak vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Tibetan Kyi Apso vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Tibetan Mastiff vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Moscow Guard dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  44. Moscow Guard dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  45. Moscow Guard dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  46. Moscow Guard dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  47. Moscow Guard dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  48. Moscow Guard dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  49. Moscow Guard dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  50. Moscow Guard dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds