Moscow Watchdog vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison

Moscow Watchdog vs Bracco Italiano - Breed ComparisonMoscow Watchdog is originated from Russia but Bracco Italiano is originated from Italy. Both Moscow Watchdog and Bracco Italiano are having almost same height. Moscow Watchdog may weigh 28 kg / 62 pounds more than Bracco Italiano. Moscow Watchdog may live 3 years less than Bracco Italiano. Moscow Watchdog may have more litter size than Bracco Italiano. Moscow Watchdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Bracco Italiano requires Low maintenance

History

moscow watchdog - historyThe 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.

bracco italiano - historyThe attractive and popular breed in Italy, the Bracco Italiano was used for tracking and retrieving, evolving in Piedmont and Lombardy. It is believed the Bracco Italiano came about from crossing the Segugio with the ancient Asiatic Mastiff.

There are people however, who believe that the breed goes back to the St Hubert Hound, but it is certain that both hounds and gundogs are part of the breed’s ancestry. The dog only arrived in Britain in the last decade of the 20th century.

Description

moscow watchdog puppy - descriptionThe 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.

His Looks:

bracco italiano puppy - descriptionThe Bracco Italiano is a large athletic, muscular dog. He stands at 58–67cm, weighing anything between 25 – 40kg. He reminds one somewhat of a German Short-haired Pointer. He has long ears and a serious expression, and this reminds one of a Bloodhound. He has short, shiny hair with his coat being white and chestnut or orange. The tail of the Bracco Italiano has always been docked, giving him an attractive, distinctive look but with rules and regulations coming in regarding docking, the long tail is often left intact. His eyes are brown.

His Temperament

Braccos are wonderful pets – they are intelligent, loving, gentle and amicable, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. Socialize and train them and they become gentle and obedient. They long to be involved with their human family and will adapt to life in the city or the country so long as they are made to feel like family. He is alert and makes a good watchdog. As with most other dogs, they can’t be bought, loved as a puppy and then ignored and left to themselves when they grow into adults.

Characteristics

moscow watchdog dog - characteristicsThis 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.

bracco italiano dog - characteristicsThe gentle, amicable Bracco Italiano is a versatile dog that can be a super sport companion for active people and it can also be an exceptional companion for families and older people. He has a sweet, gentle expression and his amicable nature makes him easy to love. He is alert though, and therefore can be both protector and friend at the same time.

Overall, this easy going dog with his low maintenance coat can make an excellent 4-legged addition to any family.

Health Problems

moscow watchdog puppies - health problemsMoscow 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.

bracco italiano puppies - health problemsThere don’t appear to be any major health issues with your Bracco Italiano and he can live to be 12, 13 or 14 years of age. Because he is a large breed however, you will need to watch out for hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disease with dogs and larger dogs have the genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia. Your dog can develop joint inflammation with pain and lameness.

Other health problems to look out for include kidney disease (Amaloidosis), cherry eye which results in dry eye. If you want to buy a Bracco Italiano, you should ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents.

Caring The Pet

Excercise:

moscow watchdog dogs - caringThe 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:

bracco italiano dogs - caringThese dogs are moderate shedders so he will simply need a good brushing twice a week to ensure the coat is kept shiny and free from loose hairs. Nails should be clipped from time to time and he will also need to have his long ears checked for cleanliness. Long-eared dog breeds are more susceptible to canine ear infections.

Feeding:

The Bracco is a large dog and therefore he will require a high quality, large-breed dog food formula. Your veterinarian can even recommend a quality commercially manufactured food for large, energetic dogs and which comes with all the vitamins and minerals required for such a breed.

Your vet will recommend you steer clear of foods with cheap fillers, lots of preservatives, sugar and colorants. He has a glossy, dense short coat and you want to ensure he gets raw meat, rice and vegetables from time to time to ensure that the beautiful coat never becomes dull and dry.

Cool, fresh water must always be available to him. Diet and nutrition is an important decision for your pet as it will ultimately affect his long term health.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Russia
Italy
Height Male:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
58 - 67 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
23 - 40 kg
50 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka
Italian Pointer Italian Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
White and red
Orange and White, Chestnut and White with some freckling
Coat:
Medium length, thick
Short, dense and glossy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Newfoundland Dog vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Moscow Watchdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Moscow Watchdog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Moscow Watchdog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  6. Moscow Watchdog vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  7. Moscow Watchdog vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Moscow Watchdog vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  9. Moscow Watchdog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Moscow Watchdog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Mastiff vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  12. St. Bernard vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  13. Moscow Water Dog vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Mountain Burmese vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  16. Moscow Watchdog vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  17. Moscow Watchdog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Moscow Watchdog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Moscow Watchdog vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  20. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Setter vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  22. Bracco Italiano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  24. Perdiguero de Burgos vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  25. Irish Red and White Setter vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  26. Pachon Navarro vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  27. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  28. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  29. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  30. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  31. Spanish Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  32. Spinone Italiano vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  33. Talbot vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  34. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  35. Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  36. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  37. Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  38. Samoyed vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  39. Labradoodle vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  40. Cane Corso vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  41. Mixed vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  42. Bullmastiff vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  43. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds