Moscow Watchdog vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison

Moscow Watchdog vs Gordon Setter - Breed ComparisonMoscow Watchdog is originated from Russia but Gordon Setter is originated from United Kingdom. Both Moscow Watchdog and Gordon Setter are having almost same height. Moscow Watchdog may weigh 32 kg / 71 pounds more than Gordon Setter. Both Moscow Watchdog and Gordon Setter has almost same life span. Both Moscow Watchdog and Gordon Setter has almost same litter size. Both Moscow Watchdog and Gordon Setter requires Moderate 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.

gordon setter - historyThe Gordon Setter includes mixes of the English Setter and the Irish Setter. The original purpose of the breed was to hunt game birds.

The dog breed hails from Scotland with a history that dates back to the 17th century. The dog was developed in Gordon Castle by the Duke of Gordon IV.

The dog became popular among hunters in the early 19th century. He is the biggest of the setter breeds. It was in 1884 that the American Kennel Club recognized the Gordon Setter.

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.

gordon setter puppy - descriptionThe Gordon Setter is a large dog, capable of reaching up to 69cm in height and weighing up to 36kg in weight.

He belongs to the Setter family and is somewhat heavier than the other Setter breeds. Setter dogs are classified as sporting- or gun dogs. He is a beautiful dog with a pitch black coat with tan markings found around the chest, muzzle and paws as well as those two familiar tan dots above each eye.

Sometimes you can find a small amount of white on the chest. The coat is straight and silky but it can be slightly waved with feathering around the legs, chest, ears and tail. Both the tail and the ears of the dog are also long and feathery. The Gordon has an intelligent, dignified look about him.

Temperament:

The Gordon Setter is a confident, fearless, loyal and affectionate dog. They do well with their human families, when there are other pets in the house as well as children.

He can be a boisterous dog so training and socialization will become necessary. Your Gordon Setter is an intelligent dog and also a dog ready and willing to learn. He is calm and even-tempered but playful too.

He isn’t a dog suited to life in the city if there isn’t an adequately sized garden. He is essentially a country life dog well suited to farms or large fenced gardens.

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.

gordon setter dog - characteristicsBeautiful to look at, the intelligent and even-tempered Gordon Setter has everything to be confident about. He loves the attention he gets from his human family and is always looking for a pat.

He can be stubborn and he certainly won't like the idea of being left cut off from his family for long periods of time as he is a social dog with those he knows and loves.

The Gordon Setter is energetic and playful so he will need regular exercise. When you bring a Gordon Setter into your home, you bring in a wonderfully loyal pet and companion.

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.

gordon setter puppies - health problemsLife expectancy for the Gordon Setter is usually about 10 to 12 years and with good nutrition and care, your Gordon can easily reach 12 years of age.

Every dog is prone to some common health issues and these include among others hip dysplasia, gastric torsion or bloat, retinal atrophy and ear infections.

Hip Dysplasia:

Large dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia. The disease is a malfunction of the hip joints causing pain and loss of function in the rear legs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye conditon just gets worse over time and can lead to vision loss.

Hypothyroidism:

An under-active thyroid causes a decrease in metabolism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, obesity, cold intolerance, changes in the skin and coat like hair loss and your dog is lethargic.

Gastric torsion or Bloat:

This can be very dangerous with your pet as the stomach is swollen and the stomach rotates and twists and can lead to death.

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.

Exercise:

gordon setter dogs - caringGordon Terriers are energetic dogs so he is going to require a good deal of exercise each day. Take him with you on your walks and make sure that you give him lots of ball games and rope games.

Grooming:

All Gordon Setters shed, and their coat will require a good brushing at least twice a week. Check nails, teeth and ears regularly. Brush teeth at least twice a week to prevent dental decay.

Diet:

As a working dog your Gordon Setter has a special need for a high fat content diet. You can include some raw meat in his high-energy dog kibble. He can also have some cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables added into his kibble from time to time. Make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Russia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
65 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
65 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
32 - 36 kg
70 - 80 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
32 - 36 kg
70 - 80 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka
Gordons, Black and Tans
Colors Available:
White and red
Black and tan
Coat:
Medium length, thick
Straight and silky and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
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, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, 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. 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. Gordon Setter vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  21. Gordon Setter vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Breed Comparison
  22. Gordon Setter vs German Wirehaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  23. Gordon Setter vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  24. Gordon Setter vs Eurohound - Breed Comparison
  25. Magyar Agar vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  26. Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  27. Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  28. Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  30. Samoyed vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Labradoodle vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  32. Mixed vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Pyrenees vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  34. Old English Sheepdog vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  35. Presa Canario vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  36. Labrador Husky vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Presa Canario vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Setter vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  39. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  40. Greyhound vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  41. Francais Blanc et Noir vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  42. Saluki vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  43. Rough Collie vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  44. Mountain Cur vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds