Moscow Watchdog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Watchdog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonMoscow Watchdog is originated from Russia but Icelandic Sheepdog is originated from Iceland. Moscow Watchdog may grow 24 cm / 10 inches higher than Icelandic Sheepdog. Moscow Watchdog may weigh 54 kg / 120 pounds more than Icelandic Sheepdog. Moscow Watchdog may live 3 years less than Icelandic Sheepdog. Both Moscow Watchdog and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Moscow Watchdog and Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

icelandic sheepdog - historyThere are quite a few different dog breeds that fall under the name of Spitz-type dogs, and in fact they have a number of similar characteristics, one of which is that they have some wolf-like features. They typically have the thick coat with undercoat and the erect, pointed ears and slanted eyes.

There is definitely a strong link between the Spitz type dogs and wild wolves. The tail too is feathery and can curl over the back of the dog.

The Icelandic Sheepdog, a native dog to Iceland, is a Spitz type dog which originates from the dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings. The dogs have always been used to herd sheep, and they resemble dogs found in graves in Sweden and Denmark.

The dog at one time was facing extinction in the late 20th century, but in 1969, the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association was established to restore and preserve the breed. The Icelandic Sheepdog gained AKC recognition in June 2010.

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.

icelandic sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Icelandic Sheepdog is a smallish to medium sized dog standing at 40 to 45cm in height and he can weigh anything between 9 and 14kg.

His double coat can be short or long, straight or wavy and in a mix of colors such as grey and white or tan and white, black, tan and white, cream or chocolate. Even though they come in a number of predominant colors, these colors are always accompanied by white markings.

He has a longish muzzle, much like the wolf, giving him an alert, foxy appearance. He has a muscular, rectangular body with strong, straight legs with dewclaws on both the front and hind legs.

Temperament:

Your social, energetic dog will require socialization and training which does him the world of good, turning him into a well-adjusted, obedient dog.

He is an intelligent dog, and training him won't be difficult as he is eager to please. These are social dogs which love being part of the family and they don't like being left outside day after day with little human intervention. He is a lively, confident breed, gentle and not at all aggressive.

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.

icelandic sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Icelandic Sheepdog is such a good all-round family pet. He is alert, intelligent, social, playful, loyal, loving and brave.

He is friendly too, getting on well with children and any pets you have in the home. He is essentially a working dog, so you shouldn’t think of owning him as a pet if your lifestyle is centered around the TV and the couch for the best part of the day.

This is an energetic dog who wants lots of action during the day. He is a dog that badly wants to be part of the family and in exchange for looking after him well, he’ll promise to be an exceptional pet.

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.

icelandic sheepdog puppies - health problemsYour pet will reach 12 to 14 years of age with good care and is regarded as a generally healthy dog breed. However, they can be prone to a few health conditions, and these include hip dysplasia and diabetes.

Diabetes:

Mercifully for your pet, diabetes is considered a manageable disorder. When your pet doesn’t produce insulin or can’t utilize it normally, his blood sugar levels rise, resulting in hyperglycemia.

If left untreated, your pet can land up with a host of complicated health problems. Diabetes can be classified as either Type 1 or Type II, with the more common form in dogs being Type 1.

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.

Diet:

icelandic sheepdog dogs - caringFeed your energetic Icelandic Sheepdog a diet which is appropriate for his age and activity level. Don't just feed him the best commercially manufactured dog food, but give him some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables mixed into his kibble as a tasty treat. Also, dogs are carnivores, so include some raw meat into his diet from time to time. Clean, cool water should always be available.

Grooming:

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick double coat, with the outer coat being longer and the hair being shiny and glossy. These dogs shed quite a bit with seasonal shedding too so twice-weekly brushing will be necessary to keep the fur free of loose hair. His nails should also be checked regularly and his teeth should be brushed a couple of times a week too.

Exercise:

Icelandic Sheepdogs are athletic, active dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them in good physical shape.

He loves all kinds of games and outdoor activities, one of which will be going with you for a walk every day. He makes a wonderful companion for those people going on long hikes.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
Iceland
Height Male:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Height Female:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka
Iceland Dog, Icelandic Spitz
Colors Available:
White and red
black, cream or chocolate., tan and white, Grey and white or tan and white
Coat:
Medium length, thick
Short or long, straight or wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
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, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, 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. Sakhalin Husky vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Water Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  22. Puli vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. McNab vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  24. Porcelaine vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  25. Hokkaido vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Pumi vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Istrian Sheepdog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Jamthund vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Karelian Bear Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Kintamani vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Russo-European Laika vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  35. Ryukyu Inu vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Seppala Siberian Sleddog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Serbian Mountain Hound vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  38. Shiba Inu vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Icelandic Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  42. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  43. Icelandic Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  44. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds