Moscow Water Dog vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Briquet Griffon Vendeen is originated from France. Moscow Water Dog may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Moscow Water Dog may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Both Moscow Water Dog and Briquet Griffon Vendeen has almost same life span. Moscow Water Dog may have more litter size than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Briquet Griffon Vendeen requires High maintenance

History

The Moscow Water Dog was developed in the Soviet Union around the same time as other classic Soviet dogs. The Moscow Watchdog and the Black Russian Terrier are a couple of these other dogs. The Water Dog came from crossing the Caucasian Oytcharka with the Newfoundland. The breed is known by many names including the Vodolaz which means “diver of deep Water”. The Moscow Water Dog was only bred in the Russian state’s Red Star Kennels as working dogs for the military.

Following the second World War, most of the working dogs had been destroyed during the war. Not enough dogs could be imported to begin a breeding program for any working breed. So, the Soviet Red Star Kennels began to create several working breeds. Included in this group with the Moscow Water Dog, were the Moscow Newfoundland, the Moscow Great Dane, the Black Russian Terrier, and the Brudasty Hound.

The only really successful breed coming from this program is the Russian Black Terrier. All the rest are either extinct or found only in Russia today. The Moscow Water Dog was supposed to be a life saver/water rescue dog, but the dogs they developed were too aggressive, and the program was scrapped. It seemed that the cross had bred a dog that had too much of the working water dog traits and not enough of the rescue dog traits. The military breeders tried to pass the dogs off as a Russian Newfoundland and sell it to the non-military.

These non-military owners of the few “Russian Newfoundland”, did not try to change the dogs through breeding. Instead over time they bred the Russian Newfoundland with pure bred Newfoundlands almost eliminating the “Russian” portion of the breed. By the early 1980’s the stock had been so diluted with the pure Newfoundland that the Russian Newfoundland was basically extinct.

The Red Army kennel had other breeds with some of the genes of this breed in their lines. This included the Brudasty Hound, the Moscow Great Dane, the Caucasian Oycharka, the Moscow Watchdog and the Russian Black Terrier. The Russian Navy was unhappy with the situation and never again let the army developed the Navy’s waterdog.

briquet griffon vendeen - historyThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen, a product of France is a hunting down bred down from the Grand Griffon Vendeen. The two dogs are descendants of the Gaul’s Canis sequsius and the Gris de St. Louis hounds. They are one of four dogs with rough coats from the Vendeen area along France’s west coast. Many of these lines were decimated by the Second World War and are still not found in France today.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen survived the war due to a French dog show judge named Hubert Dezamy, who restored the breed and it is mainly a show dog today. Many of Frances royalty prior to the French Revolution favored the breed as show dogs as well. The Briquet was originally developed for hunting of smaller game and is a scent hound. The larger Grand Griffon Vendeen was used in the hunt for large game, namely wolves and boar.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is recognized by the UKC and the FCI but not by the AKC and the breed is hardly known outside of France

Description

The Moscow Water Dog was intelligent, vigilant, an excellent swimmer, and great in artic waters. However, he was too aggressive and instead of saving the swimmer, they would attack them. The Moscow Water Dog is a tall, balanced and powerful dog. They have a wide muzzle and a square head like the Newfoundland. Their eyes are dark and small while the ears are triangular. The nose and lips are black. He has webbed feet of course and a hanging tail.

The coat on the Moscow Water Dog was of course waterproof and double. The top coat is very dense, straight and soft. It is usually a dark brown with some black and white.

briquet griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionThis medium sized dog is stocky and well proportioned. He looks very much like the Grand Griffon Vendeen only smaller. It is less muscular than other hound dogs and it holds its tail up when working. The head is short with a medium/long muzzle. It has low set ears and a flat skull with large, dark eyes and pronounced eyebrows. It also has a mustache.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

yes

Special talents

Swimming and stamina

Adaptability

Yes but needed some land. Better in countryside.

Learning ability

This is an intelligent dog, but he could not be trained out of his aggressiveness.

briquet griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a smart, attentive and sensitive dog. It is easy to train. They are loyal and bond quickly with their owner/trainer. These are enthusiastic dogs with a lot of stamina and get along with dogs and children. They don’t like to be told what to do. They respond well if you bribe them with treats or play with them. They are patient, extroverted and happy dogs.

Health Problems

Because the breed was around for such a short period there is not a lot of documentation or information regarding genetic or propensity health issues. There are however a few issues that just his heritage and Newfoundland blood would lend itself to.

  • Tendency toward obesity. Do not free feed.
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – could lead to arthritis.
  • Bloat or gastric torsion – could be fatal.
  • Cardiovascular issues.
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Hypothyroidism

briquet griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsThey are bred to be healthy and hardy, but still have some health concerns. These include:

Aseptic Meningitis

This is a frightening disease if you find your dog has it. It is characterized by a high fever and an intense hypersensitivity to touch. Aseptic Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused by an infection and the most common ones include:

Ear infections

Sinus infection

Bite wounds – infected

Severe Allergic Reaction to something – may take medication

Ear Infections – long droopy ears can get infected

Deafness – white dog can be born deaf

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – bone doesn’t fit well into joint

Patellar luxation – dislocated knee cap

Glaucoma- Increased pressure in the eyes

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy - Seizures

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

Required high quality food made specifically for large or giant puppies. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 21/2 -3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Required high quality food made for large or giant dog breeds. Feed twice a day a total of 2 cups.

Games and Exercises

The Moscow Water Dog did not need a high level of exercise, but they did have a lot of stamina. They loved to swim. Not overly active – more of a couch potato.

Feeding

briquet griffon vendeen dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Give her at least 2 meals of high quality dry food – two and one half to three cups daily.

Health issues

Aseptic Meningitis can result in death.

Ear Infections can cause meningitis

Deafness – born with this

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – lameness, arthritis

Patellar luxation - lameness

Glaucoma - blindness

Eye Issues -blindness

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy – could be fatal

Exercise and games

Every type of Griffon is a strong hunter and has strong instincts. The Briquet is no different. They need to be able to hunt as this is one of the strongest of scent hounds. They need a fenced in yard at the very least to explore and smell. They also enjoy long walks with new smells. Stay in shape because your Briquet Griffon Vendeen has stamina to share.

They love to play in leu of hunting. The games they love include frisbee, retrieving balls, and learning new tricks. They need mental stimulation as well as physical.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Russia
France
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
22 - 24 kg
48 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
20 - 22 kg
44 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
4 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Medium Vendéen Griffon
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
white and orange, tricolor, White and black, black and tan
Coat:
double coat
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pharaoh Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  4. Redbone Coonhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  6. Coonhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  7. Santal Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  8. English Coonhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  9. Podenco Canario vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  10. Dunker vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  11. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  12. Chippiparai vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  13. Podenco Andaluz vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  14. Podenco Galego vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  15. English Foxhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  16. Estonian Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  17. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  18. Hamiltonstovare vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  19. Kanni vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  20. Lithuanian Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  21. Hungarian Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Hygenhund vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  23. Norrbottenspets vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  24. Chinese Chongqing Dog vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  25. Combai vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  26. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Spanish Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. St. Bernard vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Moscow Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Moscow Water Dog vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Moscow Water Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Moscow Water Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  33. Moscow Water Dog vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  34. Moscow Water Dog vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  35. Moscow Water Dog vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  36. Moscow Water Dog vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Moscow Water Dog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Moscow Water Dog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain Burmese vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Nebolish Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Scottish Deerhound vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Shiloh Shepherd vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Moscow Water Dog vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  45. Moscow Water Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds