Serbian Hound vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Serbian Hound is originated from Serbia but Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia. Serbian Hound may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Moscow Water Dog. Serbian Hound may weigh 32 kg / 70 pounds lesser than Moscow Water Dog. Both Serbian Hound and Moscow Water Dog has same life span. Serbian Hound may have less litter size than Moscow Water Dog. Serbian Hound requires Low maintenance. But Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

serbian hound - historyOnce known as the Balkan Hound, the Serbian Hound is a scenthound, an ancient dog breed that dates back to the 11th century. He has always been a hunting dog, hunting in packs, but today he is essentially a pet and a companion.

Although the breed is very popular in Serbia, they have not spread much outside of the Balkan region. The first description of the Serbian Hound dates from 1905. The first standard for the dog was published in 1924.

This dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but he has been recognized by the FCI in 1940 and in 2006 by the United Kennel Club.

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.

Description

serbian hound puppy - descriptionThe Serbian Hound isn’t a particularly large dog. He is medium sized, standing at between 44 to 56cm in height and weighing in the region of 11 to 23kg. The coat of the dog is a red or tan color with a black saddle.

The hair is short, thick and shiny with the hair being slightly longer over the thigh area. The ears are high set, are of medium length and are floppy. The average litter size for these dogs is 3 to 6 puppies.

Temperament:

The good-natured Serbian Hound makes a loving and devoted pet. He’ll get on well with children too. They’re friendly dogs with a relaxed disposition, but to maintain that easy going characteristic, they will need to be well exercised.

They’re intelligent dogs with an independent side to them, and some training and socialization will be recommended.

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.

Characteristics

serbian hound dog - characteristicsThe Serbian Hound is a working dog that just loves being busy, and he can keep busy for a long time as he has plenty of stamina.

He is an easy going dog, laid back, social and lively as well as being loving and loyal. They’re independent and strong-willed as well as being intelligent. You shouldn't have any difficulty training and socializing him, and it will round your pet off nicely, making him an even better companion and pets.

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.

Health Problems

serbian hound puppies - health problemsYour Serbia Hound can live to be 12 to 15 years of age, but just like with other dogs, he will need to be watched for some of the common dog diseases there are. Cancer, bloat, skin infections and kennel cough are all diseases to look out for.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are common in dogs with floppy ears. You need to check inside your dog’s ears as an ear infection can be a painful condition. You’ll see your dog scratching at his ears and shaking his head.

Most ear infections are caused by bacteria and yeast or even ear mites. You can’t play around with an ear infection and the veterinarian will take a sample from the affected ear. Most people don’t like to fiddle around with the inner ear and prefer to leave this grooming part to the vet or a professional groomer.

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

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

serbian hound dogs - caringSerbian Hounds with their short coats are low maintenance. Yes, they do shed throughout the year, and have some seasonal shedding. A good brush twice a week will be adequate for this dog.

Check your Serbian Hound’s ears and eyes for infection. Also, as you brush him, take note of any new or unusual lumps you come across.

As a medium-sized dog, if you choose to feed your dog kibble, it will need to be according to size, his age and activity levels. Read the labels carefully to make sure you know how to feed your Serbian Hound the best way.

Choose kibble that has a good selection of vitamins and minerals in it. Try and provide your pet with some home made food too and add it twice a week to the dry kibble to give him some variety and a tasty treat.

Boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple foods – good for a dogs digestion. By also adding a bit of raw meat to his food you help him maintain a healthy coat and skin.

Fresh, cool water should always be available to him around the clock.

Exercise:

As a hunting breed, this dog has a lot of stamina and energy. He is going to require a good deal of exercise every day. Walks are always a good thing but he’ll want more energetic action – runs, ball games and some swimming.

Toys and equipment that can provide him with mental stimulation will be good for him too as he is a mentally sharp dog.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Serbia
Russia
Height Male:
44 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
44 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 23 kg
24 - 51 pounds
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 23 kg
24 - 51 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Balkan Hound
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Colors Available:
Red or Tan color with black saddle
dark brown to black, black
Coat:
Short, thick and shiny
double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. St. Bernard vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Moscow Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Moscow Water Dog vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Moscow Water Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Moscow Water Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  8. Moscow Water Dog vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  9. Moscow Water Dog vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  10. Moscow Water Dog vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  11. Moscow Water Dog vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Moscow Water Dog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Moscow Water Dog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Mountain Burmese vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Nebolish Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Scottish Deerhound vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Shiloh Shepherd vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Moscow Water Dog vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  20. Moscow Water Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Serbian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  22. Serbian Hound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  23. Serbian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  24. Serbian Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  25. Serbian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  26. Serbian Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  27. Serbian Hound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Serbian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Serbian Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Serbian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Serbian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Serbian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  33. Serbian Hound vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Serbian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Serbian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Serbian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  37. Serbian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  38. Serbian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  39. Serbian Hound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  40. Serbian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  41. Serbian Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  42. Serbian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  43. Serbian Hound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  44. Serbian Hound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  45. Serbian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds