Moscow Water Dog

by Kate Barrington

Published: June 6th, 2018

About Moscow Water Dog

Height

26-30 inches

Weight

over 100 lb

Lifespan

8- 12 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

not recommended

Temperament

aggressive, dominant, independent

Comparable Breeds

Newfoundland, Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Moscow Water Dog Basics

If you’ve never heard of the Moscow Water Dog, you’re not alone. Not only was this breed never bred in significant numbers, but it is said to be currently extinct. Developed from familiar breeds like the Newfoundland and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, this breed had great potential. Unfortunately, it failed to live up to that potential and, as a result, was never fully developed.

Developed from familiar breeds like the Newfoundland and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, the Moscow Water Dog is a rare breed.

Origin

The Moscow Water Dog is an extinct breed that was last seen sometime during the 1980s. The breed was commissioned by the Russian government and developed by the Russian Navy in an attempt to create the ultimate rescue dog. By combining the Newfoundland, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, and the East European Shepherd, the Russian Navy succeeded in creating a large breed with a heavy double coat that could withstand rough weather and cold water. Unfortunately, the dog also had an aggressive nature and was more inclined to bite drowning victims than to rescue them. As such, the Russian Navy scrapped the breeding program and the breed went extinct sometime during the 1980s.

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Pedigree

The Moscow Water Dog was bred from the Newfoundland, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, and the East European Shepherd.

Food/Diet

Were the Moscow Water Dog still in existence, he would require a high-quality dog food formulated for large and giant breeds. As a rescue dog, this breed only has moderate exercise requirements and energy levels, so an active or working formula would not likely be necessary.

Though the Moscow Water Dog was developed from a number of intelligent breeds, it is likely that he was very difficult to train.

Training

Though the Moscow Water Dog was developed from a number of intelligent breeds, it is likely that he was very difficult to train. With his aggressive nature, it is possible that he also had a tendency toward independence and dominance. This breed would have required an experienced dog owner and a firm hand in leadership and authority in order to curb his aggressive tendencies. Even the Russian Navy was not able to counteract these tendencies, however, so it is possible that no amount of training would have turned the Moscow Water Dog into a family-friendly pet.

Weight

Because the Moscow Water Dog no longer exists, it is difficult to provide details about his size. Based on his breeding, however, it is likely that he stood somewhere between 26 and 30 inches and weighed over 100 pounds at maturity.

Temperament/Behavior

The Moscow Water Dog was bred from the Newfoundland and several European shepherds. The Newfoundland is one of the gentlest, most family-friendly breeds out there. Unfortunately, the European shepherds used in the crossing are not known for their gentility. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a very large, aggressive breed prone to dog-aggression and known for snapping at strangers and anyone they perceive as a threat. The Newfoundland’s gentle nature did not win out against the Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s poor temperament and the Moscow Water Dog became known as an aggressive, unfriendly breed. This is what led the Russian Navy to halt its development.

Common Health Problems

The Moscow Water Dog was only developed for a short time, so there is no concrete information about health problems affecting the breed. Due to his size, however, he was likely prone to musculoskeletal issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia as well as gastric torsion or bloat. With Newfoundland blood in his pedigree, cardiovascular problems, Addison’s disease, and hypothyroidism are also possible. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is also affected by heart problems and musculoskeletal issues, though they are generally healthy. This breed is also likely to have been at-risk for obesity.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Moscow Water Dog was probably between 8 and 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

Bred from the Newfoundland and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, the Moscow Water Dog likely had moderate needs for exercise. This breed was developed for rescue, so he would need to have some degree of stamina, but he was not likely to be highly active in the home environment.

No amount of training would have turned the Moscow Water Dog into a family-friendly pet.

Recognized Clubs

The Moscow Water Dog is no longer in existence, so it is not recognized by the AKC. Considering that it was developed by the Russian Navy, had it been fully developed it would have likely been recognized by the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) and the national Russian FCI member association.

Coat

Bred for water rescue, the Moscow Water Dog likely had a thick double coat to protect him from cold water. Like the Newfoundland, the primary color for this breed was dark brown to black and they were likely heavy shedders as well.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Moscow Water Dog is unknown because its development was so short-lived. Based on the breed’s size and pedigree, however, it is likely that the average litter size would have been between 4 and 12 puppies. Being a large or giant breed, the Moscow Water Dog probably also took up to 2 years to reach his full size and growth would have needed to be controlled through careful feeding to avoid predisposing the puppy to musculoskeletal issues in adulthood.

Photo credit: Igor Stomakhin/Shutterstock

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

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Satanic partner or independent thinker... tonight the black cats rule!

How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

Sure, cats tend to spend a lot of their day seemingly lazing about, basking in the sun, meticulously cleaning themselves, and snoozing away. However, that doesn’t mean that cats are not active animals that need daily exercise – they have an instinct to hunt, explore, and engage in different activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, cats can become bored, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues. This is why playtime is not “just” a matter of playing for felines. It meets their most basic needs and it's an essential component of their overall well-being.What Are the Benefits of Playtime for Cats?Engaging your cat in interactive play stimulates their cognitive abilities, keeping their minds sharp and active. Activities like chasing toys, solving puzzles, or hunting for treats mimic their natural hunting instincts, providing mental enrichment. Enrichment is crucial to prevent destructive behaviors, aggression, and other behavioral issues that stem from boredom and lack of mental stimulation. In addition to keeping your kitty’s mind sharp, playtime will keep them fit as a fiddle and in their top form. Regular play sessions help cats balance extra energy, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related health issues. It also promotes muscle tone, flexibility, and overall physical fitness, reducing the risk of joint problems as they age.Last but not least, interactive play presents a unique bonding opportunity. Playing together with your cat will strengthen your relationship, fostering trust and affection. It's a chance to spend quality time together and will provide your cat with a sense of security and happiness.How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?The importance of your cat having regular playtime is indisputable, but how much playtime do they need? Well, as it usually goes with these things, the answer will largely depend on your pet’s specific traits, such as their age, breed, and health status. However, for most cats, that “magic” number ends up being between 20 to 30 minutes of playtime each day. This could be your starting point to determine the right amount of play for your pet, just tailor it to their needs – for instance, younger cats and kittens will need longer and more frequent play sessions to burn off excess energy and engage their curious minds. How To Make Playtime Engaging for Your CatAs intelligent and sometimes finicky animals, cats can be a bit hard to please. A new toy might bore them in a matter of hours, or they might prefer scratching your couch rather than the new cat tree you bought them – but if you rely on the following tricks, it’s much likelier that your kitty will enjoy playtime.#1 Rotate ToysKeep your cat's interest piqued by rotating their toys regularly. Introduce new toys periodically to prevent boredom and stimulate their curiosity, but don’t overdo it – bringing home new toys too often will ensure they get bored of each one too quickly. #2 Variety is KeyExperiment with different types of toys, such as wand toys, laser pointers, puzzle feeders, and interactive play circuits. Cats have unique preferences, so observe what activities your cat enjoys most and tailor playtime accordingly. Usually, a safe bet is going for a catnip-filled toy such as the well-loved  Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy. Popular for its shape that makes it perfect for cats to grab onto and forcefully scratch with all fours, this toy will keep your kitty engaged thanks to the organic catnip stuffing that fills this banana-shaped toy to the brim.

Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

Itching, or pruritis, in cats has various causes, so it’s a symptom of multiple problems. Sure, a cat will have an itch they need to scratch every now and then, just like people do. But if you see your cat scratching more than usual, or they’re scratching, licking, or biting themselves so much that they’re losing fur and causing cuts and scabs on their skin, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed.Whether your cat is scratching at one area or they’re itchy all over, don’t ignore this problem. Read on to learn about some of the causes of itchiness in cats, along with some of the things you can do to provide relief. Remember, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian about your cat’s symptoms so you can give your pet the right treatment.Reasons Why Your Cat Is ItchyHere are some of the conditions that can cause a cat to feel itchy:AllergiesA lot of things can cause an allergic reaction in cats that leads to itchy skin. For example, if your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, such as a particular protein, their allergy might manifest as itchiness. As another example, your cat might be allergic to something in the environment, such as dust in the house or pollen that blows in through a window. And some cats have contact allergies to products, from litter to plastic or fabric, that can cause a reaction. The goal is to find the allergen and remove it from your cat’s environment as best as possible. In the case of a food allergy, using food trials with the guidance of your vet can help you figure out what’s causing the reaction so you can start giving your cat food that’s appropriate for them. ParasitesBites from insects and parasites can cause your cat to feel itchy. Fleas and mites are a couple examples. And, yes, indoor cats can get fleas, as they could be brought in from outside and find their way to your feline.When it comes to mites, such as ear mites or mange, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments after performing some tests for an accurate diagnosis.For flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea bites, it’s a matter of eliminating the flea infestation and preventing future infestations. You can use over-the-counter products, such as Frontline Plus for Cats, which is a topical treatment you apply between your cat’s shoulders (where they won’t be able to lick it off). It kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas, as well as ticks and chewing lice, and each dose works for a month. But you also need to thoroughly clean your home and your pet’s things to be sure you eliminate fleas in the environment.

Can Cats Get Frostbite?

When a cat is exposed to extremely cold conditions, they are at risk of frostbite, which may require professional veterinary care. But what is frostbite, what puts a cat at risk of frostbite, and what can be done to treat it? Here’s a short guide to help you better understand this condition and keep your cat safe.

Stray Dog Becomes Surrogate for Abandoned Puppies at Texas Shelter

A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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