Moscow Watchdog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Moscow Watchdog vs Hokkaido - Breed ComparisonMoscow Watchdog is originated from Russia but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Moscow Watchdog may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Hokkaido. Moscow Watchdog may weigh 19 kg / 42 pounds more than Hokkaido. Moscow Watchdog may live 4 years less than Hokkaido. Moscow Watchdog may have more litter size than Hokkaido. Both Moscow Watchdog and Hokkaido 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.

hokkaido - historyThe Hokkaido breed originates in Japan and is also called Ainu-ken, Ainu dog, Seta or Do-ken. The last being its common name in Japan. It is believed that the Hokkaido is descendent from the Japanese Matagi-ken, meaning hunting dog, deer hunting dog or bear hunting dog. It was the Ainu peoples that brought the breed to Tohoku. Many years later the Yayoi people brought in another breed of hunting dogs. These breeds were in isolation for most of their existence and therefore they had little influence on the further development of other breeds.

The Ainu dog was used in searches as well as hunting and became in 1937 “a rare species in Japan that is protected by law”. At that time the Official Name of the breed was set in place as Hokkaido-Inu. But they are still called Hokkaid0-Ken by most Japanese people.

This is a very rare breed of dog. It is hardly known outside of Japan and in country there are about ten to twelve thousand remaining. Of those about nine hundred to one thousand are registered in Japan every year. It is guessed that less than thirty exist outside Japan.

The Hokkaido breed is the oldest Japanese breed of dogs. Today they are great indoor companions, loyal and friendly. Most people in Japan still call them the Ainu dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
Japan
Height Male:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 7
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
White and red
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Medium length, thick
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
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, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

hokkaido puppy - descriptionThe Hokkaido breed is medium in size but very strong in build. Dogs bred outside Japan tend to be smaller. They have wide, deep chests, and long thick coats compared with Japanese dogs from other breeds. It is a double coat of long fur on top and short softer fur underneath for the second coat. Their ears are triangular and small while their eyes have a triangle outline. The double coat could be sesame, white, red, black, black and tan and wolf-gray.

They are an intelligent breed with an impulsive gait. They are alert, courageous and suspicious. They were used for guarding the city gates. Their skull is flat and broad and the tongue, like the chow chow, is blueish. black. With a black nose and a wedge shaped muzzle, the Hokkaido is a handsome dog. His lips are with black and tight. High set, thick tail over the back or slightly curved to the side.

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.

Children friendliness

hokkaido dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very good with every member of the family and that includes children

Special talents

They have terrific stamina and good judgement

Adaptability

Good. They can adapt to live anywhere

Learning ability

They are intelligent and anxious to learn

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.

hokkaido puppies - health problemsOften breeds that are isolated like the Hokkaido, have a pretty good health history but there are a few serious issues that they face.

CEA- Collie Eye Anomaly

1/3 of all dogs have it while 2/3 are carriers. This disease is congenital and there is no cure. It affects the sclera, retina and choroid. It can be mild or it can cause blindness.

Hip Dysplasia

Affecting joints and cause arthritis and lameness.

Luxating Patella

Floating kneecap – not as prevalent here as in smaller dogs.

Heart Mumurs

Could be mild or serious. Could require a pacemaker.

Idiopathic Seizures

Seizures of an unknown origin. Can be treated with medication not cured.

Psychogenic Polydipsia

Excessive, uncontrollable urge to drink large amounts of fluid without a stimuli.

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.

Feeding the puppy

hokkaido dogs - caringThe puppy needs about 300 -400 calories per day in 3-4 servings per day

Feeding the adult

The adult dog needs about 250-350 calories a day to maintain good weight and health. Feed 2-3 times per day.

Health Factors

Strong, stamina

Games and Exercises

These dogs love exercise and definitely need it. They will get to be anxious or bored if they don’t get enough exercise. A back yard run is fine but remember that the Hokkaido is a jumper and make sure your fence is at least six feet high. They need daily walks even if you have a fenced yard. Martindale collars or harnesses are needed when walking them.

These dogs love games and competitive activities. They are good at hunting and guarding of course. There are other activities they can excel at and enjoy jogging, biking with you, and hiking. In competition they enjoy and are good at agility, flyball, lure coursing, rally, weight pull, dock diving, and obedience. They do not participate in confirmation.

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 Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  22. Puli vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  23. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  24. Porcelaine vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  25. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  27. Hokkaido vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  29. Hokkaido vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  30. Hokkaido vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  31. Hokkaido vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  32. Hokkaido vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  33. Hokkaido vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Hokkaido vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Hokkaido vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  36. Hokkaido vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  37. Hokkaido vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  38. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  39. Hokkaido vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  40. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  42. Hokkaido vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  43. Hokkaido vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds