Turnspit Dog vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom. Moscow Water Dog may grow 46 cm / 19 inches higher than Turnspit Dog. Moscow Water Dog may weigh 41 kg / 91 pounds more than Turnspit Dog. Moscow Water Dog may live 3 years less than Turnspit Dog. Moscow Water Dog may have more litter size than Turnspit Dog. Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Russia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
1 - 4
Size:
Giant
Small
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
double coat
Shortish
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

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.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

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.

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

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

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

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.

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Turnspit Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Turnspit Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Turnspit Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Turnspit Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Turnspit Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Turnspit Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Turnspit Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Turnspit Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Turnspit Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Turnspit Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Turnspit Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Turnspit Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Turnspit Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Turnspit Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Turnspit Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Turnspit Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Turnspit Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  25. Turnspit Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Moscow Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Moscow Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Moscow Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Moscow Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Moscow Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Moscow Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Moscow Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Moscow Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Moscow Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Moscow Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Moscow Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Moscow Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Moscow Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Moscow Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Moscow Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Moscow Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Moscow Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Moscow Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Moscow Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Moscow Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Moscow Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Moscow Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Moscow Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Moscow Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Moscow Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison