Moscow Guard dog vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison

Lagotto Romagnolo is originated from Italy but Moscow Guard dog is originated from Russia. Lagotto Romagnolo may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Moscow Guard dog. Lagotto Romagnolo may weigh 52 kg / 114 pounds lesser than Moscow Guard dog. Lagotto Romagnolo may live 6 years more than Moscow Guard dog. Lagotto Romagnolo may have less litter size than Moscow Guard dog. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Moscow Guard dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
undefined
Italy
Russia
Height Male:
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 17 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Water Dog of Romagna
Moscow Watchdog
Colors Available:
grey, apricot, Cream, white, brown or tan.
Red and white - bit of black and tan
Coat:
Waterproof, curly double coat with a woolly texture
Thick coats of medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

lagotto romagnoloThe Lagotto Romagnolo dog, known as the Water Dog of Romagna, and falling into the sporting dog category, is a pure breed dog which comes from the Romagna region of Italy.

The dog’s role was that of gun dog and to retrieve water birds. Today he is more used as a truffle hunter in Italy as well as being used for a therapy dog.

In 2015 the Lagotto Romagnolo was accepted by the American Kennel Club into the sporting dog category.

Looking much like the Saint Bernard, the Moscow Guard Dog or Moscow Watchdog is large, descending from quite a few giant breeds such as the Saint Bernard, different Russian Hounds and the Caucasian Ovtcharka.

The dog has a gentle temperament. Known also as a gentle giant, the Moscow Guard Dog was developed in the Soviet Union and is fairly common in its native country.

The first US-born litter of Moscow Guard Dogs was born in 2015. The Moscow Watchdog hasn’t yet been recognized by the AKC.

Description

lagotto romagnolo puppy - descriptionThe Lagotto Ramagnolo is a medium sized dog where both males and females stand anything between 41 and 48cm and weigh 11 to 16kg.

He is well proportioned and muscled, he has large yellow or brown eyes with a black or brown/pinkish nose, floppy, rounded ears and a tail which is left long these days.

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a waterproof double coat with a woolly texture and which hardly sheds, putting him as being hypoallergenic.

The coat can be in a number of different colors such as cream, grey, white, apricot, brown or tan. The face of the dog has a bit of a beard as well as noticeable bushy eyebrows.

Temperament:

  • Jaunty and feisty
  • Cheerful, lively and alert
  • Intelligent and easily trainable
  • Loving and loyal
  • Undemanding

Because the Lagotto is a sporting breed, he has had to call on all his senses to retrieve water birds. Good eyesight, sharp listening skills and an excellent sense of smell makes him the ideal gun dog but he also makes a loyal family pet.

He makes a good playmate for children and he happily gets on well with other pets in the home. Being an intelligent dog, he is easy to train too.

The sporting past of his has made it that he isn’t a couch-potato type of dog and he will require mental- and physical stimulation. His role as gun dog meant that he was required to retrieve birds in water, and he is an excellent swimmer and will happily plunge into water to join you in a swim.

Have him trained and socialized and you’ll find him tuned in to obeying your commands. Because of his smallish size, the Lagotto can adjust well to life in the city or in the countryside, just so long as he still receives his full quota of exercise.

The Moscow Watchdog is a large mastiff-type dog. He stands at between 64 and 69cm in height ad weighs in the region of 45 – 68kg. He has a thick coat which is medium length, he has floppy ears and a long, plumed tail. The most common colors for the Moscow Watchdog are red and white with a little bit of black and tan around the head.

He is quite a heavy shedder so regular brushing and grooming is recommended.

He takes his role seriously as guardian and protector of his human family.

Large dogs don’t usually live as long as smaller breeds, and with good care your Moscow Watchdog can reach between 9 and 11 years of age. If you want your dog to be a parent, the litter size you can expect is anything from 5 to 10 puppies.

Temperament:

The dogs were used for guarding purposes and they are strong-willed, dominant and independent. They are also gentle dogs but will still require training and socialization to make them obedient and an all-round pleasant dog.

While the Moscow Watchdog is described as a pleasant dog, he isn’t a friendly teddy-bear kind of dog, tending to be fairly aloof. He would do well with an owner who is firm, fair, consistent and strong, as he is strong-willed.

Characteristics

lagotto romagnolo dog - characteristicsMany dog lovers appreciate that the Lagotto Romagnolos is looked upon as an allergy-friendly dog with his non-shedding coat.

Being a medium sized dog, he is manageable too. Add to that excellent characteristics such as being amicable, friendly and loving. Training him some important, basic commands won’t be difficult either and you can add in intelligence to his list of good qualities.

As loving dogs, they are dedicated to their families, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. He is a social dog and just longs to be a treasured member of the family like anybody else.

Count him in with all your activities and you’re going to have a one-in-a-million undemanding and contented canine friend.

The Moscow Watchdog is a large dog and beautiful to look at. Even though he is large and strong, he is gentle and calm and makes a splendid pet.

Because of his large size he is better suited to life in the countryside or the suburbs as compared to smaller properties in the city. Their exercise needs will also need to be met such as a walk every day.

Think carefully before you take such a large dog into your home as he will require a lot of good food. Before investing in any dog, make sure that you have the means to provide him with an excellent home where he gets the best care, because he is willing to give you the very best of himself.

Health Problems

lagotto romagnolo puppies - health problemsLagotto live roughly 16 years with the best food, exercise and loving environment. Some health issues may well crop up, though unlikely, but it is good to be aware of them.

Hip Dysplasia:

You hear the words ‘Hip dysplasia’ being bandied about a lot in the world of dogs because it is such a common dog ailment. Your dog can’t be cured but there are a range of management options that will ensure your pet remains as comfortable as possible.

It is such a common joint disease where the hips partially dislocate. Without veterinary intervention, it can be debilitating and painful. It is essentially a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors can come into play too.

You don’t want your pet putting on too much weight as this puts extra strain on the joints.

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy:

Your dog has loss of function because of the degeneration of cells or tissues. The illness affects different parts of the brain in dogs. You’ll notice a mild tremor of the head and uncoordinated movements. Your vet will want a history of your pet’s health as well as lab tests.

The Moscow Watchdog is a healthy dog breed, and with few inheritable health problems, you’re not likely to spend much at the vet with him.

Of course, any dog needs a good diet, adequate exercise, vaccinations, and parasite treatments to stay in top condition. Some of the common diseases to look out for -

Hip Dysplasia:

We always have to mention hip dysplasia as it is so common with all dogs. Its an hereditary condition where lack of hip joint stability causes pain inflammation and lameness in the dog. Your dog, even though he is young, can develop hip dysplasia and then it can lead to early arthritis too. Your dog will need to get to the vet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

lagotto romagnolo dogs - caringNot everyone agrees with how to take care of the Lagotto’s rough, waterproof coat of thick curls. The coat doesn’t shed much but it can pick up grass and small twigs easily. Unless brushed out at least 2 or 3 times a week, the coat can become matted and unruly. For many the coat needs to be trimmed regularly.

Exercise:

The Lagotto needs plenty of exercise. His hunting and retrieving past has given him a natural urge to retrieve and he loves going after every ball you throw him. He will also love to join you on your daily walks and it gives him the chance to sniff around. With swimming being added in, this dog is your true sporting buddy.

Diet:

Make sure you feed your Lagotto the very best quality food there is to ensure his well-being and longevity. If you're unsure about whether he is getting in all the necessary vitamins and minerals with his food, speak to a dog expert as good food is key to a happy, healthy dog.

Diet:

This is a large breed dog so you want to make sure that if you feed him from the many commercially manufactured foods there are, it is the high quality one packed with vitamins and minerals and which cater specifically for large breeds to ensure the right amount of minerals and vitamins for his size.

You don’t want to just go on and on giving him dry kibble every day, so occasionally it will be a good idea to give him some boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables which can be added into his kibble. This is all the variety your dog needs, as dogs like consistency and simplicity because then they don’t suffer with digestive issues.

Never leave him without a constant source of cool, fresh water.

Exercise:

Contrary to what this dog looks like – large and clumsy, he is actually quite agile and will require a good amount of exercise. He may not look particularly active but he will certainly want a daily walk and he will also require running off the leash in the park or some ball and rope games in the garden.

Grooming:

he Moscow Watchdog has a thick, medium length coat. He doesn’t require professional grooming, but a good brush through once a week will help to condition the coat. Also, the breed is a moderate shedder so removing loose hair keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

Comparison with other breeds

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