Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Both Moscow Water Dog and Rafeiro do Alentejo are having almost same height. Both Moscow Water Dog and Rafeiro do Alentejo are having almost same weight. Both Moscow Water Dog and Rafeiro do Alentejo has same life span. Both Moscow Water Dog and Rafeiro do Alentejo has almost same litter size. Both Moscow Water Dog and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Russia
Portugal
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
4 - 10
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
double coat
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate 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.

rafeiro do alentejoKnown also as the Portuguese Mastiff, the Rafeiro do Alentejo comes from Portugal and has always been used as guardian for livestock. Their numbers declined quite a bit when there was no longer a need for this kind of job.Today it is essentially a companion dog.

The official standard of the Rafeiro do Alentejo was established in 1953. The dog is is recognized as a breed by the Portuguese Caniculture Club as well as the Federation Cynologique Interationale.

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.

rafeiro do alentejo puppy - descriptionThe Alentejo is a large dog standing at between 64 and 75cm in height and weighing 45 to 60kg. He is a powerful dog with a deep chest, dark eyes, floppy ears. His coat is short to medium length, thick and straight. The color of the coat is a mix of fawn, a wolf grey, white, cream and black.

Temperament:

This is a serious dog with a calm demeanour about him. It doesn’t matter how calm he is though, as every dog will require training ad socialization if you want to enjoy having an obedient, well mannered dog around you. This is particularly important with a large, independent, self-confident, territorial dog like this.

He isn’t an aggressive dog but he is protective, wanting to guard and look out for his human family. They are dogs that get on well with children and other pets in the home, being wary of strangers.

They’re not recommended for life in small properties in the city as he requires a large garden at least.

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.

rafeiro do alentejo dog - characteristicsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a quiet dog, but intelligent and strong-willed. Training and socialization will make him easy to get on with.

He will become an excellent companion, and can come indoors because he is well mannered and considerate. He was bred to be a guard dog, and the responsibilities he had taking care of livestock has been transferred to looking out for- and protecting his human family.

He makes a wonderful pet and companion, even with children and other pets, more so when brought up correctly by loving, firm, consistent dog owners.

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

rafeiro do alentejo puppies - health problemsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a generally healthy dog breed, and with good care can get to 11, 12 or 13 years of age.

Of course with a large dog like this, it is always a good idea to be aware of canine hip dysplasia, particularly because this is a large dog with a deep chest.

This makes him also vulnerable to bloat, a condition where the stomach swells with gas and which can be life threatening. Other things to watch for are ear infections and parasites.

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.

Grooming:

rafeiro do alentejo dogs - caringMake your grooming time with this serious, calm canine friend of yours a special bonding time. His coat simply requires a brush twice a week to keep it healthy and shiny.

While bushing him, run your hands over him to make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps. Check inside the floppy ears to make sure they’re not red which could be the start of a painful ear infection.

Look a his nails and trim them if they’ve become too long. Check inside his mouth and make sure there aren’t any black, rotten teeth as this can seriously impact the health of your pet.

Exercise:

Options for exercise will include long walks and a chance to run off his leash. In the back yard it will be to his benefit to throw balls for him to fetch. You can even bring him indoors and play some calm games with him. He should have exercise every single day.

Diet:

Good food is needed for good health. It is always convenient to make use of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are on the market.

You don’t want to feed this to your dog day after day so provide your pet with some tasty home-made food too. Dogs want simplicity and consistency with their diets so they don’t battle with upset stomachs and an unnecessary trip to the vet.

Some home-cooked food twice a week and added to the dry kibble can keep him healthy and happy. Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week.

Some people even cook it in bulk, refrigerate it and warm up small portions to add to the kibble. Raw meat added in occasionally can also be a good treat. Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  27. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
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  29. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison