Silky Terrier vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. Moscow Water Dog may grow 50 cm / 20 inches higher than Silky Terrier. Moscow Water Dog may weigh 50 kg / 111 pounds more than Silky Terrier. Both Moscow Water Dog and Silky Terrier has almost same life span. Moscow Water Dog may have more litter size than Silky Terrier. Both Moscow Water Dog and Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
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Russia
Australia
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
3 - 5
Size:
Giant
Toy
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Silky Toy Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
Tan and silvery grey
Coat:
double coat
Long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
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.

silky terrierIt is the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier which are the ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier. This is by no means a new dog breed. It is believed that the breed came into existence at the end of the 19th century.

The dog’s purpose is to be a companion. This little canine wasn’t always known as the Silky Terrier, but in 1955 the name became officially Silky Terrier.

The breed is also recognized by the Australia National Kennel Council in the Toy Group. In fact the breed is recognised by a number of the major kennel clubs as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

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.

silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small dog breed, standing at just 21 to 26cm in height and weighing in the region of 4 to 5kg. He may be a toy dog, but he is robust and athletic.

The ears of the Silky are small and erect with a lot of silky hair that hangs down and the tail is preferably docked and held high.

His coat is eye-catching – straight, long, silky and shiny. If it is left unclipped, it will reach the floor. The colour of the coat is a tan and silvery grey.

Temperament:

The temperament of any dog is affected by things such as heredity, upbringing and the training and socialization he receives.

Small he may be, but the Silky Terrier can benefit from training as he is feisty and strong willed.

He is energetic and always ready for action. He is ready to come bounding after you and join his human family for any action they’re into. He is playful, bold, loyal, tenacious, independent, social and lively and he makes a good playmate for children.

He might tend to be a bit snappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is also great as a watchdog, barking and alerting you to strangers.

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.

silky terrier dog - characteristicsThe silky terrier is a good choice for those who want a smallish dog but one which is robust and adventurous.

Your Silky is a loyal dog who loves spending time with his human family, wanting their companionship.

He will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as he is bright and intelligent. He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but will need to be well exercised wherever he is.

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

silky terrier puppies - health problemsJust like most other dogs, the Silky Terrier isn’t likely to get sick easily, but he can still succumb to any one of the dog illnesses there are.

Diabetes:

This is when your pet isn’t able to regulate blood sugar levels. Your dog will be drinking a lot more water than usual and also be urinating more often. The vet will explain to you a special diet for your pet and how the disease can be controlled with insulin.

Tracheal Collapse: 

This is a disease seen more often in smaller dogs like the Silky. It is caused by an obstruction in the airway and symptoms can include labored breathing and coughing. Your dog will need to be treated with anti-biotics and possibly surgery.

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:

silky terrier dogs - caringYou can imagine that with that silky hair, you’re going to have to be brushing your furry friend quite a bit. It’s such soft, silky hair that it easily picks up burrs and gets matted. You may want to get your pet to a professional groomer to have the hair cut. As you brush him, check for any unusual lumps and keep an eye on his skin.

Check your pet’s teeth. Bad teeth can cause bacteria that can affect every part of your dog’s body. Check inside his ears for redness and check his eyes that there is no discharge. Trim the nails. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do all these things for him, make an appointment with the professional pet groomers who will do it for you.

● Diet:

The Silky Terrier will need quality food if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy life. Its always a good idea to have some of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods with you for convenience. If you want to give him the best there is, some home-made food will be a good choice, if you keep it simple.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple without any exotic spices that could upset his stomach. Your dog will lap it up and you will see how he loves it. Chop the home-made food up and add some of it into his dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

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

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Silky Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Silky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Silky Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Silky Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Silky Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Silky Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Silky Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Silky Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  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