Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is originated from France. Moscow Water Dog may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Moscow Water Dog may weigh 28 kg / 62 pounds more than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Both Moscow Water Dog and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has same life span. Moscow Water Dog may have more litter size than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Both Moscow Water Dog and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
undefined
Russia
France
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
6 - 9
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Korthals Griffon
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
steel gray with brown markings., White and brown, white and orange
Coat:
double coat
Medium length, wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
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.

wirehaired pointing griffonKnown also as the Korthals Griffon, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a hunting- and gundog. It was Eduard Karel Korthals who is thought to have brought about this dog breed around 1873.

He was a Dutchman living in France. It is believed that quite a few dog breeds were used to bring about this dog such as the Otterhound, Spniels, Setters and possibly a Pointer. The dog is known as a supreme gundog and it is a very popular dog breed.

Edward Korthals of Holland was looking for an ideal gun dog. It was in 1888 that the first Griffon Club was formed. It was only in 1916 that this dog was officially recognized as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in the United States.

It is also recognized by the FCI or Federation 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.

wirehaired pointing griffon puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Pointing Griffon or Korthals Griffon is a medium-to-large sized dog standing at between 50 and 60cm both male and female and weighing between 23and 27kg.

He has a wiry, somewhat harsh curly outer coat and a softer undercoat. The head is quite large. He has thick eyebrows and a beard. The eyes are brown with yellow irises.

This is a low-shedding dog. There are a few colors such as white and brown, white and orange but the coat is also steel gray with brown markings.

Temperament:

These dogs are intelligent and independent with a desire to please their owners. He is able to learn tricks and commands easily. They love their human families and want to be around them all the time.

It would be devastating for such a dog to find himself stuck in the backyard with no human contact. He is also not suited to cramped living conditions in the city but is essentially a country dog, especially since he has boundless energy.

As a family pet, he is playful, friendly, loyal, loving and gentle, behaving well with children and other pets. They’re not aggressive dogs but they make excellent watchdogs, barking if someone comes into their property.

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.

wirehaired pointing griffon dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has always been a great hunting dog and he doubles as an excellent pet and companion as well.

This dog is extremely loyal to his human family and is friendly, intelligent, loving and affectionate, getting on well with children as well as other pets in the home.

He can reach 14 years of age and doesn’t often get sick, making him an all-round great pet and companion.

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

wirehaired pointing griffon puppies - health problemsTo avoid ear problems, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's ears should be kept clean and dry. If you do detect redness inside the ear, it could mean he has an infection that will need to be treated.

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.

Exercise:

wirehaired pointing griffon dogs - caringThis dog loves his exercise, and if you live in the country so much the better. He will love to go hiking and swimming with you or running next to you as you go cycling. He also loves all kinds of rope- and ball games in the garden. It’s why this active dog isn’t ideal for life in the city.

Always have the telephone number of a good vet in your phone.

Spay or neuter your pet if you don’t want unwanted puppies. Don't do it too early. Speak to your vet about the procedure and about the health benefits that come from spaying and neutering a dog.

Diet:

These are active dogs and they will require top quality food if they’re to remain healthy and active.

Always check the packaging to see what ingredients are present in your dog’s food. Some of the cheaper, more inferior brands can actually be harmful to your pet with their useless ingredients devoid of vitamins and minerals.

Some home-made food is good and this needs to be plain and free from spicy additives. Dogs have sensitive stomachs and anything unusual can cause them digestive problems.

Make sure your dog’s vaccines are up to date.

Provide your pet with a quiet, warm, dry sleeping place to call his own.

Comparison with other breeds

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