Temperament

When you decide to buy a Moscow Watchdog you have to be sure that you are able to keep the leading position in your future pack. First because of the specific character of the dog, and second because his size.
It is hard to describe a typical character of the Moscow Watchdog. Most of the Moscow Watchdogs are very submissive and easy to learn things and to upraise, but some of them require a very very strong “hand” and character from the owner. All Moscow Watchdogs are stubborn and independent so you must be consistent as well. It is also necessary to start the education of your dog as soon as possible, the best would be from the first day you will bring him home.
It will take you some time to educate your Moscow Watchdog perfectly but it is worth working on him, because otherwise, during a walk you will be flying above the ground as a balloon being pulled by your dog. Or, for half a day you will be running after your dog and calling him home (he will not react) and people will be shouting: “take this beast away from me!” The best way to educate you dog is to attend a professional dog school.
Moscow Watchdog is not a very social dog. Obviously he needs to have an emotional contact with his owner, but he is not an affectionate dog. If you need a mascot to cuddle, do not buy a Moscow Watchdog. Usually, this dog is aloof with strangers. It comes from his strong watching instinct. So, to avoid problems with strangers outside your property, you have to socialise your dog very early with people, and also with other dogs.
Usually, the Moscow Watchdog does not choose only one owner to respect only him. He will accept the leading position of every family member who has strong character enough. Due to this fact, when you have children DO NOT BUY A Moscow Watchdog. It may cause a big problems. This dog will never accept children’s poor character and lack of strength.
Apart from the above, well educated Moscow Watchdogs kept by responsible persons will be a great friend and companion, and also a great watchdog for your property.

The best place to keep a Moscow Watchdog

This breed was created to have e very strong watching instinct and to work during bad weather conditions, and also to guard wide spaces. A flat is absolutely not a place where this dog wants to live, because it becomes too hot there, it is too small of a living space, and first of all – there is nothing for him to do. He needs to have a big space to watch, he needs to work almost 24 hours a day (my dogs rarely sleep), and to live outside in low temperatures. Heat is not good for a Moscow Watchdog.
During a hot Summer this dog seems to be dead. Usually, he is digging big holes in the ground and is sitting there all day along.
The Moscow Watchdog also likes to swim for a refreshment. Simply, his coat is too thick to live in hot countries. Due to above, the best solution to keep the Moscow Watchdog is to have a house with a garden ,the bigger the better, and to live in a country with not too hot of a climate.
Although the Moscow Watchdog likes low temperatures, you have to ensure him a large and well warmed up kennel in the garden. He will use it rarely but it becomes his own quiet place.

Health and activety

Because this breed was made not long ago, it’s health is still not stabilised.
The most common diseases among Moscow Watchdogs are: degeneration of pelvic joint (disease characteristic for large breeds), rickets, eye diseases like: third eyelid and lump conjunctivitis, many kinds of allergies including food allergy.

This breed is not very active and does not require very long walks. Half an hour of walk two times a day will be enough, however under condition that your Moscow Watchdog lives outside.
Most of the time this dog spends on watching and securing his territory and for him this work is an essence of his life. The Moscow Watchdog does not need an additional exercises, a simple walk is absolutely enough.

Grooming

The grooming of a Moscow Watchdog is not very complicated, however it requires brushing at least two times a week. He has quite long hair on trunk (4-5 cm), longer hair on head and ears (7-8 cm) and very long hair on his plumed tail (10-15cm). The long hair of the Moscow Watch dog like to tangle up and to look like fringes or felt (especially on tail). Afterwards it is impossible to comb through them and you have to cut them out. So, it is important to brush your dog regularly to keep him good looking and in proper hygiene.
You do not need to bath your Moscow Watchdog too often. This breed has an amazing ability to clean themselves up. Two, three times a year is enough.

Agnieszka Gzyl