PetzloverGreek Harehound is originated from Greece but Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia. Greek Harehound may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Moscow Water Dog. Greek Harehound may weigh 35 kg / 77 pounds lesser than Moscow Water Dog. Both Greek Harehound and Moscow Water Dog has same life span. Greek Harehound may have less litter size than Moscow Water Dog. Greek Harehound requires Low Maintenance. But Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance
Known also as the Hellenic Hound, the Greek Harehound is an ancient breed, and it is a dog which has come down through the ages with very little change to the way he looks.
The ancestors of the Greek Harehound go back thousands of years and are believed to be the ancient ‘Laconikoi’ dogs of the Peloponnese.
In was in 1996 that the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the Hellenic Hound. The Greek Harehound was also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.
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.
These dogs have a short, dense coat which is black and tan in color. He is a medium sized, well proportioned, deep chested dog standing at roughly 47 – 55cm in height and weighing between 17–20kg.
His legs are straight, well boned and strong. The skull of the dog is fairly flat, the eyes are brown while the ears are set high and are floppy. The tail is long, tapering down to a tip.
Lively and outgoing, the Greek Harehound is a skilled, brave hunter. These are active dogs and will require quite a bit of exercise if you get one as a pet. He becomes devoted to his owner, making a good, all-round family pet.
He has always been used in the past to hunt in packs so he gets on well with any other dogs in the family.
As a scenthound, the Greek Harehound is an independent, stubborn, strong-willed dog that will respond well to a firm, strong owner. His stubborn, strong-willed nature means it will be important to have him trained and socialized so that he becomes a well-rounded, obedient pet.
If you're looking for a true around-the-house family pet, this isn't the ideal choice as he is essentially a hunting dog, wanting to be running off on a hunt as opposed to lying quietly indoors. He is therefore better suited to life in the country than being cooped up in a small city property.
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.
Fast, courageous, smart, playful, independent and strong willed, the Greek Harehound is a slow maturing breed and he will require training and socialization to make him obedient and not so stubborn.
Once trained he becomes a truly wonderful companion, being affectionate, loyal and outgoing. He makes a good friend of children too.
He is friendly and non-aggressive, though he still makes a good watchdog. He is a low maintenance pet too, and even though he is essentially a hunting dog, he can make anyone a splendid pet.
yes
Swimming and stamina
Yes but needed some land. Better in countryside.
This is an intelligent dog, but he could not be trained out of his aggressiveness.
The Greek Harehound is a healthy dog breed with no particular genetic defects. But like other dogs with floppy ears, they are more prone to infections and the insides of the ears will need to be cleaned frequently. Always do this with the utmost care to avoid damaging your pet's ears.
He is a deep chested dog and this puts him at risk of gastric dilation and volvulus which is commonly referred to as bloat. Its a life threatening health issue where the stomach can twist. The stomach is sealed off as a result and gas builds up. The dog can go into organ failure.
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.
The Greek Harehound is happiest when he senses he is free to follow scents and run. This is why this particular dog breed isn’t suited for life in the city where he has a small garden. He requires large pieces of ground to run free. If you own one of these dogs, he should be taken on daily walks and be involved in lots of sporting activities and games. If you’re a jogger or cyclist, this dog will be thrilled to join you.
Dog owners love that this dog is a low maintenance breed. The short coat simply requires a brush twice a week to rid him of loose hairs and to also keep his coat shiny and healthy.
Every new puppy will require a series of vaccinations in his first year to make sure he doesn't develop some of the serious dog diseases there are such as distemper, parvo-virus and rabies among others.
Dogs are carnivores and without human interference have always eaten fresh meat in the wilds. For convenience many people feed their dogs commercially manufactured food.
There are some excellent brands. Choose the best one for your pet and mix in raw meat from time to time as well as cooked rice, chicken and vegetables.
Never leave your pet without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Required high quality food made specifically for large or giant puppies. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 21/2 -3 cups.
Required high quality food made for large or giant dog breeds. Feed twice a day a total of 2 cups.
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.