Moscow Water Dog vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Entlebucher Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia. Entlebucher Mountain Dog may grow 26 cm / 10 inches shorter than Moscow Water Dog. Entlebucher Mountain Dog may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Moscow Water Dog. Both Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Moscow Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Moscow Water Dog has same litter size. Both Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Switzerland
Russia
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 28 kg
39 - 62 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
5 - 12
Size:
Large
Giant
Other Names:
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Entlebucher Cattle Dog Entlebucher
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Colors Available:
tricolor
dark brown to black, black
Coat:
thick double coat
double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

entlebucher mountain dogThe Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs, but he is still a powerful dog used to herd cattle. The four breeds are the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher. It was though that these dogs came to Switzerland with the Romans over 2 centuries ago. The Entlebucher was put to work guarding and herding sheep, pulling carts and flocking cattle. Toward the end of the 19th century the breed was on the edge of extinction because many were breeding them with German Shepherds. So, Franz Schertenleib, in 1889 brought all the existing Entlebuchers together and bred them. He is credited with keeping the breed alive.

It is believed that the breed comes originally from a valley in the District of Cantons Lucerne and Berne, called Entlebuch. They were considered the same breed as the Appenzell Cattle Dog until 1913 when they were classified as a Mountain Dog – the fourth breed of Mountain Dog. The AKC did not recognize the breed until 2011.

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.

Description

tion

entlebucher mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a muscular, compact, and medium sized dog. Their heads are square, and the skull is flat. He has dark eyes that are alert and expressive in a friendly way. Their ears are triangular and hang on the side of his head. With compact feet, a muscular body and well angled hocks, he is a good looking dog and ready for his jobs.

His coat is striking, and it is familiar in its closeness to the other Mountain Dogs coats. Yet he has some distinctive differences that tell you this is not a Bernese or a Swiss, it is an Entlebucher.

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.

Characteristics

entlebucher mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Entle is a happy, clever dog that needs a job. They are intelligent and physical. They love people and throw themselves at you when they see you. They are loving and loyal but again he has to have a job.

He makes a great watchdog, therapy dog or companion for your children. He only barks when he has to but is wary of strangers and he is territorial.

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.

Health Problems

The Entlebucher is prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

entlebucher mountain dog puppies - health problemsCommon to large dogs. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

Hemolytic Anemia

The immune system destroys its own blood cells.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is inherited and causes degeneration of the retina. There is new medication for this.

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

Caring The Pet

Feeding

entlebucher mountain dog dogs - caringThe Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a large working dog. He needs good solid food, but he doesn’t need to be overfed. Give him about 2-3 cups per day fed in 2-3 meals. Be careful of Bloat in the large dog.

Health issues

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is prone to these issues as well as those mentioned earlier.

  1. Entlebucher Urinary Syndrome
  2. The Ureter is misplaced.
  3. Luxating Patellas
  4. Movable kneecaps
  5. Exercise and games

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs love to play, to work and to exercise. They are great with people who want to walk them every day, run with them, ride bikes or hike. They can play for hours or work for hours. They need a lot of activity every day and excel at tracking, obedience, herding and agility.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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