Norfolk Terrier vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison

Norfolk Terrier vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed ComparisonMoscow Watchdog is originated from Russia but Norfolk Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Moscow Watchdog may grow 43 cm / 17 inches higher than Norfolk Terrier. Moscow Watchdog may weigh 62 kg / 137 pounds more than Norfolk Terrier. Moscow Watchdog may live 4 years less than Norfolk Terrier. Moscow Watchdog may have more litter size than Norfolk Terrier. Both Moscow Watchdog and Norfolk Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
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Russia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
64 - 69 cm
25 - 28 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 5
Size:
Giant
Small
Other Names:
Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka
Norfolk
Colors Available:
White and red
black and grey or grizzle, Wheaten, red
Coat:
Medium length, thick
Wire-haired coat, straight and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

moscow watchdogThe Moscow Watchdog is a cross between the Caucasian Oytcharka, the St. Bernard and other Russian hound dogs. This large breed dog was developed in the Soviet Union for the purpose of being guard dogs. It had the awareness and assertiveness of the Oytcharka and the size, intelligence and attractiveness of the St. Bernard. The breed is common in Russia today but hardly seen anywhere else even though they were exported to the United States and Europe. The breed had the first U.S. born litter in 2015 and it is not AKC recognized.

Following the second world war crime was on the rise in the Soviet Union and a new breed of dog was needed to counter this trend. The dog had to be adaptable to very cold temperatures, snowy weather and have a guard dog personality and ability. The breed was called on to guard such locations as railroads, government offices, warehouses, infrastructure and labor camps.

The project to develop this breed was led by General Medvedev beginning in 1946 at the Central School of Military Kynology – which was a department of the Soviet Ministry of Defense. It took many years to develop the Moscow Watchdog which then became a very successful breed.

It took until 1985 for the breed to be “officially” recognized in the Soviet Union and until 1992 to be recognized by the Federation of Dog Breeders in Russia and until 1997 for the standard to be approved by the Russian Kennel Club. They are still working with the FCI to gain international recognition for the breed. At the moment they are considered a part of the Molosser group and shown in the “Special Show” in Russia.

Committed breeders brought the Moscow Watchdog to Hungary in 1986 in order to make the breed more popular. In addition to this there were many breeders from previous Soviet States that wanted to preserve the breed as well. There were about 500 Moscow Watchdogs in Hungary around then. Currently there are about 27 Moscow Watchdogs in the United States. The breed is known to be a gentle giant and very much a family dog these days.

norfolk terrierIt was in the 1880s that a working terrier was developed in eastern England. The Norfolk Terrier was developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs with the Irish Terrier breed as well as small red terriers.

Known first as the Cantab Terrier and then later as the Trumpington Terrier, the name changed further but in 1932, the Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created.

The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It has gained recognition as an independent breed but is a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from it by having floppy ears and not erect ears. Both the Norfolk- and Norwich are the smallest of the working terriers.

Description

moscow watchdog puppy - descriptionThe Moscow Watchdog is related to the mountain dogs and is a very large breed. They are sturdy, muscular and powerful. They have big heads and a thick double coat that sheds profusely four times a year. They have a long tail, an arched chest and an air of confidence.

He is in the Mastiff family and is smart and trainable. He is not clumsy but has big bones. He is surprisingly agile and active for a dog his size. Unlike the St. Bernard he is not a couch potato. He is also differentiated from the St. Bernard because he does not drool.

Temperament:

These dogs are large but they’ve got a gentle temperament and are good with kids, being playful and energetic with them.

Even though he is a docile dog, you want him trained and socialized, and then he gets along well with other pets too. His sheer size makes it that it is best to supervise him when he’s around small children. He is also a protective dog breed, willing to bond closely to, and protect his human family.

norfolk terrier puppy - descriptionThe Norfolk Terrier is a small purebred dog, standing at 23 to 25cm in height and weighing roughly between 4.5kg and 6kg. The dog has a wire-haired coat which can be in different colors such as wheaten, red, black and grey or grizzle.

The hair on his head and ears is shorter and smoother and he has longer whiskers and eyebrows. The chest is deep, the front legs are short and straight and the tail has always been docked to half its length but left long these days. The tail is set high and carried erect.

Temperament:

Norfolks are feisty, fearless dogs with an independent streak. They’re gentle though, and when it comes to being a companion dog, they get on well with children and other pets. They thrive on their human family’s companionship and wouldn’t do well at all if they were constantly left outside.

They’re not yappy dogs but will bark occasionally so he can sound the alarm if strangers approach.

This little dog is able to live in the city or the countryside, but just because he is little, you can’t neglect his exercise needs. He will most certainly need to be exercised every day and taken for walks as he is an energetic, lively dog. He is intelligent too and easy to train and socialize, turning him into such an obedient, pleasurable pet.

Characteristics

moscow watchdog dog - characteristicsThis is a large dog who likes to be involved and busy, even though he is so big. He isn’t suited to city life and being confined to a tiny garden as he needs space.

They’re independent dogs too and you can leave them alone during the day. He is social, so while you can leave them during the day while you’re at work, he’ll want your attention when you get back. They're such loving, loyal family pets that you owe it to him to make this gentle giant of a dog as happy as can be.

norfolk terrier dog - characteristicsFearless and brave, the Norfolk Terrier promises to be a wonderful companion.

They're social, loving dogs and want to be part of the household. He is lively and active too and wants to be included in your walks and your games. He loves nothing more than to be running across a field after a ball.

They’re such amicable pets that they make great dogs for first-time dog owners. Let him into your heart and your home – he makes such a splendid pet – that once you’ve had one, you’ll realize you can never be without such a wonderful pet and companion again.

Health Problems

moscow watchdog puppies - health problemsMoscow Watchdog is looked upon as a fairly healthy dog breed but there are some risks such as hip dysplasia as well as some other large breed problems.

With big dogs like this, hip dysplasia is a threat. Its an hereditary condition where the parent dogs pass down the problematic genes. Hip dysplasia results in inflammation and pain for your pet, and where once he loved to play, he is reluctant to and battles to get up after lying down.

norfolk terrier puppies - health problemsThe life expectancy of your Norfolk Terrier is 8 to 14 years, but there are some who have received excellent care and who have reached 17 years of age.

Just as with any other dog, they are prone to common dog illnesses, and these can include dental issues and mitral valve disease. They also are prone to hip dysplasia, and according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) they are known for problematic hips.

Caring The Pet

Excercise:

moscow watchdog dogs - caringThe Moscow Watchdog is a giant sized dog and will require a lot of regular exercise, and apart from a fairly brisk daily walk, will also need games and a run in the park.

As a large dog requiring a regular dose of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation, he is better suited to life in the country or at least where there is a large garden.

Grooming:

The Moscow Watchdog has a medium length coat, and as a moderate shedder, you will need to simply brush his coat twice a week to remove loose hair. There is no professional grooming required for these dogs.

Diet:

Homemade food is always a treat for a dog, but if you’re feeding your Moscow Watchdog commercially manufactured food because of the sheer convenience it provides, make sure the packaging says 'large- or giant dog breed' food. This way you know your pet is getting the right amount of minerals and vitamins for his size.

Always buy the best quality food to avoid giving your pet an overdose of colorants and preservatives. Try and give your pet some home-made food such as boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. These can be added to his kibble every now and again.

A simple diet like this agrees with your pet and he will be healthy and happy with his lot.

Grooming:

norfolk terrier dogs - caringThe Norfolk Terrier’s hard, wiry, straight coat requires being hand stripped about twice a year by hand or with a stripping knife. The paws will also need to be trimmed.

It is recommended to keep the hair short around the anus for hygienic purposes and the tail itself will need to be stripped.

The Norfolk doesn’t shed his coat naturally, and the hair keeps growing, making the dog uncomfortable and ungroomed looking. The dog will certainly need to have his hair kept away from around the eyes.

If you don’t want to strip your dog, there are people who take their dogs to professional groomers, but then this professional grooming makes it that the texture of the dog’s coat changes from wiry to soft.

Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so check your dog’s teeth regularly. A bad tooth can play havoc with your dogs general health.

Diet:

As with any other dog, the Norfolk Terrier will do well on high-quality kibble, specially formulated for small dog breeds. For a tasty treat, boil some chicken and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach in a pot, chop them up and add to his kibble with some brown rice and pasta. A tiny bit of raw meat added in occasionally is all this little dog needs to stay healthy and content.

Don’t ‘treat’ him by giving him chocolates, chips and peanuts. You will upset his stomach. Dogs do best on simply, healthy, tasty diets such as mentioned above. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water. 

Comparison with other breeds

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