Pungsan Dog vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Pungsan Dog is originated from North Korea. Moscow Water Dog may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Pungsan Dog. Moscow Water Dog may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Pungsan Dog. Moscow Water Dog may live 3 years less than Pungsan Dog. Moscow Water Dog may have more litter size than Pungsan Dog. Both Moscow Water Dog and Pungsan Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Russia
North Korea
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
18 - 24 kg
39 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
18 - 24 kg
39 - 53 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
2 - 4
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Phungsan, Poongsan
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
White
Coat:
double coat
Thick, short to medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, 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.

The Pungsan Dog hails from Korea.

pungsan dogIt is a hunting dog and considered to be a National Treasure of Korea. It was during the Japanese occupation of Korea that the dog’s thick coat was sought after for use in fur coats for the Japanese military.

The population numbers plummeted dramatically, with the Korean War reducing the numbers even further. The North Korean government assisted with re-establishing them.

Today, the Pungsan isn’t recognized by the Federation Cynological International (FCI) and also remains unrecognized by any major kennel clubs.

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.

pungsan dog puppy - descriptionThe Pungsan dog is a large dog – a kind of spitz-type dog which stands between 55 and 60cm in height and weighs between 18-24 kg.

The dog has a thick whitish coat that even allows them to sleep in the snow. They have a muscular build with a deep chest. The legs are straight and strong, with the typical Spitz-type triangular head with the almond-shaped eyes and erect ears. The tail is high-set, curling over the back. After mating, within 60 – 70 days they can produce 2 to 4 puppies.

Temperament:

It it thought that the Pungsan’s intelligence is due to wolf DNA but there is a question mark over this. They are intelligent dogs though.

These dogs are always loyal and protective of their owners, forming strong bonds with them. They are strong-willed and independent and will require training and socialization if you want them to be obedient, well mannered dogs.

They’re intelligent so won’t have problems learning. When properly trained and socialized, they can be good playmates for children. He is also able to get along well with other animals in the house.

They’re aloof with strangers and have strong territorial instincts, but this just goes towards making them excellent watchdogs.

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.

pungsan dog dog - characteristicsThe Pungsan is a wonderful dog if you’re looking for an affectionate, loyal pet.

These dogs thrive on having an owner that is energetic and a strong leader. It likes to become involved in all the activities the family is involved in, loving to join them on hikes and camping trips. Its a dog that is also protective and territorial and makes a good watchdog too.

With proper training and socialization he gets on well with children and other pets in the home, making him a welcome canine family member for any busy household.

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

pungsan dog puppies - health problemsThe Pungsan is a healthy breed prone to very few health issues, yet there will always be those common health issues that plague dogs like these. One of these is hip dysplasia, while others are obesity, bloat and cancer.

Hip dysplasia:

It can be very sad when your vet tells you that your dog has hip dysplasia. Fortunately with modern veterinary medicine, a dog can be kept happy with this ailment.

The hip joint doesn’t develop properly and painful wear and tear with arthritis makes it very difficult for the dog to be mobile. It’s a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors play a huge part too. Get your pet to the vet to ensure he is pain free.

Epilepsy:

Seizures in a dog can be caused usually because of trauma, tumor or infection. Seizures can start from as young as 6 months of age.Some seizures can last for a long time and are considered an emergency, requiring immediate veterinary help.Your veterinarian will want a complete history and perform a neurological exam.

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.

Grooming:

pungsan dog dogs - caringWith his dense coat, this dog will require a brush twice a week to keep the fur free from matting and from loose hair. He is after all a fairly heavy shedder and will require this regular brushing to remove the dead hair and maintain the luster and sheen of the coat.

Exercise:

This is a strong, athletic dog and he is mentally sharp as well. He will require vigorous physical- and mental activity each day. He isn’t the kind of dog to lie around for long periods of time as this leads to frustration and destructive behavior and then the owner should be blamed.

Take him on walks or long hikes – he’ll love that – and play ball- and rope games with him. He will be quite game for swimming as well.

Diet:

Your Pungsan dog can get to 14 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to be sure your pet gets some nutritious home-made food too.

Make sure that the kibble is the high quality ones with lots of vitamins and minerals. Add in some home-made food twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Your dog will do well on plain, simple, nutritious, tasty food like this. Chop this food up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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