Moscow Watchdog

Also called Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka

Rare breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Soviet Union (Russia), developed after the Second World War.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, malefrom 55 kg1

Weight, femalefrom 45 kg1

Height, male77 to 78 cm1

Height, female72 to 73 cm1

Sizegiant

Minimum weights: males at least 55 kg, females at least 45 kg.

calm and self-assured

gentle giant with its family

protective watchdog

Coat and looks how to spot one

thick double coat

A dense double coat built to handle harsh Russian winters, on a big, powerful frame.1

Coloursred piebaldwhite with red patchesred and blacksable with black mask1

Personality what they are like

A confident, balanced giant that is gentle with its own family and steps up to protect them when needed. Early socialising and training help it grow into a relaxed companion.1

Home where they are happiest

Comfortable in cold climates thanks to its heavy coat; its size calls for a roomy home.1

Company who they like around

Needs early socialisation and consistent training.1

The story where it all began

After the Second World War the Soviet military's Central School of Military Dog Breeding set out to create a large guard dog that could cope with extreme cold. They combined Caucasian Shepherd Dog, St. Bernard and Russian Pinto Hound, and published the first standard in 1958.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The breed was created by the Soviet Ministry of Defence's military dog school.1
2
The first Moscow Watchdog litter in the USA was born in 2015.1
3
Hungary has become a stronghold of the breed, with around 500 dogs.1

Recognised by the official bits

Federation of Dog Breeders of Russia: Approved in 1992.1
Russian Kennel Club: Recognised in 1997.1
FCI: Not a recognised FCI breed; Wikipedia notes it can be shown in special show classes alongside Group 2 Molossoid breeds.1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Moscow Watchdog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Start a free diary

Saint Bernard

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Black Russian Terrier

our little thank-you jar

Like what we are building? Buy us a coffee.

The breed atlas is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show ads. If it helped you, a small tip keeps the research going. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.

Leave a tip

Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

Wikipedia: Moscow Watchdog en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.