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Moscow Guard

Moscow Guard

Origin

🇷🇺

Russia

Size

Giant Breed

Ideal Space

House with backyard

Ideal Weather

10º-24ºC

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹5,700

Basic Lifestyle

₹8,550

Premium Lifestyle

Top 5 Traits

Loyal

Protective

Intelligent

Energetic

Fearless

Moscow Guard

Quick Information

The Moscow Guard, also known as the Moscow Watchdog, is a relatively new breed developed in Russia after World War II. It was created by crossing Saint Bernards, Caucasian Shepherds, and other large working breeds to produce a powerful guard dog with strong protective instincts. Moscow Guards are known for their size, muscular build, and thick coat, which makes them well-suited for colder climates. These dogs are often used for guarding large estates or properties due to their territorial and fearless nature.


Temperamentally, the Moscow Guard is a calm, confident, and highly loyal breed. They form strong bonds with their family members and are particularly protective of them. Early socialization and firm training are essential to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults, as they can be strong-willed and independent. They are naturally wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs, but they are generally gentle and affectionate with their families, especially with children if raised together.


While Moscow Guards are intelligent and trainable, they require a firm hand and consistent leadership. They are not ideal for first-time dog owners as they need someone who understands their guarding instincts and can provide proper mental and physical stimulation. Regular exercise, including long walks or outdoor activities, is necessary to keep them healthy and happy, as their size and energy levels can lead to boredom if not properly engaged.

 

Characteristics

Barking

Quiet

Loud

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Compatibility with other dogs

Aggressive

Friendly

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

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Nutrition

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500

Calories per day

Puppies1800 kcal

Adults2200 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Carbohydrates

Fats

Minerals

Protein

Vitamins

Fibre

List of foods

Dry Dog Food

Fresh Meat

Fresh Fish

Home made meals

Fruits

Vegetables

Chicken

Moscow Guards, being large and active dogs, require a balanced diet to support their energy levels and muscle mass. Their diet should be rich in protein, which is crucial for building and maintaining their strong physique. Healthy fats provide the necessary energy for their active lifestyle. While carbohydrates are less essential, they should come from whole grains and vegetables to offer sustained energy and fiber for digestion. Essential vitamins and minerals are also vital for immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.


Moscow Guard puppies have unique nutritional needs due to their rapid growth. Their diet should consist of high-quality protein sources like chicken, mutton, and fish, along with healthy fats for brain development. Adequate calcium and phosphorus are essential to support their large bones during this growth phase. It's crucial to transition puppies to adult food gradually to ensure they receive proper nutrients without overfeeding, which could lead to joint problems.


Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.

 

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Selecting Good Quality Food

The Moscow Guard thrives on high-quality, nutrient-dense food that supports its large size and energetic nature. A balanced diet of dry dog food, supplemented with fresh meat or fish, is ideal to provide both essential macronutrients and variety. Dry dog food helps maintain dental health, while fresh sources of protein like chicken and mutton are excellent for building and maintaining muscle mass. Including vegetables in their diet ensures they receive adequate fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestion and a strong immune system.


Providing homemade meals, when balanced properly, can be another excellent option. Meals that include fresh meats, vegetables, and a balanced carbohydrate source will help maintain their energy levels and overall health. It's crucial to avoid overfeeding and ensure portion control, as their large size could lead to weight gain if not properly managed. A Moscow Guard should have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day to stay hydrated, particularly when consuming dry food.

 

Never feed these foods to Moscow Guard

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Alcohol

Almonds

Cherries

Cinnamon

Dairy

Garlic

Grapes

Mushrooms

Onions

Salt

Sugar

Certain foods and ingredients should be avoided when feeding a Moscow Guard. Highly processed foods, excessive fillers like corn and soy, and artificial additives can lead to health problems, including allergies, digestive issues, and obesity. Foods high in sodium and preservatives, often found in low-quality dog food, should be kept out of their diet, as these can negatively affect their heart health and overall well-being.


Additionally, some human foods are dangerous for dogs and should never be part of their diet, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. These can cause serious harm, including organ failure or toxic reactions. It’s essential to stick to natural, nutrient-rich ingredients that are suitable for their breed size and health requirements, ensuring they remain healthy and active throughout their life.

 
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Health

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,250

Common Health Issues

Bloat

Canine distemper

Hip Dysplasia

Parasites

Parvovirus

Leptospirosis

Rabies

Heartworm

Well being

Exercise

Agility Training

Bonding

Games

Socialization

Energy Level

Medium

Exercise routine

45 - 90 minutes

Recognising Stress

Changes in appetite

Excessive Barking

Pacing

Excessive Panting

Reluctance to move

Increased laziness

Medical Care

The Moscow Guard is generally a hardy and robust breed, thanks to its strong genetic background. However, like many large breeds, they are prone to specific health concerns. Bloat, or gastric torsion, is one of the most severe conditions they may face, as it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. To prevent bloat, it is crucial to avoid feeding them large meals at once and limiting intense physical activity after eating. Hip Dysplasia is another common issue in large dogs like the Moscow Guard, which can lead to arthritis or difficulty moving as they age. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage this condition.


Other health issues the Moscow Guard may face include heartworm, canine influenza, and various parasitic infections, particularly if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Preventive care, including vaccinations and routine screenings, is key to keeping them healthy. Additionally, their joints and bones can be affected by panosteitis, a condition seen in rapidly growing puppies, leading to temporary lameness. Monitoring their activity levels and ensuring a balanced diet can mitigate these issues.

 

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

6-8 weeks

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

10-12 weeks

Second DHPP booster

14-16 weeks

Third DHPP booster and Rabies

Annually

Rabies booster

Recommendations to care for senior Moscow Guard dogs

As the Moscow Guard ages, their health needs change, and providing proper medical care becomes essential. Senior dogs are more prone to joint issues like arthritis, making it important to manage their weight and ensure they receive joint supplements as recommended by a veterinarian. Regular check-ups are vital for early detection of age-related conditions like heart disease or kidney problems. Maintaining a moderate exercise routine will help keep their muscles strong without overexertion, as their energy levels tend to decrease with age.


Additionally, senior Moscow Guards may require adjustments to their diet, focusing on nutrient-rich, low-calorie food to prevent unnecessary weight gain. Regular dental care is also crucial, as oral health problems can become more common in older dogs. Monitoring their behavior and recognizing any signs of pain or discomfort, such as reluctance to move or changes in appetite, will help ensure they live a comfortable and healthy life in their later years.


Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.

 
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Grooming

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800

Shedding Level

High Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Teeth Care

Eye Care

Nail Trimming

Brushing

Bathing

Ear Cleaning

Benefits of Grooming

Cleanliness

Low Shedding

Odourless

Prevents Bad Breath

Prevents infections

Quality of life

The Moscow Guard has a thick, dense coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and cleanliness. Due to their high shedding, it’s essential to brush them at least 2–3 times a week to remove loose fur and prevent matting, especially during shedding seasons. Bathing should be done every few months or as needed to keep their coat clean, while nail trimming and ear cleaning should be part of the regular grooming routine to avoid infections. Grooming not only keeps the Moscow Guard looking their best but also prevents issues such as bad odor, excessive shedding, and skin infections, contributing to their overall quality of life.

 
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Adopt or Shop: The choice is yours!

Cost of buying

₹ 25,000 - ₹ 80,000

Buying or adopting are the two main possibilities if you're thinking about getting a Moscow Guard for your house.


Buying: Selecting a reliable breeder is crucial when purchasing a pet. Make sure the breeder gives the dogs the care they need and adheres to moral breeding procedures.


To confirm the dog's health and pedigree, request health certificates and lineage documentation.


Cost of a Moscow Guard depends on a number of variables including ancestry, potential for show quality, and breeder reputation.


Adopting: Offering a needy pet a loving home through adoption is a fantastic choice. See if any breed-specific rescues, local animal shelters, or rescue organizations have a Moscow Guard up for adoption.


Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care are usually included in adoption fees. These charges differ, but they are typically less than what it would cost to purchase from a breeder.

 

Prerequisites to pet a Moscow Guard

Access to Veterinary

Appropriate Climate

Space and Environment

Lifestyle Compatibility

Time and Effort

Access to Groomer

Now that you know what it takes to raise a undefined, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?

Research: Do a thorough review of the traits, requirements, and possible health problems of the breed. Ensure that the Moscow Guard breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.


Find Reputable Sources: When purchasing from breeders, look out for trustworthy breeders who have an emphasis on the temperament and well-being of the dogs. If you're thinking about adopting, check out the local rescue or animal shelters.


Visit the Breeder/Adoption Center: Make plans to meet the dogs or pups by scheduling a visit to the breeder or adoption center. Inquire about their health, immunization history, and socializing while keeping an eye on their living conditions.


Ask for documentation: Ask the breeder for vaccination records, health certificates, and any other relevant paperwork. If the dog is being adopted, find out about its past, present health, and behavior.


Prepare your home: Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog. Prepare your house for a puppy if you're adopting a young dog. Ensure you have the necessary supplies, including food, bowls, a bed, and grooming tools.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Moscow Guard dogs prone to aggressive behavior?

Moscow Guard dogs are generally not aggressive when properly socialized and trained, but they may become protective if they sense threatened.

Can Moscow Guard dogs be off-leash in open areas?

It is usually advised to keep Moscow Guard dogs on a leash or in a securely fenced area when they are outside due to their protective nature and tendency to chase small animals.

Do the Moscow Guard dogs bark a lot?

Although they might bark to warn their owners about possible dangers, appropriate training can help reduce excessive barking.

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