Large breeds of dogs are mainly used for protection and protection, as well as rescue services. Two varieties of Moscow Watchdog and St. Bernard are very similar to each other. What is the difference between one and the other?
Description and Features
Saint bernard
The oldest breed. It comes from Assyrian dogs, Molossians, who came to the Alps during the campaigns with the Roman legionnaires. Formed for the most part in a natural way, spontaneously, people only tried to consolidate the useful skills that appeared.
The name comes from the name of the alpine mountain monastery of St. Bernard, where from the seventeenth century the monks kept them and used to save the victims from the avalanches and during dangerous crossings through the mountains. The first mention of smart and strong dogs belong to the same period.
Large sizes (height at the withers of 70-90 centimeters), muscular strong paws, thick, dense coat, excellent sense of smell - all these qualities helped the animal to find people under deep snow, dig them out and drag them to a safe place.
Often had to act in extreme conditions, due to which the mental abilities of St. Bernard rose to a fairly high level.
The dog is able to quickly make independent decisions to exit difficult situations.
The following qualities are characteristic of Saint Bernard:
- with impressive size it is distinguished by a kind, flexible character;
- calm, a little phlegmatic;
- strongly attached to the owners, showing love and tenderness;
- feels like a member of a family, does not tolerate loneliness;
- gets along well with other pets;
- can be a nanny for young children, a companion;
- possesses high intelligence, is well trained;
- He loves walking, playing outdoors, especially in the snow.
Training and training should be organized so as not to injure the psyche of the animal, without excessive pressure and rigidity. A much greater effect will be achieved by a calm and affectionate treatment, a detailed explanation and conversation with the dog, since Saint Bernard is able to distinguish not only the intonation of the voice, but also the meaning of many words. Suitable for keeping in an apartment.
There are two varieties of breed - long-haired and short-haired. The color of the coat is reddish with white. The chest, front of the neck, legs and tail are white, the back is light red, the head, ears and the area around the eyes are brown, there is a white strip on the forehead, and there are also light spots near the nose and lips. The tail is fluffy, bent by a ring. The head is massive, the face is slightly flattened, with folds (brylya), the nose is snub-nosed, ears are hanging, and the forehead is convex. The eyes are dark, closely set, with a good-natured and slightly sad expression.
It is not used as a guard dog, as it treats people, even strangers, kindly.
The calling of St. Bernard is the salvation and protection of the owners during various natural disasters.
Moscow Watchdog
This breed is exclusively a work of breeders. She was bred in the Soviet Union in the nursery "Red Star" shortly after the end of World War II. It was designed specifically for the protection of various objects of the national economy. The work was mostly completed by 1958, at the same time a description of the breed standard appeared.
The following species were taken as initial species:
- saint bernard - large size and developed intelligence;
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog - the ability to protect the owner and his property from any encroachment;
- Russian pinto hound - speed, ability to catch the robber.
The dog resulting from these experiments took some character traits and body signs from each of the breeds. But there are differences.
For example, when compared with St. Bernard, with a large external similarity, there is a significant difference in behavior and communication with people.
The Moscow watchdog clearly knows the boundaries of its territory and will not allow strangers to violate them.
Vigilantly guards the owners, treats unknown visitors with caution and disbelief.
Smart, good at training. However, training must begin at a very young age, as soon as the puppy can navigate in the environment. You should take into account the size of an adult dog (slightly smaller than St. Bernard) and train her to implicitly execute commands. You also need to train in a muzzle on time.
With improper or inadequate education there is a risk of getting an uncontrollable, aggressive dog that will pose a threat not only to outsiders, but even to family members.
He understands the hierarchy, obeying the leader, a person with a stronger character. It can be alone for a long time, live on the street - in an aviary, doghouse or on a leash.
It calmly tolerates winter colds and lower temperatures (even to minus 30 degrees), you only need to provide protection from the wind.
The dog is muscular, strong, heavy, with rough forms. The body and head are more elongated than that of St. Bernard, the nose is straight, there are no folds on the cheeks. The tail is smooth, not curved.
The coat is very thick, the animal molts almost all year round. The color also contains red, brown and white. Paws, tail, neck, chest, muzzle - white. The back and sides are reddish, the head and semi-erect ears are brown.
This breed is ideal for protecting a country house, but not for living in an apartment.
Different tempers
St. Bernard and the Moscow watchdog, although very similar in external data, have completely opposite character traits.These are different breeds intended for different purposes. This circumstance needs to be seriously considered before choosing a pet for yourself.
You can find out about the features of the education of St. Bernard by watching the video a little lower.
