Moscow Water Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison

Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba but Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia. Dogo Cubano may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Moscow Water Dog. Dogo Cubano may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Moscow Water Dog. Both Dogo Cubano and Moscow Water Dog has almost same life span. Dogo Cubano may have less litter size than Moscow Water Dog. Dogo Cubano requires Low Maintenance. But Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
Cuba
Russia
Height Male:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 12
Size:
Large
Giant
Other Names:
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Colors Available:
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
dark brown to black, black
Coat:
Short and smooth
double coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

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.

Description

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

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.

Characteristics

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

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.

Health Problems

The Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

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

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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