Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia but Rhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe. Moscow Water Dog may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Rhodesian Ridgeback. Moscow Water Dog may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both Moscow Water Dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback has almost same life span. Both Moscow Water Dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback has almost same litter size. Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Rhodesian Ridgeback requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
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Russia
Zimbabwe
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
7 - 10
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
African Lion Dog
Colors Available:
dark brown to black, black
wheaten, tan, Fawn
Coat:
double coat
Short, smooth, glossy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low 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.

rhodesian ridgebackKnown as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.

The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.

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.

rhodesian ridgeback puppy - descriptionPerhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.

He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.

Temperament:

In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.

He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.

He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.

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.

rhodesian ridgeback dog - characteristicsYour Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.

He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.

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

rhodesian ridgeback puppies - health problemsRhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.

If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.

Bloat:

For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.

Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.

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:

rhodesian ridgeback dogs - caringThe Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.

He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.

Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.

If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.

It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.

They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Moscow Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
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  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison