It is commonly known that any army that cares about its reputation has highly-trained, deployable canine units. Holding itself and its power in high esteem, the former Soviet Union’s army did not settle with the training of dogs: they wanted to create their own breed that tolerates the harsh climate and unfavourable circumstances. The military spared no money and efforts in their endeavour to develop a new breed. In the beginning, they had to face a series of failures because they did not have a high-quality breeding stock. The Soviet regime felt rather embarrassed because after having sent astronauts to space, they were understandably expected to be able to cope with the simple task of creating a new breed of dog. Due to the failures, a number of experts working on the project ended up in Siberian work camps.
    Eventually, it was general Gregoriy Pantelenovich Medvedey on the Red Star military base on the outskirts of Moscow whose expertise and efforts helped the selection of the three breeds that had the desired properties: the Caucasian Ovcharka, the St. Bernard, and the Russian Spotted Hound. The general’s selection soon proved to be right. The Soviets received a breeding stock of several champion St. Bernards from the Germans, the Czechs and the Slovaks. The best Caucasian and Russian hounds were selected from all over Russia, then cross-bred with the imported St. Bernards. The payoff of the efforts was the new breed, the Moscow Watchdog.
    The new breed was in fact so promising that its existence was withheld from the public for a while. It was a large-size, strongly built dog with an excellent nose, resistance to diseases, and outstanding guarding characteristics. All these qualities were added to by an appealing appearance and the ability to endure the harsh Russian climate. Moscow Watchdogs were reliable and fearless guards of rocket launching sites and military airports. At military parades, the dogs were a spectacular sight on the Red Square and the pride of the army. The breed was allowed to be purchased by civilians only after the decline of the Soviet Empire.
    The first Moscow Watchdogs were brought to Hungary in 1986, and followed by others over the years. The breeders managed to establish and popularize the breed. Currently, about 500 Moscow Watchdogs can be found in Hungary, and the number is expected to multiply in the next few years. Club Karakán, the breed owner as well as the dozen committed breeders guarantee the future growth. In the former Soviet states, a great number of breeders continue to work with the breed, which ensures the future existence of the Moscow Watchdog. The dogs that are imported to Hungary from the former Soviet states largely improve the quality of the Hungarian stock and that is expected to lead to the significant increase in the number of Moscow Watchdogs.
    In today’s hectic world, it is important to have a family member who loves and protects our children as if its dearest treasures. Moscow Watchdogs are ready to protect the areas and the properties that are assigned to them even if it costs their lives. They know no fear or retreating when it comes to handling trespassers. Although these abilities are passed on from generation to generation, the Moscow Watchdogs do need the owners’ help in raising their puppies. Family and the protection of property are of primary importance to the dog: they are his mission. The dog’s intellectual capabilities and beautiful appearance delight the owner.
    Become a Moscow Watchdog owner and you, too, will experience the love, loyalty and genuine friendship this breed can give to people.