Overview
The Moscow Water Dog, also called the Moscow Diver, was a little-known breed bred in the Soviet Union for water work. It no longer exists.
It was produced only by the state-run Red Star Kennels and is remembered mostly as part of the Black Russian Terrier's ancestry.
History
After World War II the Soviet Union had few working dogs, so the Red Star Kennels, under Colonel G. P. Medvedev, created several breeds by crossing available stock. The Moscow Water Dog came from the Newfoundland, Caucasian Shepherd Dog and East European Shepherd.
The breeding programme was dropped because the dogs tended to attack drowning people instead of rescuing them. The breed was later used in developing the Black Russian Terrier.
Appearance
No reliable detailed description survives. Its Newfoundland and shepherd ancestry suggests a large, strong, water-loving dog.
Temperament
Records point to a strong, protective dog with a guarding instinct, which made it unsuitable for rescue work.
Care and exercise
The breed no longer exists, so there is no care to describe.
