South Russian Ovcharka

A South Russian Ovcharka, also known as a Ukrainian Ovcharka, or South Russian Sheepdog, is a large, long-haired (12 centimeters), whitesheepdog. Breeders have not yet developed a precise theory of the dog's origins. However, it is agreed that its ancestors lived in the Crimea region between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.Standing about 36 inches tall it has a long head, with dangling, small, triangular ears. Its coat consists of long, usually white (although sometimes white with yellow, or with shades of grey), thick coarse hair, that is bushy and slightly wavy.

Russian Sheepdog circa 1915

An undemanding dog, it can adapt to most weather conditions.

History

Caucasian Shepherd Dog, is a purely protection dog. He has no herding instincts whatsoever, but has extremely strong guarding instincts. He will not take kindly to strangers and could be a danger to other dogs if he does not know them well.

It is a fact that Livestock Guardian dogs view other dogs as potential predators and will attack.

The Soviet Union claimed these dogs as indigenous to Russia, though it is more likely that they originated in Turkey, since the Turks had control of the region before the Russian Revolution.

There seem to be various types of this breed still in existence in their native land, but the Soviet government under Stalin favoured the big boned, heavier type which is recognised in kennel clubs all over the world today.

Some early breeders attempted to improve the temperament of the breed by crossing them with the St Bernard, Sarplaninac, and the Leonberger,though none of these experiments produced the dog they were looking for.

The breed is famous for accompanying Soviet soldiers during the cold war and were used to patrol the Berlin Wall in East Germany.

Unlike other livestock guardian dogs, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a very high prey drive as well as a strong guarding instinct. They were not only required to defend their flock, they were required to chase and kill potential predators.

Unfortunately, many breeders today are still breeding for that original temperament, though they may not tell that to potential buyers. This sort of deception will only end in disaster for both the owner and the dog, who will likely end up in a rescue centre of euthanised. 

South Russian Ovcharka

Other names	Ioujnorousskaïa Ovtcharka South Russian Sheepdog Ukrainian Ovcharka Yuzhak South Ukrainian Ovcharka South Russian Shepherd Dog
Country of origin	Ukraine, Russia
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Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)