Pet Healthipedia

Other names/Nicknames:

• Iuzjnorusskaja Owtcharka
• South Russian Sheepdog

Country/Date of origin:

• Russia
• 1700’s

Height:

• From 26 inches

Weight:

• 110 to 140 pounds

Personality:

• Fierce, strong, guard dog.
• Very intelligent.
• Suspicious and aggressive toward strangers.

History:

This is a large, aggressive, livestock-guarding dog that originated in the Crimean and Ukrainian regions of Russia.  These dogs were relied upon to protect the flocks from wolves and robbers and were left on their own to perform this function.  In more recent times they have been used to keep prisoners from leaving gulags and have proven to be excellent military guard dogs.

Body Type:

• Resembles an oversized Briard.
• The long tail is carried low with a slight kink at the tip (as found in the Briard).  It is not altered.
• The ears are often cropped, and the abundant hair gives the same appearance as the Briard.  If not cropped, the ears hang close to the head.

Coat:

• A thick, double coat that is water resistant.
• Coat is abundant and about six-inches long.
• White is the most common color.  Cream, pale lemon, or gray is also allowed.
• Requires extensive grooming, especially when shedding.

Health and Wellness:

• Subject to hip dysplasia.
• Generally robust.
• Not suited to hot climates.

What you should know:

• Owtcharka means sheepdog in Russian.
• Pronounce it of-charka as the Russians do.  Plural is Owtcharki.
• Will be difficult to obtain.
• Obedience training is recommended.
• Needs plenty of room.