South Russian Ovcharka, the White Russian Sheepdog

The South Russian Shepherd, generally known as South Russian Ovcharka or Russian Sheepdog, is a large white Russian dog that resembles an oversized Briard.  It is a strong and robust dog with a big head, relatively small hanging ears, oval-shaped dark eyes, and a large black nose.

Its muscular body is covered in a profuse, long-haired (four to six inches), and a water-resistant double coat which may have shades of gray or yellow. Though internationally recognized, this Russian dog breed is still rare outside of Russia and Ukraine, where its name Ovcharka (sheepdog in Russian) comes from.

South Russian Ovcharka

The history of the Russian Sheepdog can be traced back to 18th century Russia, where its ancestors lived in the region of Crimea.

It is still unclear whether this breed is a Russian native breed or it developed from various European sheepdogs that were used to drive flocks of sheep from Spain to Russia.  Anyway, it was bred very protective and territorial to become an excellent Russian guard dog, alongside with Caucasian Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Black Russian Terrier, Moscow Dog, and Russian German Shepherd.

Protecting sheep from wolves, bears, and thieves this white Russian dog was usually left on its own to perform this function.

During the communist revolution, the civil war, and World War II battles in Russia the main breeding kennels in Ukraine and Crimea were fully plundered and destroyed.  The South Russian Ovcharka was close to extinction until the 1950s when this Russian dog breed was little by little brought back up.

Family Guard Dog

The Russian Sheepdog is fierce and alert, suspicious toward strangers, and has a dominant personality. Its nature requires a large family, extensive property, and other animals this Russian guard dog can protect.  Compared to Caucasian dog and Central Asian dog the South Russian Shepherd is the most biddable of all Russian sheepdogs. It is extremely devoted to its family, does well with children and other pets it grew up with, and can be very affectionate.

This white Russian dog is generally healthy, though may suffer from some large dog health conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia. Its coat is shedding heavily twice a year and should be brushed often to avoid mats and tangles. The life expectancy for the Russian Sheepdog is 9-11 years. The South Russian Shepherd is not very demanding, but it is not for an inexperienced or spiritless owner. It needs a strong-minded leader who has enough patience and will to train it properly. The obedience training and socialization should begin early. This Russian dog breed is not so well suited for full-time in-house living and needs plenty of exercise.

Breed Names: Russian Sheepdog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd, South Russian Sheepdog, South Russian Ovcharka, Yuzhnorusskaya Ovcharka, Ioujnorousskaïa Ovtcharka, South Russian Ovtcharka, Yuzhak, SRO, Russian: Южнорусская овчарка

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Russian Sheepdog's Breed Standard
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