South Russian OvcharkaCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed's ancestors are thought to be bearded, harsh-haired dogs brought from Spain to the southern steppes together with fine-wool (Merino) sheep, as mentioned in volume XXVI (1830, Saint Petersburg) of the collected laws of the Russian Empire. These dogs, similar to today's Gos d’Atura Català, mated with local sheepdogs and sighthounds and spread across southern Russia. In 1867 the “Russian sheepdog” won a gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition.

True selection began in 1898 in Crimea, at Askania-Nova, the estate of Baron Friedrich von Falz-Fein, who gave it its modern features and the name “South Russian sheepdog”. Crosses with local sighthounds increased its size and made white dominant. The first official standard was approved in the USSR in the early 1930s.

How the breed developed

• Early 19th century – Dogs are brought from Spain with Merino sheep.
• 1867 – A gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition.
• 1898 – Selection begins at Askania-Nova.
• Early 1930s – The first official standard.
• 30 September 1983 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.

It is a large dog with an elongated, wedge-shaped head. The standard says crosses with sighthounds gave it a lighter build, a slightly flattened chest, a tucked-up belly and more pronounced angulation of the hind legs. It adapts easily to different climates and is very hardy.

General appearance

The coat is abundant, almost the same length on the head, body, legs and tail, at least 10 cm long, harsh, dense and shaggy, slightly wavy. On the head it forms eyebrows, a moustache and a beard, and males preferably have a mane.

The standard accepts white, white with a yellowish tinge, white with grey patches, wheaten or pale ivory, grey and pale ivory. Grey and ivory dogs may have a white stripe on the head and white patches on the neck. The final colour appears at around 18–24 months.

The standard describes it as balanced, self-confident and independent, devoted to its owner but distrustful and aloof with strangers. It is a perfect guardian, both of flocks and of its owner and their property.

It needs an experienced owner, early socialisation and calm, consistent training.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it early. It is aloof with strangers.
• Be calm and firm. It is independent.
• Supervise visits. It guards its home.
• Do not choose it as a first dog. It calls for experience.

As a flock guardian, it does not need intense running, but space, daily walks and a territory to guard.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a large fenced yard.
• Brush it often so it does not get matted.
• Not suited to a flat.

Coat and skin care

The long, shaggy coat must be brushed and combed regularly so that it does not mat, especially during moulting. The hair-covered eyes and the beard are cleaned often.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any large breed, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Ask for the parents' hip tests.
• Clean the area around the eyes often.
• Do not let it run after a meal.

A large guard dog needs good-quality food suited to its size and activity.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Large-breed puppies need special food.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Spanish ancestors. The dogs came from Spain with Merino sheep.
• A medal in Paris. Gold at the 1867 World Exhibition.
• The Askania-Nova estate. Baron Falz-Fein shaped the modern breed.
• The white comes from sighthounds. Crosses with local sighthounds made white dominant.
• The colour appears late. At around 18–24 months.

Is it a good guard dog?

Yes; the standard calls it a perfect guardian.

What colour is it?

Mainly white, sometimes grey or ivory.

How big does it get?

Males measure at least 66 cm and weigh at least 35 kg.

Is it suited to beginners?

No; it needs an experienced owner.