South Russian Ovcharka

Overview

Breed Group: Not AKC Recognized
Weight: 108 - 110 lbs
Height: 24 - 25 inches
Color(s): Mainly white but also white and yellow, straw color, grayish (ashen gray) and other shades of gray; white lightly marked with gray, gray speckled

The South Russian Ovcharka is not for everyone. This very large breed can be dominant, wary of strangers, and is very lively making him difficult to care for. He is a great guardian breed however and would do well guarding cattle or flocks of sheep.

Character - Temperament

Character

The South Russian Ovcharka has the tendency to show dominant behavior, so he needs a more dominant owner to train him. This breed needs extensive socialization at an early stage to avoid any aggression problems due to his dominant nature.

Temperament

Protective, possessive, but obedient, this breed does not do well in the average household. He is good with other animals, however he should not be trusted around small and very passive pets. The South Russian Ovcharka requires acreage to thrive. If not given proper work and stimulation, this breed will become very bored making him a tyrant.

Care - Coat

Care

The coat of this breed requires daily brushing down to the undercoat. As this breed is very active, his coat has the tendency to become matted quickly. Around the mouth should be cleaned daily.

Coat

The South Russian Ovcharka has a thick doublecoat. The coat should be long, thick, dense, and somewhat coarse. The undercoat should be soft, thick, and well developed.

Training

The South Russian Ovcharka requires firm and consistent training as he can be very independent and can have a short attention span. Given a dominant trainer/handler, this breed can do exceptionally well.

Activity

The South Russian Ovcharka requires a large area, most likely acreage. He should be given a job, preferably guarding animals. This breed will not do well in an apartment or the average household.