American Canine Association

Breeds

South Russian Ovtcharka


History

Taking part in the "Giant Breed" list of breeds, the South Russian Ovtcharka is a very large breed that is used to guard flocks of sheep and goats from large, dangerous predators on the land. This breed is centuries old so there is little information documented as to what exact bloodlines make up this magnificent breed. This breed is very popular today and still used for flock guarding.

Appearance

Males standing at a surprising 30-33 inches in height with females standing 25-30 inches in height and males weighing in between 145-190 pounds in weight with females weighing in between 125-150 in weight. This breed is off the charts compared to your typical companion dog in size. Built solid, hardy, extremely large and muscular. The South Russian Ovtcharka has a broad, wedge shaped head with a wide muzzle that is short and comes to an immediate stop. Two short, triangular ears come directly out of their head to a complete stop, appearing almost cropped to the untrained eye. A thick, double layer coat covers their body, with longer hair on their tail. The coat is medium length and available in different shades of fawn, tan and black, white and tan, white and brindle, brindle, and other color combinations.

Temperament

This breed is not a breed meant for everyone. Requiring a firm and consistent owner who is able to remain pack leader, the South Russian Ovtcharka is very strong willed, determined, driven and loyal to its flock and immediate family. Guaranteed to guard your property and home, this breed will become extremely protective. Only recommended for adult households with no other canines or non canine pets, this breed belongs only on farm land and not within any apartment or home confined. This breed requires a daily walk along with other outdoor activities to remain mentally and physically healthy and happy. Rules and boundaries must be set at a very young age so the dog will obey these as they grow to a very large size.

Grooming

This breed does shed. Daily brushing and bathing when needed. Regular professional grooming required.

Special Notes

Please fully educate yourself about the South Russian Ovtcharka prior to adding one to your family to ensure a life long commitment both physically and financially to your new pet. This breed requires a properly fenced in yard at all times while outdoors. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders. Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2017. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.

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