meet the...South Russian Ovtcharka
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 10: Pastoral and Stock Dog Breeds
Sub-group :
Origin Country Ukraine
Weight Males: 108-115 pounds. Females: 108-115 pounds.
Height Males: 25-26 inches. Females: 24-25 inches.
Other Name(s) ioujnorousskaia Ovtcharka, South Russian Ovcharka, South Russian Ovtcharka, SOUTH RUSSIAN OWTCHARKA, South Russian Sheepdog, South Russian Shepherd Dog
Breed Type Pure
click here for FULL BREED STANDARD
Origins
The South Russian Ovcharka breed is an ancient pastoral dog that, like many other Ovcharkas and large pastoral breeds, is believed to have descended from ancient Eurasian Ovcharka-type dogs that were brought to Ukraine by the various nomadic tribes that followed vast herds. For thousands of years, these dogs accompanied migrant shepherds, working closely with and protecting their herds from such predators as wolves and Eurasian brown bears. Dogs were traded to local people throughout the ancient migration paths and trade routes, and for that reason, these large protection dogs can be found from the Caspian Sea to China, throughout Southern Ural, and all the way to Afghanistan, permeating all the surrounding areas as well.
Eventually, rough-haired shepherds’ hounds were brought to Russia to accompany the vast herds of Merino sheep from the Spanish Steppes. These Spanish dogs were crossed to the larger Ovcharkas and produced a shaggy, large, agile pastoral guardian that became a staple throughout the Ukraine and surrounding areas.Breed Characteristics
Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is shaped like an elongated wedge, narrowing slightly from the broader skull to the nose. It exhibits good bone and substance. The topskull is broad, with width (measured across the top in front of the ears) being equal to or just slightly less than the length (from occiput to stop). The topskull, when felt, is broad and flat. The superciliary ridges are slightly defined. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond shape, and light to dark brown in color, with preference given to darker eye colors. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium to somewhat large in size. Set somewhat low on the skull, with the base falling level with or just below the eyes. They are triangles in shape and drop into pendants. Erect ears or semi-erect ears are incorrect. The ears should hang fairly close to the head.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level. It is truncated, wide, and somewhat rectangular throughout, with very little taper from the base to the nose. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, and are never snipey or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. Seasonal fading, or “snow” or “winter” nose, is permissible. The nostrils are well opened. The nose is flush with the vertical line of the end of the muzzle.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for good head carriage and powerfully muscled with a moderate arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well developed without being excessively pronounced.
Body: Substantial, solid, and powerful, yet agile. The body is never racy or refined or heavy and cloddy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually down in a neutral position but never high over the back or tucked. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be almost straight, gently curved, sabered, or sickled, all with a curve or “hook” at the end.
Movement: The South Russian Ovtcharka breed is surprisingly agile and light in movement. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The South Russian Ovtcharka breed is a rugged and tough dog. Their low-key demeanor and even temper often give them the impression of being lazy and unaware. Their coat makes them appear somewhat goofy. However, under the fluff is a fast, powerful, and agile dog. Not having been used for much else than flock guardian work for thousands of years, they still retain their guarding instincts and independent personality. With that combination of temperament traits, they are quite capable of discerning a friend from a foe and acting accordingly. For this reason, coupled with their size, it is recommended that they be well-socialized and well-trained from puppyhood to ensure that they maintain the ability to discern danger from safety. To those who know and love them, they are a loyal and affectionate companion. Indifference or reservation around strangers is not out of character for a mature individual and should not be penalized. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 10: Pastoral and Stock Dog Breeds
Proportions: Somewhat off-square to slightly rectangular, with the length of the body measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being just slightly greater than the height at the withers. The ideal body length is between 10 to 12% greater than the body height, or with the body length being equal to, or up to 8% greater than, the body height. The ideal body-height-to-length ratio is between 1:1 and 5:4. Females may be slightly longer. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance and solid, sturdy (yet never overly heavy) bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. Although the South Russian Ovcharka is a medium-large to large dog, he is not a giant breed. They should appear substantial yet agile. Heaviness or cloddiness should be avoided. The weight of males or females is in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is shaped like an elongated wedge, narrowing slightly from the broader skull to the nose. It exhibits good bone and substance. The topskull is broad, with width (measured across the top in front of the ears) being equal to or just slightly less than the length (from occiput to stop). The topskull, when felt, is broad and flat. The superciliary ridges are slightly defined. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Expression: Self-confident, capable, watchful, and alert.
Stop: Slightly defined, never overly steep.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is approximately 5:6, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level. It is truncated, wide, and somewhat rectangular throughout, with very little taper from the base to the nose. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, and are never snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are well-pigmented, fairly clean, and fit rather tightly over the teeth and jaws. The lips should never extend beyond the lower plane of the bottom jawline. They are dry, never wet and loose, and don’t exhibit excessive drooling.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. Seasonal fading, or “snow” or “winter” nose, is permissible. The nostrils are well opened. The nose is flush with the vertical line of the end of the muzzle.
Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and powerfully muscled. The zygomatic arches are broad, and the cheeks give the face substance, breadth, and depth.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond shape, and light to dark brown in color, with preference given to darker eye colors. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium to somewhat large in size. Set somewhat low on the skull, with the base falling level with or just below the eyes. They are triangles in shape and drop into pendants. Erect ears or semi-erect ears are incorrect. The ears should hang fairly close to the head.
Body and Tail
General Description: Substantial, solid, and powerful, yet agile. The body is never racy or refined or heavy and cloddy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for good head carriage and powerfully muscled with a moderate arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well developed without being excessively pronounced.
Topline: Straight and level from withers to loin, then arching at the loin, which is equal to or just slightly higher than the point of the withers. The back is long, allowing for adequate brisket length below, broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: Broad, powerful, and gently sloped, and is equal in height to the withers or just 1-2 cm higher.
Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually down in a neutral position but never high over the back or tucked. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be almost straight, gently curved, sabered, or sickled, all with a curve or “hook” at the end.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are fairly long and approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The height at the elbows equals approximately 52-55% of the total height of the dog.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of strong and sturdy bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are long, equal in length, strong, of strong and study bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one paw-length behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Abundant medium-long double shaggy coat with coarse, dense, weather-resistant outer coat almost the same length throughout the head, neck (males have a thicker mane than females on neck, chest, and shoulders), body, limbs, and tail. The outer coat may be straight to slightly wavy. The undercoat is short, thick, and protective. The head coat exhibits moderate furnishings of the brow, mustache, and beard.
Coat Color or Pattern: Solid white, or white, white, or ivory with cream, biscuit, yellow, straw, ash gray, or gray speckled.
Movement
The South Russian Ovtcharka breed is surprisingly agile and light in movement. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The South Russian Ovtcharka breed is a rugged and tough dog. Their low-key demeanor and even temper often give them the impression of being lazy and unaware. Their coat makes them appear somewhat goofy. However, under the fluff is a fast, powerful, and agile dog. Not having been used for much else than flock guardian work for thousands of years, they still retain their guarding instincts and independent personality. With that combination of temperament traits, they are quite capable of discerning a friend from a foe and acting accordingly. For this reason, coupled with their size, it is recommended that they be well-socialized and well-trained from puppyhood to ensure that they maintain the ability to discern danger from safety. To those who know and love them, they are a loyal and affectionate companion. Indifference or reservation around strangers is not out of character for a mature individual and should not be penalized. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper, healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
