South russian ovcharka

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog south russian ovcharka!

Here, you will find all the useful information about south russian ovcharka. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

The Russian Shepherd Dog, also known as the "Youjak", is a breed of sheepdog developed in the 19th century in Russia and the Ukraine, mainly in the Crimea region. These courageous dogs have no qualms about facing down wolves and bears to protect their flocks.

The exact origin of the Russian Shepherd is still debated, but it is probably the result of a cross between several Soviet shepherds, notably the Tartarian Shepherd and the Asturian Shepherd. Some even claim that it could be descended from the Matin Du Tibet or the Siberian Wolf.

Sadly, the breed has come close to extinction on several occasions, including during the destruction of the Askania Nova nature reserve in Ukraine and during the Russian Revolution, as well as during the Second World War. Fortunately, a few dedicated breeders managed to safeguard and develop the breed in Ukraine.

The Russian Shepherd was the first Russian sheepdog to be officially recognised by the FCI on 30 September 1983, and the official breed standard was last updated on 22 August 2017.

Physically imposing, Russian Shepherd Dogs exude great power and solidity. Despite their size, they are elegant and agile in their movements, with well developed muscles. They have strong, solid legs, a deep chest and a broad, muscular back. Its head is massive and proportionate to its body, with a slightly pronounced stop. Their coat is long, thick, dense and slightly wavy, and is mainly white, yellowish or shades of grey.

The character of the Russian Shepherd is typical of sheepdogs: gentle and affectionate towards his family, protective and vigilant towards his environment. Balanced and lively, they enjoy the occasional play session and are generally easy to train. However, they have a strong guarding instinct and will not hesitate to defend their loved ones if they sense the slightest danger.

Calm and self-assured, the Russian Shepherd represents quiet strength. Although they are fairly independent, they remain tender dogs that are close to their families.

The average weight of a male Russian Shepherd is around 60 kg (132 lb), while that of a female is around 45 kg (99 lb). Males are between 65 and 75 cm (25" to 29") tall and females between 62 and 75 cm (24" to 29"). With its fascinating history and exceptional qualities, the Russian Shepherd continues to be a much-loved and respected sheepdog in Russia and the Ukraine, as well as in other parts of the world.

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Origins

The Russian Shepherd, also known as the Russian Shepherd, includes several breeds such as the Eastern European Shepherd, the Caucasian Shepherd, and the Central Asian Shepherd. These dogs were developed in Russia and neighboring countries mainly for herding and protection against predators. They are descended from indigenous dogs in these regions, crossed with imported working breeds to reinforce certain characteristics such as size, strength, and endurance.

History

The origins of the Russian Shepherd date back several centuries when these robust dogs were used by shepherds in the region to protect herds from large predators such as wolves. Over time, their role expanded to include property protection and as service dogs for the army and police. During the Soviet period, these breeds were formalized and standardized to enhance their working abilities.

Standard

The Russian Shepherd Dog must be a robust dog, of large size, with a massive bone structure and well-developed musculature. The standard does not specify a particular breed but includes the common characteristics of Caucasian Shepherds, Eastern European Shepherds, and Central Asian Shepherds. Criteria include a strong head, dark and expressive eyes, and medium-sized ears that either hang or are semi-erect.

Physical characteristics

Russian Shepherds are large dogs, with males typically measuring between 68 and 75 cm at the withers and females slightly smaller. Their coat can be of medium to long length with a dense undercoat to protect them from harsh climates. Typical colors include black, gray, white, fawn, and brindled. Their appearance is imposing and exudes a strong presence.

Character

These dogs are known for their courage, loyalty, and ability to protect. Although they may be reserved with strangers, they are generally affectionate with their family. The Russian Shepherd is intelligent and can be quite independent, requiring a firm and patient approach to training.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Russian Shepherd usually ranges from 10 to 12 years.

Exercise and activity needs

These dogs require a lot of daily exercise to stay in shape, at least one to two hours per day. They benefit from various activities such as walking, jogging, and retrieval games. Mental exercise is also important, with training sessions to stimulate them intellectually.

Recommended diet

The Russian Shepherd requires a high-quality diet, rich in protein to support their large size and level of activity. An adult may require between 500 and 700 grams of dry food per day, depending on their weight and activity level. The monthly cost of food can range from 60 to 100 euros, depending on the brand and type of food chosen.

Training and obedience

The training of the Russian Shepherd must begin early and be consistent. They respond well to reward-based training but require a firm hand due to their size and independence. Obedience training and socialization are crucial to managing their distrust of strangers and strong will.

Behavior with children

With proper socialization and training, these dogs can be excellent companions for children. They are protective and often patient, but their large size requires supervision when interacting with young children to avoid accidental incidents.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Russian Shepherd can coexist with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. However, their predator instinct may emerge in the presence of small animals, so caution is recommended.

Grooming needs

The grooming of the Russian Shepherd is moderately demanding. They require regular brushing, at least twice a week, to maintain their coat in good condition and reduce shedding. During shedding periods, daily brushing may be necessary.

Health

Russian Shepherds are generally healthy, but like all large breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as heart problems. Regular check-ups at the vet and attention to their diet and exercise can help prevent these issues.

Average price

The purchase price of a Russian Shepherd puppy can vary significantly depending on the lineage, parentage titles, and location, but generally, prices range between 800 and 2000 euros.

Expenses

Monthly expenses for a Russian Shepherd include food, veterinary care, grooming, and insurance. These costs can range from 100 to 200 euros per month, depending on the level of care and lifestyle.

Name ideas

For a Russian Shepherd, strong and meaningful names fit well. Some suggestions are: Boris, Ivan, Natasha, Misha, Zara, Kira, Yuri, Sasha, Lara, and Nikita.

Legislation and regulation

In France, the Russian Shepherd is not classified as a dangerous breed. However, owners must comply with local regulations regarding registration, vaccination, and leashing in public places.

Official recognition

The Russian Shepherd is recognized by several international cynological organizations, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) for some of its component breeds such as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Each country may have its own organizations that recognize these dogs.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for the Russian Shepherd are available through various recognized breed clubs. In France, this may include specific clubs for the Caucasian and Central Asian Shepherd. Other countries, such as Russia and Germany, also have their own recognized breed clubs.

Destination and usage

Historically used for herding and protection, Russian Shepherds are now employed in various roles including property protection, police work, and as companions. They are also valued in dog sports such as obedience and tracking.

Prohibitions

There are no specific restrictions on the Russian Shepherd dog at the international level, but some countries or cities may impose restrictions on owning large dogs or specifically guard breeds. It is important to check local legislation before acquiring a dog.

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