COUNTRY: Russia
WEIGHT: 110-155 pounds
HEIGHT: 25-26 inches minimum; 30-34 inches usual
COAT: Long, dense, silky with woolen undercoat
COLOR: Pure white; white with head spots in shades of fawn or gray
OTHER KAMES: Ovtcharka de Russie
Meridionale, South Russian Sheepdog
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Flock Guard
In the inhospitable elevations of the mountains, a larger and heavier coated dog evolved. This giant pastoral guarding breed has a long history in the steppes of the Ukraine in European Russia. The old-style Owtcharka, originally with a heavy-corded coat, probably stemmed from large dogs of a similar type from Tibet or elsewhere in the East. These dogs were brought west with the migrations centuries before Christ. Some were left in the Ukraine, while others accompanied the nomads further west into Hungary to form the basis of the Komondor.
In 1797, shepherds' dogs were brought to the Ukraine from Spain with imported merino sheep, but proved too small (at 20 inches) and weak to protect the flocks from the Russian wolves. These Spanish dogs were crossed with the original corded Owtcharkas to begin the breed now known as the South Russian Ow-tcharka.
In the early part of this century, representatives of the breed were brought to England via Baltic trade ships. Some reached the USA and enjoyed a brief stay in AKCs Miscellaneous Class. Not long after that they disappeared into the Russian interior and were lost to the West. Those at home became scarce as well, although a few are seen at the larger dog shows in Russia. The majority in their homeland are bred by the Red Army, who found the breed useful for guard work. They are often left to guard isolated facilities or industrial plants, or used on duty with troops. The military, naturally, selects the more aggressive tendencies and forbids the exportation of these dogs.
Recently, several of these closely guarded white giants have been secreted out of Russia, reintroducing them to Europe and the West. A Swiss couple, who own three of these Owtcharki and praise their qualities, encountered "James Bond" adventures smuggling their dogs out of Moscow and Leningrad. They emphasize that, although not as aggressive as the Red Army dogs, this breed is extremely protective and intelligent, requiring a strong-minded "alpha" owner. They have a quicker trigger than many other guardian breeds, giving very little warning before attacking when they perceive danger to their owner. With a firm, but loving hand and proper early socialization, the breed can be a desirable companion and guardian. But a breeder warns this animal is not for a novice or timid dog owner: "You can spoil this breed into a murderer."
He does require sizeable outdoor room, not only for adequate exercise, but because "he needs a kingdom to keep intruders out." Modern Russian owners say he is ever vigilant, "although it may seem that his eyes are closed, he does see everything." The modern SRO, although his coat is long, shaggy and profuse, does not cord like the old-style Owtcharka. It does need extensive grooming to maintain his appearance and good health. His speed is amazing for a dog of giant size, and he has lightning reflexes. The Swiss have found this dog to be a natural as Katastrophen Hund, a dog used in emergencies, such as finding avalanche victims or persons trapped in earthquake rubble.