COUNTRY: USSR
HEIGHT 23'/2-251/2 inches minimum; usually larger
COAT: Short and thick
COLOR: Black, white, gray or brindle; with or without white markings
OTHER NAMES: Mid-Asian Shepherd
GROUP: Flock Guard
The ancient home of the Middle Asian Owtch-arka is east of the Urals into Siberia and even Mongolia. There he has aided and protected the nomadic tribes and their flocks for centuries. But modern changes in lifestyles have reduced the numbers of this breed. The best modern examples are in the Turkmen Republic, although he can be found in the Republics of Uzbek, Tad-zhik, Kazakhstan and Kirgiz. He has never been exhibited nor been established outside mid-Russia.
Most are similar to the largest and thickest set of the Caucasian dogs, and they not only have their ears lopped off short, but have their tails bobbed as well. Many feel he resembles his ancestor, the Tibetan Mastiff, because of his thick skin with neck folds and facial wrinkles. He also comes in a variety of colors, but especially black. He is well adapted to the heat and scarce water conditions of Central Asia. Because of his strength and bravery he is sometimes used in hunting boar or snow leopards. In some areas he has been crossed with local Borzois to create a shepherd that seconds as a hunter. These crosses tend to be more refined in bone.
HEIGHT 23'/2-251/2 inches minimum; usually larger
COAT: Short and thick
COLOR: Black, white, gray or brindle; with or without white markings
OTHER NAMES: Mid-Asian Shepherd
GROUP: Flock Guard
The ancient home of the Middle Asian Owtch-arka is east of the Urals into Siberia and even Mongolia. There he has aided and protected the nomadic tribes and their flocks for centuries. But modern changes in lifestyles have reduced the numbers of this breed. The best modern examples are in the Turkmen Republic, although he can be found in the Republics of Uzbek, Tad-zhik, Kazakhstan and Kirgiz. He has never been exhibited nor been established outside mid-Russia.
Most are similar to the largest and thickest set of the Caucasian dogs, and they not only have their ears lopped off short, but have their tails bobbed as well. Many feel he resembles his ancestor, the Tibetan Mastiff, because of his thick skin with neck folds and facial wrinkles. He also comes in a variety of colors, but especially black. He is well adapted to the heat and scarce water conditions of Central Asia. Because of his strength and bravery he is sometimes used in hunting boar or snow leopards. In some areas he has been crossed with local Borzois to create a shepherd that seconds as a hunter. These crosses tend to be more refined in bone.