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South Russian Ovcharka Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, Traits & More

Written by: Lorre Luther

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Dogster Team

South Russian shepherd dog on snowy slope

South Russian Ovcharka Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, Traits & More

South Russian Ovcharkas are gorgeous large dogs with herding and guarding heritage. The lean and muscular dogs have stunning, thick, shaggy double coats that come in hues of white and gray. They have wedge-shaped heads and small ears that sit close to their heads. They’re also known as South Russian Shepherd Dogs.

Breed Overview

Height:

24–26 inches (minimum)

Weight:

108–115 pounds

Lifespan:

8–12 years

Colors:

White, white with light gray speckles, white and yellow, and gray

Suitable for:

Experienced dog owners with plenty of space who are interested in a steadfast guardian

Temperament:

Independent, loyal, observant, and sometimes standoffish

South Russian Ovcharkas are friendly and laid-back around their people, but the powerful dogs can also be incredibly independent. While most enjoy spending lots of time with their human family members, South Russian Ovcharkas are also happy to hang out alone.

They’re excellent guard dogs who naturally keep an eye on what’s happening around them. They’re restrained and watchful but can spring into action with stunning power and agility when called upon to do so.

South Russian Ovcharkas Breed Characteristics

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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South Russian Ovcharkas Breed Puppies

Russian Ovcharka puppy
Image Credit: Monica Martinez Do-Allo, Shutterstock

The chances of finding South Russian Ovcharka puppies at a shelter are pretty slim, so be prepared to spend a bit of time looking for and evaluating breeders. Veterinarians and breed clubs can sometimes provide solid information about reputable places to look for South Russian Ovcharka puppies.

Dog shows also provide plenty of opportunities to get information about and meet breeders.

South Russian Ovcharka puppies benefit from consistent training and socialization that starts when they’re young. They are smart and independent, so they’re often inclined to do their own thing.

Early training makes it easier to train your dog when they grow into an adult and makes learning new commands far easier. South Russian Ovcharkas are less than enthusiastic about meeting new people and can sometimes be dominant around other dogs, so good, solid, consistent socialization is critical to ensure the puppies grow into good canine citizens.

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Temperament & Intelligence of the South Russian Ovcharka Dog

South Russian Ovcharkas were bred to guard and herd, and they can be feisty and standoffish with strangers. They’re generally reasonably affectionate with their human family members and bond deeply with those who spend the most time with them.

They can be relatively relaxed when around people they love but almost always remain aware of their surroundings and ready to deal definitively with threats. While they enjoy spending time with their loved ones, they also enjoy spending time on their own. They can be unwelcoming towards people they don’t know without consistent socialization and expectation setting.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

South Russian Ovcharkas can be good with children, provided they’ve had lots of training and solid, consistent socialization. However, families with young children may want to select another breed since they’re protective of their family and could get aggressive around other children if they play rough.

Owner playing with her dog
Image Credit: Nadezhda Zaitceva, Shutterstock

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

South Russian Ovcharka dogs can be dominant and strong-willed. They’re independent, which means they’re not always fans of being around other dogs, but with lots of training and consistent socialization, some do fine with canine companions.

Ovcharkas that grow up with other pets are more likely to get along with them.

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Things to Know When Owning a South Russian Ovcharka Dog

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

South Russian Ovcharkas do best when eating commercial diets designed to meet their life stage and size requirements. Puppies need different nutrients than adult dogs and should eat food specially formulated for them.

Large breeds like South Russian Ovcharkas have special nutritional needs as adults and puppies and should stick with formulas designed to meet their specific requirements when it comes to calories and nutrients.

Products with an American Association Feed Control Officials statement of nutritional adequacy have all the nutrients puppies and dogs need for optimal health. Veterinary guidance should always be sought when choosing foods for South Russian Ovcharkas. It ensures that whatever they eat is appropriate for their health and wellness needs.

Exercise 🐕

South Russian Ovcharkas require lots of exercise but can also be calm when hanging out with the family, particularly when getting sufficient physical activity. Most do best when they can spend lots of time outdoors, and they enjoy having access to fenced yards where they can move around with ease and burn off energy when they please.

Because they have such high activity needs, they thrive in large homes and environments where they can spend time outside with their favorite people. They require long daily walks and need to cover plenty of miles to stay happy and healthy.

Obedient young South Russian Shepherd dog posing outdoors with a stone
Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock

Training 🎾

South Russian Ovcharkas are relatively easy to train since they’re intelligent and learn quickly. They require solid training to ensure they can behave themselves appropriately around strangers in novel situations.

Training methods involving positive reinforcement are ideal; punishment can lead to increased canine aggression. Negative reinforcement techniques can make the dogs dislike training, which can make it harder for them to learn.

Grooming ✂️

South Russian Ovcharkas have double coats with dense, thick fur. They shed year-round, but the shedding kicks into high gear when it starts to get warm outside. Most require daily brushing to ensure their coats stay manageable.

Regular professional grooming sessions can also keep their coats looking good. Since they have short, hairy ears, they benefit from regular ear inspections to ensure they’re wax and moisture-free. Regular nail trims are also required, and their teeth should be brushed at least a few times a week with dog-friendly toothpaste.

Young South Russian Shepherd dog posing outdoors
Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions🏥

Large dogs like South Russian Ovcharkas are prone to developing certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, bloat, dilated cardiomyopathy, and arthritis.

Minor Conditions
  • Arthritis
Serious Conditions:
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • DCM
  • Arthritis – Large dogs are at increased risk of developing arthritis as they age, in part because they frequently have hip and elbow problems, which can lead to further joint issues.
  • Hip dysplasia – Hip dysplasia is a condition in which dogs’ bones and cartilage begin to wear down due to loose joints. Arthritis often develops, and dogs frequently have trouble getting around. There appears to be a genetic factor involved, and large-breed dogs are more inclined to develop the problem than smaller ones. There are various treatment options, including surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
  • Bloat – Bloat is a condition where a dog’s stomach becomes stretched by food or gas, and the blood flow is cut off. Tissue death can occur, and the condition can even cause dogs to have trouble breathing. When dogs are severely bloated, their stomachs can twist, resulting in gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), which is an emergency (and quite painful for dogs.) Eating large amounts of food quickly and exercising too soon after eating can increase an Ovcharka’s risk of developing the condition.
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – Dogs with DCM have enlarged hearts that don’t pump blood efficiently. The condition usually takes time to develop, and there aren’t many signs until the condition has progressed. There’s no cure for DCM, and the treatment is aimed at management. Medication is recommended, along with dietary changes, to keep the condition under control.

Male vs Female

Male South Russian Ovcharkas are much larger than females. Males are described as stronger and more daring than females, and they generally have larger heads. Neutering dogs generally reduces sex-hormone-driven behavior such as mounting, and neutered dogs are often less aggressive than their intact counterparts.

Spaying prevents female dogs from going into heat, and it can prevent dogs from developing breast cancer and some uterine conditions. Neutered male dogs are essentially free from the risk of developing testicular cancer.

South Russian Shepherd Dog is eating dog food from bowl at home in a kitchen
Image Credit: Nadezhda Zaitceva, Shutterstock

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3 Little-Known Facts About the South Russian Ovcharka

1. They’re alleged to be direct descendants of wolves.

There are several dog breeds that people claim have wolf origin. However, this is often difficult to prove definitively. But you can add the South Russian Ovcharka to the list of dogs who might have had a great-great-great-great wolf grandparent.


2. They are banned in Denmark.

The South Russian Ovcharka is one of 13 dogs that have been banned from Denmark due to past incidents of aggression. It is illegal to own, breed, or import this breed into the country. If you are bringing this dog to another country and need to transit to Denmark, the dog must not leave their crate (except for needing to drink, eat, and relieve themselves while on a leash).


3. There are three Ovcharka breeds.

In addition to the South Russian Ovcharka, there is also the Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka) and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka). The Caucasian Shepherd is the largest of the Ovcharka breeds, reaching up to 170 pounds.

Beautiful fluffy south russian shepherd dog laying on green grass at sunset
Image Credit: Callipso88, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

South Russian Ovcharkas are large herding dogs with an ancient past. They were historically used for herding and guarding livestock. They’re active and independent, and most are loyal and devoted to the people they love, but they’re not terribly interested in making new friends or dealing with strangers.

They’re reasonably laid back and happy to spend time alone, but they’re ready to spring into action to defend loved ones or fend off intruders. Because of their size, intelligence, and independence, they do best with experienced dog owners.


Featured Image Credit: Photobac, Shutterstock

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