South Russian Ovcharka
- SIZE: 9
- GROOMING:: 5
- EXERCISE NEEDS: 4
- GOOD WITH DOGS: 3
- WATCHDOG: 4
- BREED: South Russian Ovcharka
- COLOR(S):White, white and yellow, or gray.
DESCRIPTION
The South Russian Sheepdog is a robust, lean dog with massive bone structure and strongly developed musculature. It is a large, muscular, powerful dog. It is assertive, strong-willed, and courageous. It’s a fearless dog with the ability to protect the family. Originally the South Russian Sheepdog was used for both herding and protection against predators, highly praised for its abilities. This is not a breed for the timid owner; it needs firm obedience training.
TEMPERAMENT
The South Russian Sheepdog is a very brave, alert, strong and hardy dog breed. This dog has a highly nervous activity it is strong, balanced and lively. It is fierce and distrustful of strangers, not very demanding and adepts easily to diverse climatic conditions and temperatures. This breed needs an experienced owner who knows how to display strong leadership. Early socialization is a must. Unless properly socialized and trained, the South Russian Sheepdog exhibits ferocious and unmanageable tendencies. It has a dominating personality and can enforce its will upon other dogs with ease. Well evident according to sex. Males are courageous, stronger and more massive than the females. It has a dominant reaction: active way of defense. As a guardian it extends itself to include its family, its home and as much land as it can scent fully calls its own. The possessive nature of this breed requires extensive property, a sizable family, and preferably other animals that it can protect.
GROOMING
Long 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), coarse, thick, and dense of equal length on head, chest, legs and tail, with a well-developed undercoat.
HEALTH
This breed is rather healthy, there are none known health problems specific to this breed.
EXERCISE
This breed also requires abundant exercise, but will most likely get it simply from inspecting territorial grounds by itself. This breed is not suited to be around a lot of strangers and it needs a lot of space, and should therefore never be kept in an apartment. They are actually quite weatherproof. They would do best if they are given a job to do, animals and a property to guard, and firm training from a dominant person. The best owner for this breed would be a dog-experienced owner living in a rural home with a yard. In most circumstances, this breed is not suitable as a pet.
TRAINING
This breed needs a very dominant and leading owner who will not spoil it. They become very unstable if not given a strong leader. They do best if trained when they are young with a firm but positive hand. They should never be spoiled, however, as they can attack with little warning. This breed needs space, animals and its human family to protect. Training should be based on a relationship of mutual respect, not completely domineering, but firmly letting the dog know you are the boss. Training should be fair and consistent. Learning Rate: Medium. Obedience - Low.