Additonal Breeds Starting
With Letter:
Pet Sites
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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
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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.
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