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SOUTH RUSSIAN OWTCHARKA |
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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.
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