The South Russian Shepherd is a large dog intended for herding and guarding. Its origin is not entirely clear and there are three hypotheses, although with something in common: a main ancestor is the wolf. With character, sometimes difficult and at others very loyal, calm and affectionate, the South Russian Shepherd is an active dog that does not like to be left alone. In addition, he is strong, but not long-lived, and requires a series of care to maintain a good quality of life. Continue reading this article on our site to learn about the South Russian Shepherd dog, origin, characteristics, character, care, education, he alth and where to adopt it.
Origin of the South Russian Shepherd
The South Russian Shepherd is a very old dog whose origin, to this day, remains uncertain, although there are several hypotheses. However, all researchers have come to the conclusion that an ascendant is the wolf, whose characteristics were subsequently modified by mixing with domestic dogs and the passing of the weather. But one of the hypotheses about its origin states that the ancestor of these dogs is the Asturias shepherd, a Spanish dog that arrived in Russia in 1797 with the merino sheep thanks to its great qualities for work, which interested the shepherds of Crimea. They decided to cross it with the Tatari shepherd, the Borzoi and the Russkaya psovaïa, a breed now extinct, to create the southern Russian shepherd at the end of the 19th century.
On the verge of extinction after World War II, the breed was saved thanks to the Red Army, who decided to take these dogs under your protection. After the fall of the Berlin wall, in 1989, some specimens were introduced in other European countries, such as Germany, Holland, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Other theories say that the South Russian Shepherd comes from dogs settled in the south of this country since the 4th century BC. C., transported by the shepherds of the east in the migrations of the towns of the sea. A final theory states that its origin is the crossbreeding of native Russian dogs with Austrian shepherds and wolves.
In the early 1920s Professor Brauner encouraged local breeding programs for the breed, which was also bred in military farms for obedient working dogs. After the world wars, the number of specimens decreased, which made it necessary to cross them with similar local breeds. The FCI recognized it in 1983, approving its official breed standard in 2007.
Characteristics of the South Russian Shepherd
The South Russian Shepherd is a dog with a body length that exceeds the height at the withers by 10%. The females are somewhat longer than the males. Both sexes stand out for their robustness and power. They are large dogs, measuring between 65 and 90 cm and weighing between 55 and 75 kg Their main characteristics are as follows:
- Long head with strong skull.
- Large black truffle.
- Snout finished in point.
- Lips glued to jaws.
- Scissor bite.
- Black, oval, horizontally sunken eyes.
- Small, triangular and hanging ears.
- High set muscular neck.
- Straight and solid back.
- Strong and developed body.
- Broad, short and rounded loin.
- Broad, deep and slightly flat chest.
- Large, oval, arched feet covered with long hair.
Colors of the South Russian Shepherd
These dogs have long, abundant, slightly wavy, rough and thick hair, measuring between 10 and 15 cm. It is usually white or shades of gray or beige, although it can also be found in the following colors:
- Straw yellow.
- Black.
- Red.
- Brown.
What does the South Russian Shepherd puppy look like?
These puppy dogs do not have the final color, which appears between 18 and 24 months of age. Puppies are more intensely colored, and gray or pale pups often have a white sheen on their muzzle and head and white markings on their neck.
South Russian Shepherd Character
The South Russian Shepherd is a very good guard dog of the home due to his dominant character and for being reserved with strangers, which which makes it constantly alert. He is affectionate, but does not interact much with his caregivers. They are brave, tenacious, lively and distrustful dogs. They can show aggressiveness if they do not feel comfortable or confident with someone or with some action, even if they are their caregivers, whom they will not hesitate to attack. However, they are generally good dogs with their family, including children, who they will protect from any threat. They are also balanced, energetic, strong, impetuous and receptive.
South Russian Shepherd Care
If these dogs get bored, for example if they are inactive or left alone in the house for a long time, they can become destructive, compulsive, barking and nervous. For this reason, it is important that they maintain a good level of daily physical activity so that they do not develop these behaviors. The help of an ethologist or trainer can be sought, if necessary.
If the physical activity that we offer our South Russian Shepherd includes walks in the fields, we should check it well for spikes, parasites or insect bites, as they are elements that can be very dangerous. Being a double coat, he needs a brushing at least twice a week and more often in the spring and fall shedding seasons. The bath will be necessary if they are dirty or if they have to use a shampoo treatment for skin and hair problems.
To prevent the most frequent infectious and parasitic diseases in the canine species, vaccination and dewormingshould be done routinely. With deworming we also prevent other infectious diseases that parasites can transmit to dogs, such as ehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis or dirofilariosis, among others. Veterinary check-ups are important whenever they are ill and regularly, at least once a year, to check their he alth status. On the other hand, hygiene of the ears is important to prevent infections or inflammations and that of the teeth to avoid pathologies such as periodontal disease, tartar, gingivitis and other processes.
South Russian Shepherd Education
South Russian shepherds, as we have pointed out, are distrustful dogs that tend to be violent or aggressive towards strangers or when they are threatened, so this aspect must be worked on by offering them a correcteducation from puppies Training with positive reinforcement is required to impart rules of obedience, relationship and organization firmly and effectively, without the process being traumatic for the animal, through rewarding their positive behaviors.
He alth of the South Russian Shepherd
South Russian Shepherds are strong dogs, but with a short life expectancy of only 9 to 11 years. As a good large breed, these dogs can suffer from some chronic diseases derived from their impressive size and rapid growth, such as:
- Hip dysplasia: bone disease consisting of poor adaptation between the head of the femur and the acetabulum, both joint surfaces of the hip joint. This poor congruence produces laxity at the joint level, which makes it easier for the head of the femur to move, progressively damaging and weakening the joint. This leads to instability in the hip and, ultimately, lameness, osteoarthritis, pain, and muscle atrophy.
- Elbow dysplasia: usually occurs in puppies between 4 and 6 months, just when they reach the peak of their fastest growth speed. They are injuries that appear, simultaneously or not, in the elbow joint between the three bones involved: the humerus, the ulna and the radius.
- Gastric dilatation-torsion: Occurs when food is eaten rapidly after intense exercise, a state of agitation, or simply because of eat and drink ravenously. The stomach dilates and fills with air, which can predispose it to rotate, causing a veterinary emergency due to a blockage of irrigation that produces signs such as hypersalivation, depression, unproductive vomiting, pale mucous membranes, anorexia, pain, great discomfort, shock and fainting.
Where to adopt a South Russian Shepherd?
Adopting these dogs is difficult, although you can check sheepdog rescue associations and ask about their availability. It is important to take into account their character, since they will not be suitable for all types of caregivers and it is essential that they are properly trained and educated before being with a family, especially with children or more vulnerable people.
If an adult dog is adopted that has not been properly trained, it can be a danger in the home and will need work and professional attention for a good coexistence. We encourage you to go to your local shelter and look for a dog there, regardless of their breed or mix, because they are all equally wonderful and they all deserve a home.
