Anyone have a South Russian Ovtcharka? Info about them?

[a1103]

My husband and I got a dog from a shelter, they claimed he was a Great Pyrenees. It was hard to tell what he was, he was a big gray mass of matts with hints that he was white underneath all the dirt.  Once we got him cleaned up, we knew he was definitely not a Great Pyrenees.  We asked a few vets and they didn't even know what breed he is.  After months of searching, we finally found out George is a South Russian Ovtcharka.   We haven't been able to find much info about the breed.  George was abused and abandoned before we adopted him  and we aren't sure how much of his behavior is a result of past mistreatment or breed characteristic s.  He has come a very long way and is now a mama's boy (not that I'm complaining )  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[yellow_dog_mom]

I don't know about your boy, other than he is so very lucky to have you We sure need to see pictures of him I didn't know what my pup was (in the bottom right of my group)--and the wonderful BIG, BIG PAW family helped me out!
Jolene is a Black Mouth Cur

[maxsmom]

I have a caucasian ovcharka that came through ovcharka rescue.  The lady I talk to with the rescue group also works with the south russians.  They have pulled a number of them out of the midwest, Texas area, mislabeled as pyrs. They are nothing like pyrs, at all.  I have also seen them called pyr/irish wolfhound crosses.  The pictures of the ones I have seen look like very tall, white, sheepdogs.  They are very smart and one of the ladies from one of the rescue groups is training some of them for police work, cadaver dogs, etc.  I can put you in touch with her, if you like.  Send me a private message if you are interested in getting more info.
Kathy

[ZooCrew]

Hi, I would love to see some pix of the fellow.
Only recommendation that I can give you is that the ovcharkas are not a breed for everyone.  Keep in mind they are a guarding breed so they can be very protective of their people.

I found this site which is very informative on the breed.

[a1103]

Thank you so much for your responses!  We figured out George must be a herding, guarding breed before we knew what he is. We understand why the breed isn't for everyone -he is enormous (currently 145lbs and when he stands he towers over my 6'0 husband), very smart and we had to set some extra  ground rules when he started showing a few signs of dominance.  He can be protective, but it's only been in two scary situations.  He protected me when I got cornered by two very aggressive wild coyote/german shepherd mixes and when a creepy guy was sneaking on the property when I was there by myself.  Other than that he's been great with kids, dogs, people in general, cats, horses even cows    He's even brought home a few strays that we've since found homes for.  We've been looking for a rescue group to get involved in.  (I'm sending you a pm Kathy)  I'll post some pictures of George...as soon as I figure out how 

[GoldenPyrs]

Hi & welcome!  I can't wait to see a pics of your George, he sounds wonderful.  It's great that you adopted him and it sounds like he's repaying your generousity by watching over you very well.  Good boy, George!    

[AltDeutsche]

Congrats The Ovcharkas are one of my favs and on my wish list to own.
Can't wait to see pictures of your big baby.

[yellow_dog_mom]

I looked up George online and WOW --what a gorgeous animal he is! Please send pictures asap--and it took me awhile to figure out how to manage sending pictures too!

[a1103]

George just doesn't like having his picture taken


He gives new meaning to bed head...no matter what we do, he always looks a little sad, to us adorable.  After bathing, brushing...two minutes outside or after a nap, he looks a bit like a well fed stray.  This is after a nap. 


Had to show a size reference.  Here is George next to Miss Foxy (she's 18lbs)


And so no one feels left out...this is Miss Foxy, 12, who George allows to be Queen of the canines in our house.


And last, but not least, 2 year old Leroy, named for the Jim Croce Song, aka Spaz Monkey, Junkyard, Floppy Face and Nurse Puppy. Proud to say he has overcome a horrible case of puppy mange and kennel cough since we adopted him.  We're not sure what all he is, but he's got the purple tongue spots like a chow and he's got so much 'cheek' they get curled under sometimes, like in this pic

[lookingfornewf]

I love all the pictures. I have never seen a South Russian Ovtcharka. George looks very sweet and cuddly. That just woke up look is adorable. Leroy looks like quite the character. And of course Miss Foxy is in charge. I'm glad I'm not the only house where the 17 pound dog is in charge of the 100+ pound dog.