In March, two very unusual dogs came to the Dessin Animal Shelter. The person surrendering them claimed that they came from a neighbor who was not taking proper care of them. While signing them in, it became apparent that they were not your average dog. The first one he brought in, whose name was Whitie (later changed to Divo), at first glance seemed to be a sheepdog mix of some sort. She was very large with a thick cottony white coat. She was emaciated, and her coat was very matted, and there were even bald spots. Her skin was red and raw in places. I thought to myself, “Is she a Komondor?”.The second dog, Brownie, was red and white with a thick medium length coat. She had a docked tail and her ears were cropped very short in what is known as a shepherd crop. We weren’t sure what she was. She too, was very thin with red, raw spots on her skin. It was obvious that these dogs had been neglected for quite some time, and were in need of medical care as well as a good diet to get them back on track, healthy enough to find new homes.
Once their immediate needs were tended to, I decided to see if I could determine what kind of dogs they were. Most people don’t crop and dock their mixed breed puppies, and Brownie didn’t look like any AKC recognized breed I am familiar with. Whitie looked very much like a Komondor, but I wasn’t too sure about her either.
So, I went to the trusty Internet and typed in a search for cropped and docked rare breed dogs. What I found were the Ovcharkas.
The word ovcharka (often spelled ovtcharka, or owtcharka; pronounced "uhf-'chAr-ka") is a Russian word meaning something between "livestock guardian dog", "shepherd's dog" and "sheepdog". In the Russian language ovcharka is used as a suffix in the names of many working breeds, including those that are not native to Russia. The Ovcharkas native to Russia and/or the countries of the former Soviet Union include the following four breeds: the Caucasian Ovcharka (also known as: Kavkazskaya Ovcharka; Caucasian Shepherd or Sheepdog), Central Asian Ovcharka (other names include: Sredneaziatskaya Ovcharka; Central Asiatic Ovcharka; Central Asia Shepherd Dog; Middle Asian Ovcharka; Mid-Asiatic Sheepdog), South Russian Ovcharka (also referred to as Youzhnorusskaya Ovcharka or South Russian Sheepdog), and the East European Ovcharka.
As it turns out, Brownie is a Central Asian Ovcharka. The Central Asian Ovcharka has a short, dense, close-lying coat with well-developed undercoat; it is said that burrs do not stick to it. White, black, gray, fawn, reddish fawn and brindle colors are most common. Its ears are usually cropped, and the tail is docked. The picture of the dog on the web site looked just like Brownie!
Whitie on the other hand is the even rarer South Russian Ovcharka. The South Russian Ovtcharka (SRO) is one of the 3 Ovtcharka breeds from Russia. Originally the SRO came from the Crimea, which is in the Ukraine. The Russian word "Ovtcharka" means sheepdog. The SRO is officially named Yoozhnorusskaya Ovtcharka, but is usually called South Russian or Yoozhak for short. It is a large dog, brisk and nimble, with very strong muscles. The minimum height is 62 cm for bitches and 65 cm for males. There is no maximum height. The coat distinguishes him from the other two Ovtcharka breeds. The upper coat is long (10-15 cm) with lots of furry undercoat. The upper coat feels like goats hair, the color is mostly white but some SROs are grey or beige, or white with grey marks.
Both breeds are described as having strong working temperaments, and they are independent, intelligent, stubborn and loyal. Being bred to guard flocks of sheep or cattle in Russia, they still have a very ingrained working drive. They are absolutely not for the novice dog owner.
It took a couple of months of rehabilitation in order to get the dogs healthy enough to be adopted. Meanwhile, I was able to find a breed rescue contact that was able to help us to find permanent homes for these beautiful gals. Both wound up going to Georgia and were able to be transported together. It is always such a good feeling to work with a reputable rescue group in order to get dogs placed.
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Update: November 19, 2003
The following is an excerpt from a letter from our rescue contact, Victoria Evans.
"…Both dogs are in happy, healthy, loving environments. They are prospering to the max. …They have room to run freely, plenty of good food, loving care, other dogs as companions to play with, and are adored by their new owners. They couldn't ask for a better life. They are full of life, sparkling with fun, and greet each new day with a gleam of happiness.
"Brownie's skin condition has been totally cleared up. She is in perfect physical condition and a lovely girl in any setting. She is well-mannered, friendly, and outgoing to all. …The change in her is remarkable.
"Whitie (Divo), the miracle girl, has totally regained her coat. It is plush and pretty, no scars left to see. She weighs about 115 pounds now, is active, healthy, friendly, and beautifully mannered. Her 'person' says she is the finest dog he has ever owned, and she sleeps by his bedside each night. …[He] is with her constantly, even taking her in the truck when he runs errands…
"You and your staff saved some important lives last spring. I hope you know what it means to the families who have these girls….and to the most beloved dogs in the world….Whitie and Brownie."
