South Russian Shepherd Dog

It is a very ancient Ukrainian breed. Indeed, as early as 1797, fine-wooled sheep were imported from Spain and with them came the ancestor of the Youjak: the Asturian shepherd. Shepherds from Crimea became interested in this flock guardian which possessed excellent working qualities. It was then crossed with the blood of the Tatar shepherd, borzoi, and Russkaya Psovaya (an old Russian breed that has since disappeared). The breed was developed and refined in the locality of Askania-Nova in Ukraine. At the end of World War II, the Youjak was on the brink of extinction. Only a few specimens were preserved by canine breeding enthusiasts. Then the Youjak began to be systematically used for guard work in large enterprises, livestock operations, and certain units of the Red Army. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall and opening to the West, a few subjects have been introduced to Europe. The countries where Southern Russian Ovcharka shepherds are found are Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In France, its introduction is recent, only a few years ago, and barely thirty individuals have been counted. Fiercer than the Ukrainian Shepherd in aspect, the Southern Russian Ovcharka is a dog of great stature but very elegant and without any heaviness, swift in running, with powerful jaws and constantly alert reflexes.

A source of pride in Ukrainian breeding, the Southern Russian Ovcharka is a dog of great stature but very elegant without any clumsiness, swift in running, with powerful jaws and reflexes constantly on alert. The Youjak is a guard and protection dog with undeniable herding qualities. It is endowed with a curious and independent character, but only reaches maturity slowly (it will take approximately two years, or even more). It is also highly sensitive and capable of surprising refinement. It loves its master and family with passion. It is very affectionate, even clingy, and does not disdain caresses. At home, the Southern Russian Ovcharka is an unyielding guardian who, even at rest, watches over its small world with a nonchalant air. It is characterized essentially by an innate sense of protecting the home and family. It takes the initiative of attack whenever it deems it necessary. One should not underestimate it: it is full of temperament, lively, courageous and endowed with very fine hearing. Its mistrust of strangers is legendary. Indeed, it will not allow itself to be petted by just anyone.

Its general appearance is that of a bear, because of its coat, which measures from ten to fifteen centimeters long. It is most often white, but sometimes gray or beige. It is a dog of large size, lively and alert, with powerful musculature and lightning-fast reactions.