South Russian Shepherd Dog

There is an opinion that the South Russian Shepherd is almost the only surviving dog, a purebred dog. She is more the ancestor of the breed than the cross between the others. Previously, the southern territories of Russia inhabited thousands of individuals, but after the second world they were left alone. Many animals were killed, others were taken to Europe, and very few representatives of this remarkable breed remained on their native territory.

Character of the South Russian Shepherd

Many who see a dog for the first time underestimate it. This is not surprising: white fluffy wool, good-natured expression, some clumsiness in the movements - all this is not associated with a formidable dog. However, external softness contrasts with a serious character. The dog is a reliable protector of the herd, after all, the breed originally played the role of a guard of sheep flocks. South Russian steppe greyhound has excellent watchful qualities, fearless and tireless. In addition, this breed is considered the fastest of all sheep dogs. Only 3-4 individuals can cope with a flock of 1500 animals.

The South Russian Shepherd is not deprived of self-esteem, she will not tolerate an inattentive and disparaging attitude towards herself. The character is closer to the choleric people, and therefore she reacts quickly to the situation, aggressive, moderately spiteful.

Care for the South Russian Shepherd

Care for this breed is very simple. Despite the long white coat, the dog does not need to constantly comb and bathe. The structure of the wool is such that the adhering dirt disappears when it dries out, leaving the wool clean. It sheds the dog 2 times a year: in the autumn and in the spring, during this period, combing is necessary. If you scratch your pet every day, then it only hurts, will lead to hair loss. You can bring a little wool in order before the exhibition or photo shoot, but in everyday life do not get carried away by washing and combing. Another advantage of this dog's fur is that it does not stain like most longhaired ones. The structure of the hair is such that even if it falls out, it remains on the animal. If you do not scratch the dog during the moult, the wool will also not accumulate on the furniture and the floor, it will simply form pellets and felt on the dog.

You can keep a South Russian dog both on the street and in the apartment. These dogs feel great in small rooms. However, walking them will often and for a long time, offering serious physical activity. This breed tolerates strong temperature changes, it is not afraid of it as frosts in - 40 degrees, and the heat.

South Russian Shepherd is practically not prone to disease. Most often, the musculoskeletal system suffers. The life expectancy of such a dog is on average 15 years.

Training of the South Russian Shepherd

Such a dog will obey only the real leader. She does not tolerate weakness, and therefore immediately show the puppy of the South Russian sheepdog, who is the master of the house.

The propensity to protect their territory and things manifests itself in the dog even in puppyhood, so when training it is necessary only to sharpen the natural skills. It should also be taken into account that this breed does not like to swim and jump over fences, the reason is that it is hidden in their native area, where it was dry and smooth.

Do not forget that the South Russian greyhound refers to dogs with choleric character, and therefore, when training, pay attention to the brake commands. This breed is excessively independent, used to dominate, and therefore it is necessary to develop strict adherence to the teams.

At training it is also necessary to know and features of growing puppies of the South Russian sheepdog. Physical development is faster than mental. In females the stages of growing up are more flattened, in the meantime as in males appear to the full. So do not worry, if an adult-looking dog for a while will behave like a puppy.