Ovcharka
Owtscharka (in Russian the Owtscharka (овчарка), plurality Owtscharki (овчарки)) is a collective term for several, similar in function breeds , three of which of the FCI are recognized. The name Ovcharka is derived from the Russian word овчар (owchar) for shepherd.
Under the name Owtscharka there are herding dogs and cattle dogs as well as herd guard dogs , i.e. dogs that defend the herds against predators such as wolf or bear .
FCI breeds
The following breeds are recognized by the FCI:
South Russian Ovcharka ( Yuzhnorusskaya Ovcharka )
The southern Russian Ovcharka is native to the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine .
- Group 1: Herding dogs and cattle dogs (excluding Swiss Mountain Dogs)
- Section 1: Shepherds
- Yuzhnorusskaya Ovcharka (Standard No. 326) (South Russian Ovcharka)
Caucasian Ovcharka ( Kawkasskaya Ovcharka )
The Caucasian Ovcharka comes from Russia's neighboring states ( Georgia and Armenia ) as well as from Russia's autonomous republics in the Caucasus .
FCI nomenclature
- Group 2: Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossians and Swiss Mountain Dogs.
- Section 2.2: Molossians, mountain dogs
- Kawkasskaya Ovcharka (Standard No. 328) (Caucasian Ovcharka)
Central Asian Ovcharka ( Sredneasiatskaya Ovcharka )
The Central Asian Ovcharka - also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog - comes from Central Asia ( Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan ).
FCI nomenclature
- Group 2: Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossians and Swiss Mountain Dogs.
- Section 2.2: Molossians, mountain dogs
- Sredneasiatskaya Ovcharka (Standard No. 335) (Central Asian Ovcharka)
Appearance
The coat length varies from long (similar to the Bobtail ) to medium-long and dense (similar to the Alaskan Malamute ). The color of the Central Asian Ovcharka varies between gray, white, light cream, light turn-brown, red, black, mackerel and spotted. The South Russian Ovcharka is usually white, also white with yellowish or straw yellow. In addition, all tints are white and gray. The fur has light spots. The Kaukase has reddish-blond or brown fur with white or gray markings.
All three have muscular bodies, V-shaped, high-set ears, and dark eyes.
More Ovcharki
Besides the three mentioned, there are other regional breeds that are not recognized by the FCI.