These dogs are incredible and worth researching because they make great companions and guard dogs. Read on to learn more about these fascinating animals!
The following is a list of the top ten most interesting Russian dog breeds. These dogs are incredible and worth researching because they make great companions and guard dogs. Read on to learn more about these fascinating animals!
Caucasian Shepherd
The breed originated in Russia, used as a sheepdog, guard dog, shepherd and traveller’s companion. Today this large white or cream-coloured animal with brown markings is still employed as a livestock guardian by shepherds worldwide. It has also been successfully trained for police work and search and rescue missions. But it remains primarily an outdoor working dog that does best living outdoors with its family pack rather than indoors as a house pet.
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
This breed was developed by the nomadic tribes of central Asia thousands of years ago. They used these animals as an all-purpose livestock herder, guard dog and hunter. The breed was first introduced to other countries in 1971, where it continues to be employed as a working canine. It is also popularly kept as a home companion or used for dog sports like the IPO and Schutzhund.
Kangal Dog
Shepherds use this powerful dog in Sivas, Turkey, to protect sheep from wolves and bears. The word “Kangal” means “guardian of the flock.” It was first recognized as a breed in 1987 when it was exported to the UK and US. Since then, the canine has been used as a home guardian and family pet in its new countries of residence.
Central Asian Ovtcharka
The term “Ovtcharka” is Russian for “sheepdog.” At the same time, the word “Central” distinguishes it from similar breeds from central Asia. The canine is a large, agile and robust breed first developed by the Turkmen tribes of Central Asia as a guard dog against possible attacks from predators such as wolves, snow leopards or jackals. These animals are also popularly kept as house pets in their native country today.
Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is a small, intelligent and affectionate breed first bred by the Russians as a companion dog. In fact, it is also sometimes erroneously referred to as the “Russian for toy” or “miniature Lhasa Apso.” Breeding of this canine species began in Moscow in the mid-19th century. But it remains a rare breed outside its native country.
Caucasian Ovtcharka
Like most other Central Asian dogs, this animal was developed by nomadic Turkmen tribes as a livestock guardian dog to protect their flock from predators. The canine is also used for guarding the family home and estate. It was first recognized as a breed in 1947 when it was officially registered with the FCI. This dog is large, strong and agile, with a height of 23-28 inches at the withers. Its name means “sheepdog” in Russian.
South Russian Sheepdog
The Ukrainian shepherds developed the breed as a multi-functional working dog for different purposes. It is still employed for its original purpose of protecting sheep against predators, despite being recognized as a breed in 1993. The canine is also used as a police K9 and search and rescue dog, just like the Caucasian Ovtcharka.
Moscow Watchdog
In Moscow, Russia, the Moscow Watchdog was bred as a household companion dog and watchdog for wealthy families. It’s also sometimes referred to as the “Muscovite terrier.” It is an intelligent, alert and flexible breed that excels in obedience and agility competitions. It was first recognized as a breed in 1964 but has been famous as a show dog since 1978.
Russian Black Terrier
This rare working-class canine is an agile, solid and powerful breed named after its native country, formerly known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Russian Army initially bred the dog as a guard and military dog, but it was also used for police work. It is currently recognized with the FCI and AKC but not yet by the UKC.
Russian Tracker
This breed was developed in Russia around 200 years ago. It was initially used to track bears and other predators. It is also employed for police work and search and rescue operations in its native country. The Russian Tracker is a stable, confident and intelligent breed recognized by the FCI in 1982.
Conclusion
The Russian dog breeds we’ve highlighted here are some of the most exciting and unique in the world. They have been bred for different purposes, but all share a common trait: their strong sense of duty and loyalty to humans. Suppose you want an intelligent, affectionate and courageous protector at your side or on duty with law enforcement agencies across Russia. In that case, these working dogs may be just what you need!
We hope this article has given you plenty of food for thought when it comes to choosing which canine is best suited for your lifestyle–whether that means looking after children. At the same time, parents work late hours or guard a family estate from intruders. Good luck, and we hope you enjoy your new canine companion.
