The exact history of the south russian ovtcharka is not known, but some mean that is originates from old pre-slavic herding dogs, known locally as 'russian wolf-killers'. Others mean that it originate from early european dogs (the same type of dog that gave rise to the australian shepherd, for instance) that were later crossed with mountain dogs to let them adapt better to the harsh climate. It's said that regardless of which theory you believe, one thing stands clear - the breed was once bred from the wolf. Its skull is said to be very wolf-like in its build and shape.

The South Russian Ovcharka is Robust, lean, with massive bone structure and strongly developed musculature. The Coat is long 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), coarse, thick, dense of equal length on head, chest, legs and tail, with a well developed undercoat.
The head is longated shape with a moderately broad forehead. The ears are relatively small, of triangular shape, hanging. The neck is lean, muscular, of moderate length, set high. The belly is moderately tucked up. Back straight and strong. The tail is falling at rest, reaching the hock, with the end curved upward.