South Russian Ovtcharka The SRO is a breed that was entirely created by humans for utilitarian means. In the 1890s, many people from European countries came to settle down in Crimea. Life there was harsh and the newcomers needed only one dog to carry on a wide range of duties.   "OLGA" - prop. Falz-Feine 1889 - Acclimatation Magazine On the Askania Nova property, the Falz-Feine family began to create the dream breed, a dog able to herd, protect and manage a numerous flock, a dog able to hunt for his owner's pleasure or need, a dog able to guard the house against robbers and, a dog able to be a real companion for his family. The SRO was ready to become a true reality. 3 types of breeds were used to create the SRO: several herding European dogs, the Barzoi, and some indigeneous guardian dogs. The SRO destiny was a stormy one, and in order to survive to this day, he needed the passion and dedication of some fanciers. But as Russian people say "the SRO is like a phoenix in that he always comes back from his ashes." Today, we estimate that 1500 specimen of this breed are known worldwide under the FCI standart N°326. Askania Nova - 1880 Early on, the SRO was represented in books through pictures, drawings and descriptions. It is important to note that this exposition came not only as the result of the breed's creator being connected to the imperial family but also because of the SRO's numerous abilities.   "RUSSIA" - prop Falz-Feine "Le Chenil" magazine Askania-Nova - 1902   In 1914, Nicolas II visited Askania -Nova and asked " How many sheeps are there here ? " Nobody could answer that question but the Tzar was told that more than 1000 dogs were looking after the flocks… assuming that one single SRO could to be in charge of 1000 sheep, you can get a pretty good idea of the size of the property! The SRO breed first appeared at agricultural shows in Odessa. Later, in 1930, he was shown at the Nuremberg Expo (in Germany) where he made a strong impression.       1939 - First Special Breed Show1950 A. Golowkyi SIMFEROPOL"OGONEK" Magazine Since the SRO's early history was linked with the Imperial system, the breed would pay a lot for these close ties. Askania -Nova was destroyed and in 1917 SRO skins were sold for only 5 Kopecks. Later the Red Army took charge of the breed and once again the price was heavy. The SRO became a secret army and almost disappeared from the public eye. He only reappeared in our European countries in 1980, first in Poland, then in Hungary and we could see the first one in France in 1989. "Oftscharka l" prop. National institut of ovine breeding - Russia from "Chasse et Pêche" magazine Interestingly, even in the aftermath of the Russian revolution, the SRO was still discussed in magazines and was never completely forgotten. In Ukraine he used to be offered to newlyweds as a wish for prosperity. His fur was knitted to protect against arthritis. Later, the 7th puppy of a litter was offered to the best worker of a factory. Nowadays, even in his country, the SRO remains rare, and, in the past, he needed real fanciers to jump out of oblivion. Russian stamp (1965) Documentary credit : - "le chenil" - "chasse et pêche" All my thanks to the Falz-Feine Family for putting their personal archives on Askania-Nova at my disposal.