Ukraine Dog Names

Two dogs in Ukraine showed an extraordinary friendship. A dog named Lucy was injured and unable to move from some railroad tracks in Ukraine. Stranded, Lucy's situation was dire. Fortunately, she was not alone, but with her canine buddy Panda. Every time a train came towards Lucy, Panda would lie down next to his friend and push her head down so that the trains could pass over them. Panda also barked to scare away any people that came by, and also kept Lucy warm. After two days, the two were rescued, with Panda being credited with saving the life of his friend Lucy.

The country of Ukraine is also the home of a unique breed of dog; the South Russian Ovcharka, which is also known as a Ukrainian Shepherd Dog or South Russian Sheepdog originated in the country. The breed is a sheepdog that comes from the Ukrainian steppes between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It is believed that the wolf is a direct ancestor of the breed, as the skull of the South Russian Ovcharka is nearly identical to that of a wolf and the slight differences can be explained by their being domesticated. With a coat of long, thick hair, dogs of the breed are typically able to adapt to most weather conditions and while they are undemanding they need a strong leader; doing best with an owner who is firm, confident and consistent. This is important because they can become very dominant with strange people and other dogs if their person does not show their authority. Dogs of the breed are typically large and strong; males typically are no less than 25 inches in height. Small, triangle-shaped ears dangle from the heads of the South Russian Ovcharka, and their coats are typically white, though the coat can be white and yellow, or in shades of gray.

The South Russian Ovcharka has been bred to guard their property and are typically independent. This exuberant canine will need a large amount of property, as well as people and other animals, that he or she can protect. It is best to socialize a dog of this breed while they are young so that they don’t try and dominate other dogs. It is also very important to make sure that a South Russian Ocharka receives plenty of exercise. If the dog does not have property or animals to guard, it will be important that they are taken on long, fast walks on a daily basis. The South Russian Ovcharka was first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996. In 2009, the breed name was changed to the South Russian Shepherd Dog and the breed was moved to the Herding Dog Group from the Guardian Dog Group.

This unique breed, along with the example of the Ukraine pair Panda and Lucy, show exactly the loyalty and courage that many dogs possess.