For over a year now S.O. and i have seen now and then a man walking these two BEAUTIFUL dogs a few miles from here. They sort of looked like Norwegian Elkhound mixes to me. Well today S.O. was nice enough to stop the car for me so i could get out and talk to the guy and see if I can pet the dog (he only had one with him.) He said that it is a Russian breed called something like a SchowShee or something. He had no idea on the spelling of the breed.

They're almost all black, but have a silver underfur. To me it looked like a minature plush German Shepherd. On the other hand it still looks like a skinny NE (although this one was a tad overweight.) The tail hangs about the same as a GSD's does. I'd say it would be about the same height as a Norwegian Elkhound.

I have NEVER seen or heard of these anywhere else. (he said the other one is his sister's dog.) And I've read about almost 450 dog breeds. I still discover one or two new ones a year. This is the first time i learned about a breed by meeting one before reading about it though.

I spent an hour online looking for some sort of clue. (I don't think it is the Laika. They seem bigger and look all wrong. Same with the Bear Dog.)

Anyhoo, I'm TOTALLY in love. I gasp in delight each time I've seen them. Getting to meet one in person was just as awesome.

I want to know more! What is their history, what is their intended purpose, supposed standard temperament, etc.

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Any help would be appreciated!