What were dogs called in the USSR? - briefly
In the Soviet Union, dogs were commonly referred to as "собака" (sobaka) or "пёс" (pyos) for male dogs and "сучка" (suka) for female dogs. Additionally, specific breeds had their own names, such as "лабрадор" (labrador) for Labradors and "овчарка" (ovcharka) for German Shepherds.
What were dogs called in the USSR? - in detail
In the Soviet Union, dogs were known by various names that reflected their roles and functions within society. The most common term for a dog was simply "собака" (sobaka), which translates directly to "dog." However, the specific nomenclature often varied depending on the context in which the dog was used or perceived.
For instance, dogs that were trained for military or police purposes were referred to as "служебные собаки" (sluzhiebnaya sobaka), which means "service dogs." These animals played crucial roles in maintaining public order and security. They were employed by the Soviet Army, the KGB, and other law enforcement agencies to perform tasks such as patrols, searches, and guard duties.
In the realm of agriculture, dogs used for herding and protecting livestock were known as "пастушьи собаки" (pastushie sobaki), or "shepherd dogs." Breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd Dog were highly valued for their protective instincts and strength.
Hunting dogs, which were essential for providing meat in many regions of the USSR, were called "охотничьи собаки" (okhotnichie sobaki). These dogs were trained to assist hunters in tracking and retrieving game, such as bears, wolves, and deer.
Moreover, guide dogs for the blind were designated as "поводыри" (povodiry), a term derived from the Russian word for leash or lead. This title underscored their primary function of guiding visually impaired individuals through daily life.
In addition to these functional terms, there were also colloquial and affectionate names used by owners and the general public. For example, pet dogs might be called "питомец" (pitomec), meaning "pet," or "друг" (druhg), meaning "friend."
The naming conventions for dogs in the Soviet Union not only reflected the diverse roles these animals played but also highlighted their integral part in society. Whether serving as guardians, assistants, or companions, dogs were valued and respected across various sectors of life.