Odis

The history of the Odis breed begins in sunny Odesa in the late 1970s. At a time when most cynologists were focused on service dogs, a group of enthusiasts decided to create the perfect urban dog. The task was not easy: the animal had to be small (to feel comfortable in a flat), possess robust health, a stable psyche, and, of course, an attractive appearance.

This reminds one of the history behind the Labradoodle, where breeders also strove to combine the best qualities of parent breeds to obtain the perfect companion. Three breeds were used to create the Odis:

• Fox Terrier – gave the Odis its joie de vivre and strong bone structure.
• Miniature Poodle – gifted the breed with excellent coat quality and high intelligence.
• French Bulldog – added a peaceful nature and a specific head carriage.

The result exceeded expectations. A preliminary standard was developed as early as 1999, and in 2008 the Ukrainian Kennel Union (UKU) officially approved the breed standard. Today, these dogs are confidently winning hearts not only in Ukraine but also far beyond its borders.

Visually, the Odis resembles a scaled-down version of large sheepdogs but with its own special charm. People often confuse them with other shaggy breeds. For instance, it looks very similiar to the Ukrainian Shepherd, only in miniature. It is a medium-sized dog of strong constitution, covered with thick, long hair.

The head is shaped like a blunt wedge, with a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The eyes are dark, expressive, and oval-shaped, giving the dog an intelligent and friendly look. The ears are hanging, set high, and lie close to the head. The tail is sabre-shaped; in a calm state, it is lowered, but when excited, it is raised above the back line. The hair on the tail is long, creating a “plume” effect.

The Odis’s coat is its calling card. It is thick, long (7-15 cm), with a well-developed undercoat. It feels pleasant to the touch, neither too soft nor wire-haired. Characteristic “whiskers”, a “beard”, and “eyebrows” form on the muzzle, covering the eyes and giving the dog a funny apperance. Interestingly, the coat structure reminds one of the Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail), but caring for an Odis is much simpler due to its smaller size.

Acceptable colours:

• White (the most common and desirable);
• White with patches of various colours (grey, fawn, blue);
• Grey in various shades;
• Fawn (beige).

The name “Ideal Dog” was not given to the breed for nothing. The Odis possesses a balanced psyche, high intelligence, and a sense of dignity. It is not a hysterical “yapper”, but a fully-fledged companion.

Attitude towards children and animals

The Odis simply adores children. It is ready to participate in games for hours, tolerate childish pranks (within reason), and act as a nanny. Aggression towards humans is considered a serious vice in this breed. These Odesans get along wonderfully with other animals. They do not try to dominate like terriers and show no hunting instincts towards cats or hamsters.

Intelligence and trainability

Thanks to the Poodle and Fox Terrier genes, the Odis picks everything up on the fly. They are easily trained, can perform circus tricks, and successfully compete in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and freestyle. Unlike the Latvian Hound, which is oriented towards forest work and independent decision-making, the Odis is completely people-oriented and eager to please its owner.

The Odis is an ideal option for flat living. They do not require huge amounts of space, but, like any dog, they need regular walks. However, beauty demands sacrifice, and in this case, it is the time spent on coat care.

It is worth noting that unlike the Maltese, whose coat resembles human hair and requires constant protection and wrapping for exhibitions, the Odis’s coat is more “wild” and natural. It mats less if brushed regularly.

The Odis is a relatively young breed, and breeders have paid immense attention to health. “Hybrid vigour” removes nothing, it only mixes — the risks of both parent lines stay with the dog. The average life expectancy is 12-15 years, which is an excellent indicator.

However, future owners should pay attention to:

• Teeth condition (prone to tartar build-up);
• Eyes (conjunctivitis is possible due to long hair falling over the eyes);
• Musculoskeletal system (do not overload the puppy with jumps during the active growth period).

• Fact 1: The Odis is the first breed to receive national status in independent Ukraine.
• Fact 2: Despite their decorative appearance, Odis dogs have a very developed immune system and are more resistant to infectious diseases than many of their “ancestors”.
• Fact 3: The name of the breed was a gift to the wife of one of the breed’s creators. ODIS was deciphered as “Odesa Domestic Ideal Dog”.
• Fact 4: The Odis has very expressive facial expressions. Owners claim that these dogs know how to smile.

Is the Odis breed recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?

At the moment, the breed is recognised by the Ukrainian Kennel Union (UKU) and many kennel organisations in other countries based on cooperation agreements. The FCI recognition process is ongoing, but it is a long journey that the breed is traversing very confidently.

Does the Odis shed a lot?

The Odis belongs to breeds with a low level of shedding. They do not have a seasonal “blowing” of the coat in clumps like sheepdogs. Dead hair remains in the undercoat and needs to be combed out. This is a big plus for cleanliness in the house.

Can I cut the Odis short for the summer?

Cynologists do not recommend shaving the dog “to the skin”, as the coat performs a thermoregulatory function, protecting not only from the cold but also from overheating and sunburn. You can do a hygienic trim, shortening the hair but leaving a sufficient layer to protect the skin.