The Russian Tracker or Russian Retriever is an extinct breed of domestic dog. It is uncertain when precisely the breed ceased to exist; it could still be found in the late 1800s. The Tracker was of Asiatic Russian origin. It was used for hundreds of years to protect and herd the flocks of the Indo-Aryan peoples people in the wind-beaten, snow-swept Caucasus Mountains. The Tracker was a large dog, sometimes standing as high as 76.2cm at the shoulder and weighing 45.4kg or more. Despite his seemingly cumbersome proportions, he was fast and flexible enough to chase off wolves and other such predators that threatened his sheep. He wore a thick, taffy colored double-coat that protected him from both the harsh weather and the savage wildlife. Aside from his physical prowess, this mountain dog was also blessed with exceptional intellect. He was so wise and capable (legend says) that he could keep himself and his flock alive and well for months on end with no human help. The breed is related to on some level, and may be synonymous with, the “Yellow Russian Retriever”, which measured 71.1cm and 40.8kg. That breed was reputed to be used for tracking wounded deer. however, the Flat-coated Retriever and a few of the Setters are also believed to carry Tracker blood.
