What makes the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Unique?
Caucasians are spirited, intelligent, strong-willed guardian dogs. While gentle and demonstrative with family members, the Caucasian’s active defense reaction and strong territorial instincts make this breed very suspicious of strange people or dogs. They are steady and even tempered but will protect their flock, family, and property from danger – real or perceived – with lightning-quick speed.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 72 to 75 cm (28 to 30 inches) Females – 72 to 75 cm (28 to 30 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 50 to 90 kg (110 to 198 lb) Females – 50 to 90 kg (110 to 198 lb) |
| Origin: | Georgia Dagestan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, historic Circassia |
| Life Span: | 10 – 11 Years |
| Colour: | Rust, Grey, Fawn, Cream, Black, White |
| Litter Size: | 4 to 12 puppies |
Is the Caucasian Shepherd Right For You?
This is not a breed for first time owners. It is for experienced dog owners only who can dedicate a lot of time to train and socialise this majestic breed.
They are steady and even tempered but will protect their flock, family, and property from danger – real or perceived – with lightning-quick speed. Caucasian Ovcharka have keen senses, so they are very alert and good trackers. Any change in their surroundings can result in warning barks and growls, particularly at night. The breed is slow to mature and headstrong. Socialization and patient training techniques can be used to temper the Caucasian Ovcharka’s characteristic suspicion and aggressiveness toward strange people and dogs, resulting in a mature dog with good judgment. This breed is hardy and able to adapt to a wide range of climates.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Quick
- Strong
- Calm
- Powerful
Characteristics
Learn About the Caucasian Shepherd
Description
The Caucasian Shepherd has moderate deep-set, dark eyes. The ears are densely covered with hair for insulation. The hips are slightly raised from the line of the back. The body is slightly longer than tall. The head is large, wedge-shaped, and tapers slightly to a blunt muzzle with high-set hanging ears, which may be cropped, and deep-set, slightly almond-shaped eyes. The long forelimbs are straight and densely boned. The large and heavy paws have hair in between the toes, to provide excellent insulation and protection. The black nose is prominent with well opened, large nostrils. The tail is covered with a long feathering of heavy hair. The thick and dense coat is weather-resistant and enables the dog to keep away from cold. The color of the coat can vary from gray, fawn, tan, pied, brindle and pearl white to creamy white, golden-yellow and reddish-brown.
Short History of the Caucasian Shepherd
Russian experts contend that the Caucasian Mountain Dog evolved naturally from a group of dogs originating from Tibet approximately 2,000 years ago. There is also the presumption that the ancestor of the Caucasian shepherd dog could be the Tibetan Dog, though it is not the present day the Tibetan Mastiff, which is an English cloning of the ancient dog. The history of the contemporary Caucasian shepherd dog is around 2,500 years old.Until the beginning of the 20-th century, these dogs lived pretty isolated and in this way they kept the pure characteristics of the breed, and they stand a primitive breed. Later, the residents of the ex Soviet Union began a program of careful propagation of these dogs, to use them as watchdogs. Its Russian name is Volkodav (wolf dog) or Ovcharka (herdsman’s dog).
Temperament
The Caucasian Shepherd’s original purpose was to protect livestock. The typical Caucasian Ovtcharka is assertive, strong-willed and courageous. Territorial and protective, they are unafraid of threats. They are strong, confident, fearless and independent. . It greets family friends warmly, but does not entertain strangers. Since it requires a lot of space for running and moving freely, the breed is best suited for living in houses with large yards; not apartments.
Caring for Your Caucasian Shepherd
Grooming & Bathing
The Caucasian shepherd has two coat varieties, namely short and long. The longhaired variety should be brushed frequently, with main attention to the spots where tangles can occur. The shorthaired dog demands less grooming, but should be regularly combed and brushed.
Exercise & Training
The Caucasian Ovcharka is very strong so definitely not suitable to be taken out on walks by children or the elderly. He has boundless energy and will quite happily go ten miles without showing any signs of exhaustion.
When out walking, make sure you keep your mountain shepherd dog at heel level and never out in front. To a dog, the pack leader walks ahead and so you must make sure this is you and not the dog.
Caucasian Shepherd Picture Gallery
