General Description

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(Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Shepherd, Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka, Caucasian Owcharka Caucasian Mountain Dog, Sage Ghafghazi, Kavkazskaïa Ovtcharka) The Caucasian Ovtcharka has hips that are slightly raised from the line of the back and long, straight forelimbs with dense bone structure. Their paws are large, heavy, and there is hair between the toes that provides protection and insulation. Their medium-sized eyes are deep-set and dark in color, and their prominent nose is black and has large nostrils. In the breed’s native country, the Caucasian Ovtcharka’s ears are cropped short. The breed has a long-haired, thick coat with profuse feathering that is especially effective for protection from harsh weather conditions. Puppy coats of this breed are finer than adult coats. The coat colors are gray, tan, pied, brindle, tan, and white.

Character

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Originally bred to protect livestock, the Caucasian Ovtcharka is brave, strong-willed, and fearless. Unless they are properly trained and socialized, this breed may exhibit unmanageable behavior. They are very courageous, alert, strong, and powerful. They have strong protective instincts and do not trust strangers. Everyone within its family, and everything belonging to it family will be protected and respected. Because of their tendency to play rough, they shouldn’t be left unattended with children. They will greet family and friends warmly, but they have no tolerance for strangers. They can be aggressive and dominant towards other dogs. They aren’t a good choice for everyone, and they require an owner that has a lot of time to dedicate to socializing and training.

General Health

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The Caucasian Ovtcharka has no reported health concerns or issues. This breed typically lives for 10 to 11 years.

This breed typically lives 10 to 13 years on average.

History

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The Caucasian Ovtcharka is a flock guardian that was developed by local herders from pre-historic molasser breeds in Caucasus. The breed’s initial purpose was to protect sheep from thieves and predators. Because of their striking physical appearance and hard-working characteristics, this breed gets a lot of attention. The Caucasian Ovtcharka has varied in type from country to country because of a lack of organized kennel clubs and written standards. Similar breeds to the Caucasian Ovtcharka have protected sheep for over 600 years throughout the region of Caucasia, the mountainous land mass between the Black and Caspian seas. The breed is most popular in Russia, and the name “Ovtcharka” means “sheepdog” in Russian. Extensive breeding programs throughout Hungary, Poland, and the Czech and Slovak Republics ensure that the breed remains popular despite the declining need for its use as a sheep guardian. The Caucasian Ovtcharka served as a border patrol dog along the Berlin Wall in the late 1960’s. Today, many people keep this breed as a companion. Breeders are attempting to eliminate certain characteristics in the Caucasian Ovtcharka’s personality so that it is a more suitable family companion.

Maintenance

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There are two coat varieties of the Caucasian Ovtcharka. The first variety, the short-haired coat, should be brushed and combed as necessary. The second variety, the long-haired, requires more maintenance. The long-haired Caucasian Ovtcharka’s coat should be frequently brushed and combed, and extra care should be given to the spots where tangles are likely to occur.

There are three varieties of coat, long, medium and short. Their color is normally gray with varying shades. The most common shade is light gray. Other colors include ginger, white, reddish brown and brindle. Some may have a pie coat with scattered patches.

Ideal Environment

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The Caucasian Ovtcharka isn’t suitable for life in a small household or apartment. They need plenty of space so that they can get sufficient exercise, and they are happiest with at least a large-sized yard. They are content to live outdoors, provided they have appropriate shelter.

Caucasian Ovtcharka Q&AAsk a Question

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  I'm a first time dog owner and I really want this dog, should I get one?

  I'm a first time dog owner and I really want this dog, should I get one?

  Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
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  My dog is perfect on a leash. I have total control of her. When she is in the fenced in ...

  My dog is perfect on a leash. I have total control of her. When she is in the fenced in yard I have no control in our yard when she goes after someone passing by the house in the road. Once the person passes I can again say come...

  Asked by Anonymous - 0 answers

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