| Country of origin: | Russia |
| Registries: | AKC FSS, UKC, ARBA |
| Occupation: | Livestock guardian |
| Size: | 25.5 in tall; 100+ lbs |
| Longevity: | 10 to 12 years |
| Exercise: | Low activity level |
| Training: | Challenge |
| Grooming: | Sheds |
Familiar in western Europe for their role as border guards in divided Germany, this breed, officially the Kavkazskaya Ovtcharka or Caucasian Ovtcharka, is Russia’s most popular sheepdog. Its breed standard conforms to the bear-type sheepdogs from Georgia, a style favoured by Stalin. Thousands of them were abandoned as the Russian Army withdrew from East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and many of their descendants have been bred as family companions.
Dog breed synonyms: Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog & Russian Mountain Dog
HISTORY
Located between the Black Sea on the West and the Caspian Sea on the East, the Caucas region of Eastern Europe represents a melting pot of various nations and is the mother land to one of the oldest still living Molossers – the magnificent Caucasian Shepherd Dog or Caucasian Ovtcharka. The local herdsmen needed a dog strong enough to stand up to both the predators of the region and the harsh cold winters. The Caucasian Ovtcharka met those needs perfectly.
There is a strong belief that the Caucasian Ovtcharka has existed for more than 2.000 years, and she may be related to the Tibetan Mastiff or the Anatolian Shepherd.
In the late 1960s, the Caucasian Ovtcharka arrived in Germany to serve as a border patrol dog along the Berlin Wall. Later on, the careful breeding in Germany safeguarded the future of this amazing dog.
PERSONALITY
Being a guardian breed, the Caucasian Ovtcharka, shows devoted attachment to her owner and has an overprotective personality. She is affectionate with people she loves, but at the same time naturally aloof and distrustful of strangers. Ovtcharkas are protective of all the members of their pack, including other dogs, cats and even small birds and rodents.
As a contrast to their self-confident, fearless, independent and even aggressive character, in certain situations Caucasian Ovtcharkas can be quite sensitive. The typical Caucasian Ovtcharka is assertive, courageous, steady, active, alert, intelligent and wanting to please.
TRAITS
The Caucasian Ovtcharkas are strong dogs of robust and harmonious built, with plenty of bone, and well-developed powerful muscular system. Their structure is powerful, massive and coarse. They are of a slight rectangular format.
Sexual dimorphism is well pronounced in Caucasian Ovtcharkas. Males are more masculine and bigger, but shorter in body than the females. They also have distinctively pronounced mane.
The breed comes in three distinctive coat types – long, intermediate and short. Regardless of the coat’s length, it can be of any solid color, piebald or spotted color.
Females weight a minimum of 99Ib (45kg) and their height at withers is 26-27.5‘’ (67-70cm). Males weight a minimum of 110Ib (50kg) and their height at withers is 28-29.5‘’ (72-75cm).
HANDLING
The Caucasian Ovtcharka requires an owner who knows how to display strong leadership, while being patient and persistent. The owner must be able to achieve pack leader status. Inexperienced owners will find this breed difficult to handle.
The Caucasian Ovtcharkas require a lot of socializing and training, because as a breed they are quite independent minded and strong-willed. Unless properly raised, the Caucasian Ovtcharka is likely to exhibit ferocious and unmanageable tendencies.
Like all dogs, Caucasian Ovtcharkas have psychological window during which receptivity to new experiences will most likely be positive. Using that window and introducing her to new people, dogs, surroundings and experiences, while still a puppy, is of imperative importance.
HEALTH
Caucasian Ovtcharkas are a giant breed of dog, which means they are prone to large-breed health problems like bone and joint disorders. The most common bone and joint problem is the hip dysplasia. They are also genetically predisposed for developing gastric dilatation and volvulus and cataracts.
Caucasian Ovcharkas are highly susceptible to several lethal bacterial and viral infections such as parvo, rabies and distemper.
Caucasian Ovtcharkas are prone to obesity. Obesity can both cause or worsen other medical conditions such as joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease.
The Caucasian Ovtcharka’s lifespan is estimated to be 10-12 years.