The Caucasian Shepherd dog is a serious guardian breed and should never be taken lightly. The Caucasian is bold, fearless, self-confident and fierce when a threat is present, but he is soft, devoted, kind and endearing to his family, including other family pets. Caucasian Shepherd dogs were used for centuries to protect properties from trespassers, guard livestock from large and small predators such as wolves and coyotes, and for many other duties. In modern days, especially in the West, they’re most commonly companions and watchdogs. There is a great variety of types among the Caucasian dogs depending on their home region. For almost a century, there has been two breed types and standards: The Mountain type, which is long-coated and has a heavier body mass than the Steppe type, a shorter-coated dog with a lighter body mass. Other names for the breed include Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kawkasky Owtscharka, and Kaukasische Schaferhund.
History
The Kavkaz (Caucasus) mountain range of Eastern Europe – so many nations with different cultures calling it their home through the centuries. The territories of Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Daghestan, Osettia, Turkey, Chechnia, Ingushetia and Iran, the Caucasus mountains are also home to the Caucasian Ovcharka or Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Although its first official Western Show-Ring appearance was in the 1930s in Germany, the Caucasian Shepherd has existed since ancient times and was introduced to the bloodlines of many of today’s world breeds throughout history. Many researches show the Caucasian dog as being a close relative of the sheepdogs of the Balkans and mastiffs of Asia.
Historically, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs were used for the guarding and safe-keeping of herds, flocks and dwellings from predators. The first mention of a large molossoid dog used by the army of Armenian Tsar Tigran the II dates from the first century BC. Selection work with the breed started in the USSR in the 1920s. Obligatory qualities such as physical power, self-confidence, fearlessness, sharply developed hearing, good sight, and a dense and waterproof coat have been cultivated in the process of selection. All these qualities, as well as endurance, allows people to use Caucasian Shepherd Dogs in all kinds of climatic conditions, including the most severe ones.
Quick Facts
Temperament: fearless / bold / kind
Height: 23-30 inches
Weight: 99-170 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Foundation Stock Service
Health
Like all breeds there may be some health issues. Some dogs may be faced with these issues in their lives, but the majority of Caucasian Ovcharkas are healthy dogs. Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Caucasian Ovcharka can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies.
Grooming
The Caucasian Shepherd has a variety of coat types, from very long to short. Longer-coated dogs need to be groomed daily. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet. Their strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Exercise
Caucasian Shepherds do best with a large yard and are suitable for families that like daily walks. For safety, because they are an intelligent and independent breed, they should be kept contained when exercised, such as in a fenced yard and on-leash when being walked. Even though it is a low energy dog, he should have good endurance for walking and hiking. Some breeders encourage endurance tests.
Training
Extremely independent and intelligent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog can prove difficult to train for obedience but not impossible. Although active while outdoors, they are usually fairly quiet in the house. Prospective owners should take note: the breed is highly protective of their family and property, so it may be difficult to bring people into your home.
Nutrition
You are going to want to feed your Caucasian Shepherd Dog a formula that will cater to his unique digestive needs throughout the various phases of his life. You should continue the food your breeder recommends until your puppy is at least 6 months old (unless there is a compelling reason to change). Reputable breeders will help you ensure that your puppy receives proper nutrition with quality foods that help him/her grow in a healthy way. When it’s time to change, many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and extra-large breeds. Caucasian Shepherds are a large-extra-large breed. A good general rule is to avoid kibbles with low-quality ingredients, as these are not digestible. What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
