Caucasian Ovcharka

One of the group of large Molosser-type dogs bred to guard livestock, the Caucasian Ovcharka is little known in North America. But in Russia, the former Soviet Republics and Germany where it is shown as part of the working group, it is valued as an exceptional protector of property and livestock. It is a popular choice for police dog work as well. This breed has an imposing presence. It stands from 25 to 28 inches, but males can reach up to 32 inches and 150 pounds. It is strong, muscular, big-boned, and strikingly beautiful. The coat of the Caucasian Ovcharka is seen in two types: a short coat ("Plain"�) or long coat ("Mountain"�). This comes in a variety of colors: gray, rust, red, fawn, brindle, yellow. Many dogs sport more than one of these colors, shades melding into one another; all have a dark facial mask. The paws are heavy and large, with fur between the toes to add insulation and protection from rough terrain. The luxurious coat is double, dense, and weather-resistant. Average lifespan for the Caucasian Ovcharka is 10-11 years. Between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, where Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan converge, lie the Caucasus Mountains. Documentation suggests that at least 600 years ago, a large dog called the Caucasian Molosser was being used to guard livestock from predators and poachers. It could also kill wolves, hunt bear, and protect family and farm from trespassers and thieves. It likely descended from dogs brought into central Asia and Eastern Europe with the earliest nomadic tribes who settled the area. Through more recent centuries, the original breed developed into several distinct but similar breed variants determined by region and use. The breed now appearing in show rings as the Caucasian Ovcharka or Caucasian Sheep Dog is the variant developed in the Georgia region. Russian visitors to the mountains discovered the breed in 1869 and began breeding programs in Russia. Soon it was pronounced by the Russian Kennel Club as one of the "Troika"� three officially recognized "Russian"� sheep dogs. During the Soviet era, histories of various ethnic groups and regions within Soviet territory were revised, and the fact that the Caucasian Ovcharka came originally from Georgia was forcibly forgotten. By the early decades of the twentieth century the Caucasian Ovcharka had appeared in Germany, Poland and Hungary. It is believed that its first appearance in the show ring outside the Soviet Union occurred in Germany in 1930. The late 1960's brought the breed into policing work, guarding the borders of East Germany and patrolling the length of the Berlin Wall in particular. When the Wall came down in 1989, some 7,000 dogs were distributed across Germany some to work, and many to new families. Thus began wider interest in promoting and maintaining the Caucasian Ovcharka as a breed. Nowadays, the Caucasian Ovcharka is found across Europe as a family and working dog, and it is occasionally even found on the ranches of North America. Breeders and fans have formed the Caucasian Ovcharka Club of America (COCA) to promote and educate about the breed. The Caucasian Ovcharka is generally a very healthy breed. It is not uncommon to see individuals live to the age of 12 years. Known for its hardiness, the usual health ailments in the breed are those most typical to very large dogs: heart conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia. Being careful to research and use only experienced, reputable breeders, and screening puppies for inherited orthopedic problems will go far in protecting owners from future expensive health problems in their Caucasian Ovcharkas. As with other Molosser breeds, this breed needs a lot of territory to roam and a lot of exercise to stay conditioned; without adequate physical activity it is prone to obesity, from which problems such as diabetes, lameness and arthritis can develop. Without access to the acres of a farm, the Caucasian Ovcharka must have both long daily walks and a large fenced area in which to run loose. The coat of the Caucasian Ovcharka requires frequent brushing for both short and long coat types. At the very least the coat should be checked daily for tangles, parasites, and itching or scaling. Vigorous, thorough and regular brushing can eliminate these issues and keep skin healthy. This breed requires an occasional bath to remove dirt, debris and parasites which may collect under the fur. The Caucasian Ovcharka shows the strong-willed, independent, courageous and hard-working character attributable to many livestock guardian breeds. All other animals living on the property other dogs, cats, livestock and people will be guarded closely and protected unquestioningly. Because it is bred to do this job, this breed is bold, territorial, assertive, alert and fearless. And like many livestock guardian dogs, the Caucasian Ovcharka displays a suspicious nature instinctively wary of strangers approaching the property. For this reason, it is necessary for the dog to be made to understand when a particular visitor is invited and welcome, or at least restrained until the situation is understood. The Caucasian Ovcharka should be introduced to other dogs with caution because it can be dominant and even aggressive with other dogs. While this breed is good with older children, young children are not advised; if play becomes too rough and tumble, this dog will likely feel a need to intervene and protect someone. But while this breed is innately distrustful of strangers, it is friendly to family, family friends and frequent visitors. Firm, consistent, early training from an owner who is comfortable being a strong pack leader is absolutely essential for the Caucasian Ovcharka. Young pups must be socialized from the beginning, with the owner taking any opportunity to expose the dog to various people, animals and situations successfully. Without adequate early training and socialization individuals of this breed can become quite unmanageable and even dangerous. This can easily be avoided by responsible and careful handling, and by the owner functioning as a true leader. With proper training, the beautiful and courageous Caucasian Ovcharka makes a gentle, loyal and well-mannered companion.

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