About...
Large and in charge, the Caucasian Mountain Shepherd or Caucasian Ovcharka is one big pup you don’t want to mess around with. This beautiful breed comes from a long lineage of guard dogs, carefully bred with the intent to protect, lead and fight.
Standing tall with a thick, rich fur coat and muscular build, it’s easy to be impressed by the sight of a Caucasian Ovcharka. You may notice her sticking to her owner’s side, loyal as can be as she silently observes the surrounding area with a calm air of intelligence.
These dogs are known for their loyalty but don’t jump up and run to the next breeder to score your own puppy with dreams of the ultimate guard dog in mind.
This is a breed that takes a whole lot of time, dedication and training to achieve supreme obedience and manageable behavior. If you don’t have much time or space, the Caucasian Ovcharka can be a handful, as well as dangerous.
Ready to embark on a journey into the world of the Caucasian Mountain Dog? Come with me, our journey begins in the highlands of Georgia, where it first found its roots.
1. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is Well Suited for Life Outdoors
Ferocious beasts ain’t got nothing on this dog! It can be found roaming the countryside of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and especially Georgia, its principal region of origin.
Tracing its heritage back to the Caucasus region, from which it gets its name, the Caucasian Ovcharka’s ancestor is said to be the Tibetan Dog ( NOT the Tibetan Mastiff). Over the centuries, the Tibetan Dog spread over Mongolia, Asia and into Europe via the Chinese.
When this breed migrated into the Dagestan region, the geography, climate, and overall environment caused this dog to adapt to harsh conditions and evolve accordingly. That’s what makes the Caucasian Ovcharka unique in its appearance and behavior from other similar breeds.
While human interference played a role in this dog’s present day look and demeanor, nature is what ultimately shaped its genetic makeup from the start, creating the perfect canine beast suited to dominate the rugged highlands of the Caucasus Mountain Ranges.
Isolation kept the Caucasian Ovcharka’s bloodline pure. Vestiges of its ancient roots can still be seen with its unusually long teeth– a lingering trait of ancient breeds.
2. If You Need a Guard Dog, the Caucasian Mountain Shepherd is Built Like a Tank
Are bears terrorizing your sheep? Got yourself a wolf problem? For livestock farmers across the Caucasus region, these were everyday issues they faced in order to protect their flocks and livelihood.
The Caucasian Ovcharka was the coveted solution to solve these problems (Kangal is another dog which was bred for such purposes).
Maybe you don’t need protection from bears so to speak, but if you’re looking for a protective breed with a strong disposition, the Caucasian Ovcharka could be a solid option.
Its skills are prized in Russia and they are commonly used for military work and to guard prisons. In the 1960s it was one of the breeds chosen to patrol the Berlin Wall.
A beast of pure muscle and brawn, this dog is huge, standing over 26 inches tall and weighing from 120 lbs up to 200 lbs. It resembles a lion with its enormous head and shaggy mane, with deep-set, watchful eyes and ears that are traditionally cropped.
A thick coat of long hair covers the entire body, from ears to between the toes. It’s weatherproof and insulated, making the Caucasian Ovcharka well adapted to life in extreme outdoor temperatures. The typical colors of a true Caucasian Ovcharka are gray, tan, pied, brindle and white.
Large and in charge, the Caucasian Mountain Shepherd or Caucasian Ovcharka is one big pup you don’t want to mess around with. This beautiful breed comes from a long lineage of guard dogs, carefully bred with the intent to protect, lead and fight.
Standing tall with a thick, rich fur coat and muscular build, it’s easy to be impressed by the sight of a Caucasian Ovcharka. You may notice her sticking to her owner’s side, loyal as can be as she silently observes the surrounding area with a calm air of intelligence.
These dogs are known for their loyalty but don’t jump up and run to the next breeder to score your own puppy with dreams of the ultimate guard dog in mind.
This is a breed that takes a whole lot of time, dedication and training to achieve supreme obedience and manageable behavior. If you don’t have much time or space, the Caucasian Ovcharka can be a handful, as well as dangerous.
Ready to embark on a journey into the world of the Caucasian Mountain Dog? Come with me, our journey begins in the highlands of Georgia, where it first found its roots.
1. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is Well Suited for Life Outdoors
Ferocious beasts ain’t got nothing on this dog! It can be found roaming the countryside of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and especially Georgia, its principal region of origin.
Tracing its heritage back to the Caucasus region, from which it gets its name, the Caucasian Ovcharka’s ancestor is said to be the Tibetan Dog ( NOT the Tibetan Mastiff). Over the centuries, the Tibetan Dog spread over Mongolia, Asia and into Europe via the Chinese.
When this breed migrated into the Dagestan region, the geography, climate, and overall environment caused this dog to adapt to harsh conditions and evolve accordingly. That’s what makes the Caucasian Ovcharka unique in its appearance and behavior from other similar breeds.
While human interference played a role in this dog’s present day look and demeanor, nature is what ultimately shaped its genetic makeup from the start, creating the perfect canine beast suited to dominate the rugged highlands of the Caucasus Mountain Ranges.
Isolation kept the Caucasian Ovcharka’s bloodline pure. Vestiges of its ancient roots can still be seen with its unusually long teeth– a lingering trait of ancient breeds.
2. If You Need a Guard Dog, the Caucasian Mountain Shepherd is Built Like a Tank
Are bears terrorizing your sheep? Got yourself a wolf problem? For livestock farmers across the Caucasus region, these were everyday issues they faced in order to protect their flocks and livelihood.
The Caucasian Ovcharka was the coveted solution to solve these problems (Kangal is another dog which was bred for such purposes).
Maybe you don’t need protection from bears so to speak, but if you’re looking for a protective breed with a strong disposition, the Caucasian Ovcharka could be a solid option.
Its skills are prized in Russia and they are commonly used for military work and to guard prisons. In the 1960s it was one of the breeds chosen to patrol the Berlin Wall.
A beast of pure muscle and brawn, this dog is huge, standing over 26 inches tall and weighing from 120 lbs up to 200 lbs. It resembles a lion with its enormous head and shaggy mane, with deep-set, watchful eyes and ears that are traditionally cropped.
A thick coat of long hair covers the entire body, from ears to between the toes. It’s weatherproof and insulated, making the Caucasian Ovcharka well adapted to life in extreme outdoor temperatures. The typical colors of a true Caucasian Ovcharka are gray, tan, pied, brindle and white.