The Caucasian Ovcharka!
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a powerfully built mountain dog, giving off an impressive,
strong appearance with its solidly-muscled body. Its length is longer than
its height. Its head is quite distinctive, bringing to mind the image of a
bear together with its deep-set eyes. Its ears and tails are cut off at an
early age in order to fend off aggressors and predators. The Caucasian Ovcharka
has two coat lengths and a good undercoat.
Some Quick Facts:
Life Expectancy:
8-12 years
Energy Level:
Average; aggresive towards strangers.
Living Conditions:
Not best for city life. Rural life is ideal.
Barking:
Average.
Exercise Needs:
Daily 30 minute walk and yard play.
Breed Group:
Working
Size:
Large
Height:
25 – 28 inches
Weight:
99 – 150 pounds
Standard Hair Colors:
Fawn, gray, silver, reddish, silverish, white, cream, piebald, brindle
National breed club:
United States Caucasian Ovcharka Preservation
Society
Caucasian Ovcharka Skills
The Caucasian Ovcharka breed has existed for over 2,000 years as flock guardians. They are primarily known as a Russian breed and have been in use in the Steppes regions of the Caucasus and in villages in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. They are known for their faithfulness, great protective skills, and their ability to attack aggressors. In the former Soviet Union, the government made use of their ability for guarding. Today, while they retain their skills in protecting, they are no longer used to the isolated atmosphere of the mountains.
Caucasian Ovcharka Personality
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a calm dog, protective of its family and its owners and has the capacity to leap into active defense when put into a strange situation. It is also very athletic. Toward strangers, it can become suspicious and quite aggressive. This is not a breed recommended for the first-time owner; prospective owners must show the dog that they are “top dog” and bring it to obedience school. Some breeders caution people to choose a Caucasian Ovcharka if they or their family wants serious security.
Exercise Needs
With the Caucasian Ovcharka, a fenced-in yard is highly recommended for the dog to exercise in. They are most suitable outdoors, but make sure that the Caucasian Ovcharka is leashed as it does not react agreeably to strangers.
Living Conditions
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a dog used to the country, so to subject it to a small apartment or to city living will not help them develop well, although they can also become aggressive in suburban areas.
Grooming Requirements
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a low-maintenance breed, so it does not need professional or frequent grooming. Its luxuriant coat needs to be brushed frequently and it is known to shed a lot twice in a year.
Health Issues
Although the Caucasian Ovcharka is considered a healthy and robust breed, it can still fall prey to hip and elbow dysplasia. Some lines can also get juvenile cataracts. Watch out for pulmonic stenosis, a recently-discovered genetic heart ailment in the breed.
If you liked this dog…
...consider the German Shepherd, which shares a bloodline with the Caucasian Ovcharka and shares many characteristics such as being protective and aggressive.
