The Caucasian Shepherd may be a breed of large-sized guardian dog native to the countries of the Caucasus region, specifically Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Dagestan.
Selective breeding of Caucasian Shepherds began within the country around 1920 from dogs of the range and therefore the southern field regions of Russia. Historically, the range in Georgia is the most region of distribution of the Caucasian pastoralists, each in terms of the amount and quality of dogs present within the area.
General Description
The Caucasian Ovcharka may be a robust and athletic dog, powerfully muscular and heavy-boned in proportion to height.
The head is massive, wedge-shaped, and tapers slightly to a blunt muzzle with high hanging ears, which may be cropped, and oval-shaped sunken eyes.
The thick tail hangs right down to the hock however is often carried over the rear sort of a hook or curved ring once the dog is worked up or moving.
Coat colors include shades of agouti gray, fawn, and reddish, with white markings and often a dark face mask. Solid white color with dark pigmentation occurs occasionally in the breed. Gender differences are well expressed in this breed. The males are more massive and powerful while females are smaller and lighter in build.
Appearance
The Caucasian Shepherds are not only muscular, strong-boned but also handsome and even temperate dogs. If we talk about plain dogs (this breed in the plain region), then they have a short coat, so they appear taller as they have a less strong build. But, this breed in the mountainous area has a heavier coat and is more muscular.
The height and weight of The Caucasian Shepherds are below:
Male:
- The minimum height of a male dog is 27 inches with the desired height of 28 to 30 inches, and a minimum weight of 110 pounds.
Female:
- The minimum height of a female dog measures 25 inches with a desirable height of 26 and 29 inches and a minimum weight of 99 pounds.
This breed has two layers of the coat with a properly developed undercoat. The outer part has a separate thick, straight coat that makes it what it is a very furry, giant, and cute dog.
The color of this breed is not definitive, you can use any solid, piebald, or mottled color except liver, it is usually blue or solid black.
Temperament
Caucasian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and amazing watchdogs. Although friendly and demonstrative to family members, the Caucasian’s Active defense reaction and strong territorial instincts make this breed very suspicious of strange people or dogs.
They are firm and even-tempered but will protect their flock, family, and property from danger, real or perceived, at lightning speed.
Caucasian shepherds have keen senses, so they are very alert and good trackers. Any change in their environment can result in warning barks and growls, especially at night. The breed is slow to mature and stubborn.
Patient training and socialization techniques can be used to moderate the suspiciousness characteristic of the Caucasian Ovcharka and aggressiveness towards strange people and dogs, resulting in a mature dog with good judgment.
This breed is hardy and capable of adapting to a wide range of climates.
History
For centuries, dogs similar to the Caucasian mountain dogs have served the herdsmen in the Caucasus Mountains as livestock keeper dogs, defending sheep from predators, mainly wolves, jackals, and bears.
During the 20th century, Soviet breeders selected some of these varieties among Caucasian dogs and created the Caucasian Shepherd breed.
Caucasian Shepherds were first described by the famous Russian cynologist Aleksandr Mazover, pointing out that the center of breed distribution, both in terms of number and quality, were Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Dagestan.
While dogs from different areas of the region shared the general characteristics present today in Caucasian Shepherds, Caucasian Shepherds from Georgia were considered the best specimens of the breed for their size, powerful musculoskeletal structure, and attractive long hair.
For this reason, the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic became one of the main Caucasian Shepherd farming regions in the Soviet Union.
The breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1984, under the patronage of the Soviet Union.
Facts About Caucasian Shepherds
How much do Caucasian Shepherd puppies cost?
The cost of a Caucasian Shepherd puppy ranges from $1,000 to $3,000
Do Caucasian Shepherds make good family dogs?
With proper training, they can become adorable pets and family guardians. These furry friends love being indoors with their human families as much as possible.
Are Caucasian Dogs Aggressive?
Caucasian Shepherds are bred to protect their families and property, so it is not surprising when one turns to an unfamiliar face or a smell that seems threatening to them. But with proper training, these white pups will grow up to be adorable members of your family!
At what age do Caucasian dogs start barking?
Their first sounds are usually grunts and groans. As they age, these develop into barking and barking, but some can wait until about 16 weeks before barking for the first time.
Can you ride a Caucasian Mountain Dog?
A typical misconception with the CMD breed is that they can be ridden, hurting both the riders and the dog! Also, the back muscles are not built to support people or animals, so don’t do any of that, take your dog for a walk!
Is the Caucasian Shepherd the largest dog?
The Caucasian Shepherd is not the largest dog because there are also Alaskan Malamutes, Saint Bernard, Irish Wolfhounds. Alaskan malamutes are larger than Caucasians and can be up to 27 inches tall.
Saint Bernards weigh more than 160 pounds, while Caucasians weigh between 110 and 140 pounds as adults. Irish Wolfhounds can grow to be 28 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 100 pounds.
Do Caucasian Shepherds Attack Their Owners?
If you are a first time dog owner, this is not the breed for you. The Caucasian Shepherd will fiercely protect his family and friends, but will have no qualms about attacking anyone he does not know well or has never seen before.