Overview:
Caucasian Ovtcharka as they are also called, are excellent watchdogs in aptitude, bold and very good deterrent of strangers. These dogs immediately show distrust to strangers but very nice to the members of the family that were properly socialized to them. The looks of a Caucasian shepherd dog can be very intimidating coupled to their aggression to intruders makes matters worse.

Country of Origin:
Former Soviet Union

Size type:
Giant dog breed

Character:
It is a very brave, vigilant, strong dog, which is hardy, and distrusts people it does not know, possessing a powerful urge to defend. Their original role was to protect livestock from four-legged and two-legged predators.

Breed Group:
Guardian dog breeds (UKC)

Height:
Shoulder - height: 64 - 72 cm (25 - 28 inches).

Weight:
45 - 70 kg (99 - 154 lb).

Temperament:
The Caucasian Shepherd's original purpose was to protect livestock. The typical Caucasian Ovtcharka is assertive, strong-willed and courageous. Unless properly socialized and trained, the Caucasian Shepherd may exhibit ferocious and unmanageable tendencies. It is very brave, alert, strong and hardy. It does not accept people it does not know and it has a powerful urge to defend. Everything and everyone who belongs to the family, including children, cats, other dogs, etc., will be regarded by this dog as part of "its" family and will be respected and protected.

Coat:
The Caucasian shepherd dog has three different kinds of coat: long-haired with a collar and longer-haired hindquarters; short-haired; and medium-length hair without the collar and the long hairs on the hindquarters. The main colours are different shades of grey with light to rust-colored markings; yellow, white, dun, rust-brown; they can be multicoloured and patterned.

Care:
The long-haired types require grooming from time to time with brush and comb, especially where tangles might occur. The coat of the short-haired variety needs less grooming.

Training:
The potential owner of this breed of dog needs to be strong in character and physique. The breed has a distinct sense of right and wrong and you must therefore never treat them severely or punish them unfairly. The right handler can achieve a Caucasian Ovtcharka which is obedient and very loyal through mutual respect, that will protect the family and home with their life.

Characteristics:
The Caucasian Shepherd has moderate deep-set, dark eyes. The ears are densely covered with hair for insulation. The hips are slightly raised from the line of the back. The tail is profusely covered with long feathering of heavy hair. The forelimbs are long, straight and densely boned. The paws are large and heavy, with hair between the toes, providing excellent insulation and protection. The nose is black and prominent with well opened, large nostrils. The thick, dense, weather-resistant coat has profuse feathering and is especially effective at keeping out the cold.