The Caucasian Ovcharka dog is an ancient breed that is believed to have been roaming the Caucasus Mountains between Europe and Asia for over 2000 years!
Which is a bit odd…
When you think about it because the American Kennel Club (AKC) didn’t “officially” recognize the breed until 1996, mainly since this dog has long been revered throughout history by those who have had the good fortune of being able to own and work with one.
Now because this breed has made its home in many countries over the centuries, many people have called it many names.
The Caucasian Ovcharka dog may be known as the:
- Caucasian Volkodav,
- Georgian Nagazi,
- Caucasian Ovtcharka,
- Caucasian Sheepdog,
- Caucasian Mountain dogs,
- The Russian Bear dog,
- Shepherd dog or the Caucasian Shepherd dog,
- As well as the Sage Ganghazi, which is how the United Kennel Club likes to refer to them.
And while…
The Federation Cynologique Internationale has this breed registered as a USSR breed; this decision to do so can be considered a bit “debatable” since it is believed that the Ovcharka mountain breed originated from the Caucasian countries outside of the Soviet Union territories. Here, these outstanding animals proved to be reliable and solid-footed Mountain Dog that could double as a shepherd, all in their own right.
This is probably why, throughout history, they have been used as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and cattle-driving dogs capable of living and thriving in some of the most inhospitable environments in the world.
Remarkably loyal…
The Caucasian Shepherd dog have also become valued as excellent family pets and hard working gods that have become a “staple” in mountain rescue operations throughout northern Asia and Eastern Europe.
The Ovcharka Dog Breed is MASSIVE…
… This dog was deliberately created to be warm, fluffy, and cozy inside its doubly thick coat. Similar to the famous TV dog ‘Beethoven’ in size at least, the Asian Ovcharka is somewhat of a Central Asian-based dog as opposed to St Bernard, prevalent in Eastern areas. It is a Molosser dog, a big, fuzzy ball of wondrous fluff designed to be mountain shepherds.
This means that if…
If you decide to purchase a Caucasian Shepherd puppy or, better yet, adopt a Caucasian Ovcharka rescue dog, you should expect a few things.
- First, they will have a big head, long legs, and a long tail.
- Second, they’re going to be “big” boned. Or, to put it another way, these dogs will be solidly built.
Lastly, they will have significant “puppy dog” eyes, making you forget how huge they are and want to hug them!
He’s also….
Going to be “intolerably hairy” and is going to need rigorous brushing (they say twice a week, but we say daily) and regular baths to get rid of all that shedding hair… (and good luck trying to get this giant into the tub)! And while it would be nice if the term Caucasian gave us a hint as to what color his coat might be, the truth is that Caucasian Ovcharka can come in all sorts of solid and mixed colors, so don’t let that part of the name fool you.
Caucasian Ovcharka temperament
Probably the best way to describe a Caucasian Sheppard dog temperament would be to call them a giant teddy bear that doesn’t particularly trust strangers. This big lovable guy is growing to be a perfect addition to most households. That said, however, because the Caucasian Ovcharaka has been bred to be an intelligent, independent thinker, he can tend to be a bit headstrong and will need a firm owner to prevent him from simply doing as he pleases.
He’ll also….
He needs plenty of stimulation to keep his mind active, even if he is not an active dog in his later years. But please be aware…
- A bored Caucasian is highly likely to chew your shoes, your shoe stand, and the wall behind it if you don’t keep him busy.
- He is not good with other animals as a general rule.
- And due to his territorial nature, unless socialized early on, your Caucasian is not likely to enjoy interacting with strangers.
- Obedience classes are also advisable with this breed since they are headstrong and tend to do as they please.
Additionally, while many owners will tell you that this dog is not very active, the puppy version is. So, if you do decide to adopt a Caucasian Ovcharaka puppy, you’ll need to provide them with plenty of room to run and stretch.
Apartment living will work provided you take the time to allow your “buddy” to hit the park or run, but be aware that your Caucasian will be able to clear a 6-foot fence if they choose to do so. Even an electric fence isn’t able to stop a determined Ovcharaka!
Is the Caucasian a healthy Dog?
All in all, the Caucasian Ovcharaka dog breed is relatively healthy. That said, however there are a few issues you’ll want to be on the lookout for, including:
- Hip dysplasia in later life, like most big breeds.
- As well as cataracts.
Which is why…
We at IndulgeYourPet always suggest that while researching what kind of pet to get, one should also see exactly what it would cost to purchase a pet insurance policy. This way, if you find yourself staring at a vast vet bill in the future, you won’t have to face the bill alone. Instead, you can use your insurance to minimize your expenses.
For more information about how much a pet insurance policy might cost you and which pet insurance company has the “best” deal, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
How are these dogs with small children and infants?