BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Vitaly
Photo courtesy: Courageous Caucasians |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The all-breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
Notes:
NOTE 1: — From the AKC May 2007 Board Meeting, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is now eligible to compete in AKC Companion events held on and after January 1, 2008. See http://www.akc.org/reg/fss_news.cfm for full details.
NOTE 2: — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Russia
Height:
Ranges from 26 to 32 inches
Weight:
Weight can range from 70 to 160 lbs.
Breed Profile:
The Caucasian Ovcharka, (also known as Caucasian Ovtcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Shepherd's Dog, Kavkaskaya Ovcharka, Caucasian Owtcharka), originated in the Caucasian Republics, Russia. In his native Russia, he is known as the Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, in the Georgian Republic he is called Nagazi and in Armenia, he is known as Gampr. He is very powerfully built with a bear-like head and bluntly cropped ears. His thick coat can be short, medium or long and ranges in shades of dark to light gray or reddish to fawn with white markings and usually a distinctive dark facial mask. The breed is used as a Livestock Guardian, Protection Dog, and was also used as a fighting dog.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is protective, territorial by nature, alert, suspicious and a willing worker. He is even tempered, bold, intelligent and an independent thinker. The Ovcharka is faithful, fearless and can be ferocious when called upon to defend his territory. The breed must be properly socialized and requires early training. With proper training, he can be gentle, loyal and well-mannered but is not the breed for everyone.
Health Issues
In general, the Caucasian is very healthy; however, like other large breed dogs and as a minimum, breeding stock should be screened for hip and elbow dysplasia.
If you are considering the adoption of a Caucasian Ovcharka puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- UKC Breed Standard for the Caucasian Ovtcharka
- COCA Breed Standard — Adapted For The United States of America by the Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) Club Of America, Inc. From The Breed Standard Of: The Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I.)
- FCI Breed Standard No 328
Photo courtesy of Courageous Caucasians
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Starting the LGD Pup by Catherine de la Cruz
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Caucasian Mountain Dog Worldwide Network Website
- Working Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD) — What is their Job?
- Livestock Guardian Dogs: Their Current Use Worldwide by Robin Rigg (PDF)
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
