Variety Overview
English Name: Caucasian Ovcharka
Alias: Caucasus Mountain Dog
Place of Origin: Russia
Size: Extra-large dog breed
Price Range: approximately $450-$3000 USD
Shoulder Height: 64-90 cm (25-35 inches)
Weight: 45-100 kg (99-220 lbs)
Coat Length: Long-haired
Primary Functions: Guard dog, livestock guardian dog
Development Origin
In the 1960s, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs arrived in what was then East Germany to serve as border patrol dogs, particularly along the Berlin Wall. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, around 7,000 robust patrol dogs were disbanded. Many of these dogs were adopted by ordinary German families. Thanks to careful breeding practices in Germany, this cautious and independent breed’s future was secured. As the breed gained popularity, breeders focused more on selecting for a gentle temperament. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is among the largest and most formidable dog breeds in the world. Despite their fierce nature, they are highly loyal to their owners and enjoy close companionship. Nowadays, they are mainly used for livestock guarding and security purposes.
Morphological Features and Identification
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a robust and powerful athletic breed known for its muscular build and well-proportioned bone structure. Its body length slightly exceeds its shoulder height, giving it a balanced appearance. This breed features a massive wedge-shaped head with a prominent black nose and wide nostrils. Its coat is exceptionally thick and dense, providing ample protection. The dog’s strong forelimbs are straight and long, with fur between the large toes to shield them from harsh conditions. Its sturdy paws enable it to maintain stability on uneven terrain, with hips positioned slightly higher than its back.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog boasts a robust physique and strong disease resistance. It has a brave temperament, remains calm and stable under pressure, and is highly alert with keen intuition. This breed is characterized by a strong will and great confidence, along with unwavering loyalty to its owner. It is best suited for guarding homes, villas, warehouses, farms, or ranches but is not recommended for typical family environments.
Origin Region
Modern studies indicate that the ancestors of all shepherd dogs likely originated from ancient canines inhabiting the forested mountainous regions of Iraq and Mesopotamia. These dogs were brought to the remote areas of the Caucasus by ancient nomadic tribes. Through environmental selection, these working dogs evolved into what we now know as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, a breed that is considered rare and valuable in modern times.
The name “Caucasian” not only refers to its geographic origin but also signifies its purpose. The term encompasses regions such as Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Dagestan, Iran, and Turkey. “Ovtcharka” is a Russian word meaning “shepherd dog.” Unlike typical shepherd dogs, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is primarily a livestock guardian dog bred to stay close to herds and protect them from predators like wolves, bears, and thieves.
This ancient large guardian dog hails from ethnic minorities in Central Asia regions like Chechnya within the former Soviet Union. Some believe it descends from the Tibetan Mastiff or shares a common giant mastiff ancestry with it from Asia. However, modern archaeological findings have introduced a new perspective on its origins.
Personality Characteristics
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is robust and hardy, exhibiting excellent adaptability. It maintains a calm yet energetic demeanor but can be quite hostile towards unfamiliar people.