Caucasian Ovcharka Dog Breed

Indigenous to the mountain regions of the Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani Union Republics, the Kabardino-Balkar, Daghestan and Kalmyk Autonomous Republics, as well as the steppe regions of the northern Caucasus and Astrakhan district, the Caucasian Ovcharka spent hundreds of years as a guarding, herding and sometimes fighting dog.

A dog of generally large stature, the Caucasian Ovcharka can often come across and as intimidating breed.

Color(s)

The breed can be seen in a variety of colors, from black, black and gray, cream and fawn to just gray, rust and white.

Coat

Varies based on geography, but the breed usually has a double coat which can be short or long.

Activity Level

Low

Positives

The Caucasian Ovcharka fosters strong bonds with its owners and can get along well with kids. It is known to be a steady and sweet breed.

Things to Consider

While it’s true that the Caucasian Ovcharka bonds with its owners, it may be wary and hostile towards strangers, and its independent streak means the breed will need strong training. They tend to bark at night, as well.

Ideal Living Conditions

Since a grown Caucasian Ovcharka needs limited exercise, it may do well in either an apartment (that’s large enough to accommodate it!) or a house. Keep in mind that the breed does very well if their herding instincts can be put to good use, so a fenced in backyard could be nice.

Special Requirements

The breed does well with training and proper socialization will help alleviate its propensity to distrust both strangers and strange dogs. The breed also needs a thorough brushing at least twice a week.

Caucasian Ovcharkas are susceptible to hip dysplasia and cataracts.

The Caucasian Ovcharka is believed to have been around for 2,000 years or more and may be related to the Tibetan Mastiff and Anatolian Shepherd. In 1990, an Ohio-based couple brought the first Caucasian Ovcharkas to the U.S. and in 1996 the breed became an American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service breed.