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Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Country of Origin: Russia, Georgia, Arm

Group: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs

Section: Molossoid breeds

Original Function: sheep, guard

Todays Function: sheep, guard and defense

Dimension Male: > 65 cm

Dimension Female: > 62 cm

Weight Male: 45-70 kg

Weight Female: 45-70 kg

Litter Size: 4-12 puppies, average 8

Life span: 10-11 years

Other Names: Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Shepherd, Kavkaskaia


Colors: Gray, tan, pied, fawn brindle and white

Living: The caucasian ovtcharka is not recommended for apartment life. they need space and will do best wit

Recognized: FCI, NKC, CKC, APRI, ACR

Description

The Caucasian Ovtcharka 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 a 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. Puppy coats are finer then adult coats. Colors vary from gray, fawn, tan, pied, brindle and white. The FCI prohibits brown dogs. In its native country the Caucasian Ovtcharka"s ears are cropped short.

Temperament

The Caucasian Ovtcharka"s original purpose was to protect livestock. The typical Caucasian Ovtcharka is assertive, strong-willed, and courageous. Unless properly socialized and trained, the Caucasian Ovtcharka 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. This dog should not be left alone with children, because if play becomes too rough, the Caucasian Ovtcharka my feel the need to protect your child, and may do it extensively. It has no time for strangers, but it will greet family friends warmly. It can be rather dominate towards other dogs it does not know. Some German fanciers employ the dogs as foremost guardians and deterrents. This is not a dog for everyone. It requires an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and who is willing to spend a lot of time socializing and training. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success.

Excercise

This breed of dog is best suited to a family with lots of space surrounding the home where it can safely run free in an open area. When not working as a livestock guard, they should be taken for a daily, long walk where the dog is made to heel. They should never be allowed to walk out in front of the person holding the lead, as in a dog"s mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.

Grooming

Short haired Caucasian Shepherd Dogs would need very minimal grooming. Occasional brushing would be enough to maintain the good condition of the coat. The long haired type though would be prone to matting. Mats can be avoided if the coat is brushed at lea

Health

Major concerns: CHD

Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia

Occasionally seen: none

Suggested tests: hip, elbow