Caucasian Shepherd Dog Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of the Caucasian Ovcharka?

The Caucasian Owtscharka is one of four types of Russian shepherd dogs. As the name suggests, its origin can be found in the Caucasus. This mountainous region is known for its harsh climate. Bears and wolves can still be found here today. The Caucasian Ovcharka is able to cope with all these adversities.

In the course of time the Owtscharka has spread over the whole former Soviet Union region. Depending on the region there are therefore different variants to be distinguished. The Owtscharkas native to the mountains are more compact and heavier, those living in the lowlands are a little lighter and taller. This dog species most likely goes back to the first Tibetan mastiffs. The Caucasian Owtscharka has been first documented over 600 years ago. It was primarily used to herd sheep and, whenever necessary, to protect their human owners. It would courageously face wolves, bears and robbers. For this reason this archaic type of dog needs to have a certain size as well as strength and it needs to be able to act independently as well as be of a modest nature. In the Eastern Bloc countries the dog was also used for military and police purposes, for example as a guard dog in the GDR and other Eastern Bloc states. Since then, this dog breed has gained in popularity. Meanwhile there are also people who buy a Caucasian Owtscharka to use it as a family and companion dog. As such it shows its trusting and gentle nature. It was officially recognised by the FCI only in 1984.

What are the breed characteristics of the Caucasian Ovcharka?

Russia takes care of the breed standard of the Caucasian Owtscharka. The dog breed is classified in FCI Group 2, Section 2.2, Standard No. 328, according to which it is not a sheepdog of the first group, but belongs to the group of Schnauzers, Great Danes, Newfoundland dogs and St. Bernards. It is an extremely large, impressive dog with an undemanding, calm appearance. Their eyes have an attentive and alert look. It's strength hold something very primeval.

 Two main types have developed according to their geographical spread: The Steppe Caucasus and the Mountain Caucasus. The Steppe Caucasian is rather long-legged, light and has short hair. The Mountain Caucasian is square-shaped, strong and its coat is longer. The breed standard maintained by Russia combines these two types into one standard. Both variations are permitted.

There are long-haired and short-haired variations as well as a transitional type.

• Long-haired type: ruff, like a mane, strongly feathered tail.
• Short-haired type: Short top coat, to be found especially in the Steppe Caucasus.
• Transition type: Medium length hair, longer top coat, which however does not form a mane or feathered tail, most common type.