The Caucasian Mountain Dog is a powerful, athletic dog, strongly muscled,
and well-boned in proportion to height. The body is slightly longer than
tall. The head is large, wedge-shaped, and tapers slightly to a blunt
muzzle with high-set hanging ears, which may be cropped, and deep-set,
slightly almond-shaped eyes. The thick tail hangs down to the hock but
may be carried above the back as a sickle-shaped hook or ring when the
dog is excited or moving. Three coat lengths are accepted, all
double-coated and thick. Coat colors include shades of agouti gray, fawn,
and reddish, with white markings and often a dark facial mask. Solid white
dogs with dark pigmentation occur occasionally in the breed. Gender
differences are well expressed in this breed. Males are more massive and
more powerful; females are smaller and lighter in build. Honorable scars
resulting from field work are not to be penalized.
Characteristics
The Caucasian Mountain Dog has a very distinctive head and expression,
which has been described as "bear-like" with its massive, blunt,
wedge-shaped head and deep-set, almond eyes. Caucasians are spirited,
intelligent, strong-willed guardian dogs. While gentle and demonstrative
with family members, the Caucasian's active defense reaction and strong
territorial instincts make this breed very suspicious of strange people or
dogs. They are steady and even tempered but will protect their flock,
family, and property from danger-real or perceived-with lightning-quick
speed. Caucasian Mountain Dogs have keen senses, so they are very alert
and good trackers. Any change in their surroundings can result in warning
barks and growls, particularly at night. The breed is slow to mature and
headstrong. Socialization and patient, inducive training techniques can be
used to temper the Caucasian Mountain Dog's characteristic suspicion and
aggressiveness toward strange people and dogs, resulting in a mature dog
with good judgment. This breed is hardy and able to adapt to a wide
range of climates.
Temperament
-
History
The Caucasian Mountain Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, is a
guardian breed from the Caucasus Mountain area. The breed's origin is
shrouded in antiquity. Some claim the breed is a domestication of the
wolves of this region, others that the breed developed from Mastiff-Spitz
crosses. Some experts contend that the breed naturally developed from a
group of sheepdogs that migrated to the Caucasus from Tibet. More
recent archaeological findings point to breed origins in Mesopotamia.
What is known for certain is that herdsmen in the mountains of Georgia,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Daghestan, and surrounding countries, and the
steppe regions of the northern Caucasus, have for centuries depended on
the Caucasian Mountain Dog to guard flocks and villages. Legends are
written of the breed's faithfulness, protectiveness, and ferocity when
called upon to defend. Type varies geographically throughout the
mountain range, and also varies according to the purpose for which the
dogs were used. Generally, dogs of the trans-Caucasus regions are more
massive, while those found in the steppe regions have a somewhat rangier
build, are leggier, and are often short-coated. Modern breeding conforms
to a single standard.
The former Soviet government developed state kennels and used the
breed for guarding factories and government facilities throughout the
former U.S.S.R. In the United States, Caucasian Mountain Dogs have
earned a reputation as trustworthy service dogs.
Origin
Russia
Utilization
Working dog
Classification
Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossians and Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs
Size
Large
Height
Minimum height at maturity, measured at the withers, is 25½ inches
Main
menu: