Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog, Georgian Nagazi, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Circassian Sheep Dog, Armenian Khobun Dog, Kars (Kafkas) KöpeÄŸi
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a powerful, athletic dog, strongly muscled, and heavily boned in proportion to height. 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, oval-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.
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 Ovcharka 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 training techniques can be used to temper the Caucasian Ovcharka’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.
Size | Large to Giant |
Height | 25-28 inches (64-72 cm) |
Weight | 99-154 pounds (45-70 kg) |
Lifespan | 10-12 years |
Colors | Black Cream Gray Silver White Yellow |
Origin | Armenia Azerbaijan Georgia |
Classification | Purebred |
Good Lapcat |
Good In Apartments |
The Caucasian Shepherd is not recommended for apartment life. They need space and will do best with at least a large yard. Because its thick coat protects it so well, it can happily cope with living outdoors provided it has proper shelter. |
Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
Good With Dogs |
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Good With Cats |
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Exercise Needs |
Exercise and play time are a crucial part of the Caucasian Shepherd dogs life to help prevent obesity. Outdoor activities such as hiking, chasing balls and retrieving flying discs can be a good outlet of releasing energy. |
Trainability |
Difficult Training: Training your Caucasian Ovcharka is no simple task. This breed is very strong-willed and assertive and will need to be taught basic manners and good behavior from a very young age. The Caucasian Ovcharka will be far too difficult to begin training as an adult, as it could be potentially dangerous to correct them. The Caucasian Ovcharka requires a very strong and confident leader that consistently exerts their place as head of the pack. |
Affectionate |
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Playfulness |
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Grooming Requirements |
There are two coat varieties: short and long. The coat of the long-haired variety requires frequent brushings, paying special attention to the spots where tangles may occur. The shorthaired variety needs less grooming, but should still be combed and brushed. |
Shedding |
Moderate Shedding: To keep an Ovcharka’s double coat healthy, brush him thoroughly up to twice a week. Once a year, the Ovcharka goes through a heavy shed, known as blowing coat. During this time, warm baths and frequent brushing will help the old coat shed faster, reducing the amount of hair that will end up on your floor, furniture, and clothing. |
Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |