Caucasian shepherd dog

Overall description of the breed

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed that originated in the mountainous Caucasus region, which spans several countries, including Russia, Georgia and Armenia. Its history dates back several millennia, and it is considered to be one of the oldest sheepdogs in the world.

The ancestors of the Caucasian Shepherd were working dogs used by nomadic tribes in the Caucasus to protect their flocks of sheep from predators such as wolves and bears. These dogs have been selectively bred for their courage, endurance and protective instincts, making them excellent herdsmen.

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are large and powerfully built. Males generally measure between 64 and 75 cm (25" to 30") at the withers, while females measure between 62 and 70 cm (24" to 28"). The average weight is around 45 to 80 kg (99 to 176 lb) for males and 40 to 60 kg (88 to 132 lb) for females.

Their coat is dense and thick, with an abundant undercoat, which protects them from the harsh climatic conditions of the cold Caucasian regions. The breed has 3 varieties of coat, long, medium-long and short, with the long coat being the most common. The coat can vary in colour from white to grey, fawn and brindle.

The Caucasian Shepherd's character is marked by its protective instincts and courage. They are calm, intelligent dogs that are extremely loyal to their adopted family and their territory. They are wary of strangers and are particularly effective as guard dogs. Their dominant nature requires firm, consistent training from an early age, as well as early socialisation to get them used to different environments and people. Although they are affectionate companions with their families, they can be reserved towards people they do not know.

Real breeding selection began in 1920 in the former USSR and the breed was stabilised in 1956 by the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) in the Soviet Union, which is also the founding club. It first appeared in show rings in 1979, and an official standard was drawn up in 1983.

The Caucasian Shepherd is officially recognised by the FCI as a Group 2 breed - Pinscher, Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, or "Kavkazkaya Ovcharka" as it was originally known, was finally recognised by the FCI on 23 August 1984, and the most recent update to the official standard was published on 13 October 2010.

In short, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is a robust, powerful sheepdog with a strong protective instinct. Its imposing size, strength and loyalty make it an excellent guard dog and a real deterrent when it comes to keeping your family safe. However, because of their dominant temperament, they need to be properly trained and socialised to become well-balanced, obedient companions.