Caucasian Ovtcharka (or Ovcharka), also known as the Caucasian Shepherd, is a livestock guardian breed from the region that includes Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey. The breed has also been used as a versatile military dog in Russia.
Caucasian Ovtcharka males are 25.5 inches at the shoulder, weighing more than 100 pounds. Caucasian Ovtcharka females are slightly smaller. The head is wedge-shaped, the eyes are dark, and the ears may be cropped. The strong body is longer than it is tall. The coat is double with a dense undercoat. The most common color is gray, but other colors include rust, straw, earth, spotted, piebald, and brindle.
The Caucasian Ovtcharka’s coat sheds all the time, but brushing two to three times a week will keep it manageable. However, when the dog begins his annual shed, daily brushing is definitely in order. This is a low-energy breed. He will be happy with a walk morning and evening and dozing during the heat of the day, but should a trespasser walk into his house or yard, he will be up in a flash.
Caucasian Ovtcharka puppies are more playful than adults. Obedience training helps establish the bond between you as pack leader and your dog as a respected member of the pack. As guardian dogs, early socialization will help the dogs of this breed fit into society. The Caucasian Ovtcharka breed is not the dog for everyone. They demand time, attention, frequent training, and handling. They are strong, willful, and cannot be expected to like everyone. Without proper training, they can be very aggressive to both people and dogs.
Like most other guardian breeds, they also bark a lot, which can annoy neighbors. The Caucasian Ovtcharka breed can be good with kids with training, but will not necessarily be good with your kids’ friends. (They don’t understand rough play.) This is a healthy breed.