"Guard dog used by military," "extremely aggressive," "ferocious -- like wild animal, not a woman's dog" ... spoke the voice as I admired the beautiful, bear-like pup snuggling in my arms. Gazing at me -- calm, steady and unafraid -- we began our adventure together...”
Dog guarding property photographed in Russia
(c) 1995 Stacey Kubyn
 

The Caucasian Mountain Dog is called the "Kavkazskaya Ovcharka" in Russia,  “Nagazi” in the native Georgian Republic and “Gampr” in native Armenia.  The general term "ovcharka" does not have an exact English language translation and means something between shepherd's dog and sheepdog. But, make no mistake, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is not of the shepherding dog classification! Indeed, it is a flock guardian which has served the peoples of the Caucasus as not only a livestock guard, but as home guardian, and historically as a fighting dog as well.

Standing a minimum of approximately 26 inches at the withers, preferably larger, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is handsome and powerfully built, with a medium to long double coat, often with abundant ruff and fringing. The coat color can be a range of shades of agouti gray, from dark gray to light, to reddish to fawn, with white markings and usually a distinctive dark facial mask. The head is massive and wedge-shaped. Shortly after birth, shepherds crop the pups' ears horizontally and bluntly close to the head, thereby eliminating the demise of the ears by the teeth of a predatory wolf. The appearance of the Caucasian Mountain Dog is best characterized as a "bear-like view". While some type differences exist across the mountain range, the breed is bred to a single standard of soundness in Russia, Europe and the U.S.   Native republics, now independent from Russia, may develop their own breed(s) selection in the future.

The proper Caucasian Mountain Dog has a highly developed nervous system and is very steady and even tempered. A bold, intelligent, and independent thinker, the Caucasian is extremely instinctual and with sufficient life experience, can easily discriminate between true threat and benign interference. Possessing well-developed defensive reactions, the Caucasian Mountain Dog's faithfulness, fearlessness, and ferocity when actually called upon to defend is legendary. Because of the breed's close association with man for hundreds of years, however, under capable owner direction, the Caucasian is quite willing and trainable. The Caucasian bonds quickly and is demonstrative with family.  Raised correctly, they can be gentle and patient with well-mannered children, and are extremely loyal, faithful and protective. In fact, the Caucasian can be downright beguiling much of the time! In its role as home guardian, the Caucasian excels as a deterrent.

But the Caucasian Mountain Dog is not for everyone! This specialized working breed is very headstrong and requires an owner who is also very strong in mind and body and who has the time and self-discipline to provide proper socialization and firm but indusive training. The Caucasian Mountain Dog is slow to mature and the 100+-pound yearling with the mental maturity of a 3 month old can be quite a challenge. As with other working breeds, the Caucasian must be under careful control at all times and requires secure fencing.  And like some other flockguardians, the Caucasian is quick to alert and the potential for  nocturnal barking, digging, and dog aggressiveness should be considered carefully by the potential owner.    This breed is a working partner needing a job to do and is not a “pet” in a typical sense.

The Caucasian Mountain Dog is especially clean in its habits, housebreaks easily, and typically "blows coat" twice annually with some shedding in between.  Weekly grooming recommended.

Lack of written records results in speculation as to exactly how and when these dogs originated. Western writers suggest that mastiff-type dogs were purposely crossed with sheep-herding spitz to produce a hardy breed resistant to the cold with sufficient size and fierceness to protect the flocks. However, Russian experts contend that the breed naturally evolved from a group of dogs originating from Tibet approximately 2,000 years ago. Some archaelogical evidence points to origins in Mesopotamia.  As  dogs accompanied nomadic people during their trek across the continent, some of this group settled into the Caucasus mountain area. The dogs bred for centuries in a half-wild state, geographically isolated from other breeds. Hard natural selection has resulted in the Caucasian we know today. Thus, the Caucasian is considered a "natural" or "indigenous" breed which retains strongly-developed primitive instincts. Conscientious modern breeders have successfully preserved the naturalness of the aboriginal type. Because the Caucasian is trainable and territorial, and makes an excellent, reliable guard dog, the Soviet government utilized the Caucasian in state-run kennels for guarding service throughout the former Soviet Union. As a result of this role, the Caucasian gained a reputation steeped in mystery as to its aggressive character. Here in North America, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is earning a reputation of being a trustworthy service dog and is capturing the hearts of  dedicated and responsible dog fanciers across the continent.

Due to its history of hard selection, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is vigorously healthy compared to other breeds.  Like all large breeds, the Caucasian should be screened for hip and elbow dysplasia. Some degree of hip and elbow dysplasia does afflict more than 50% of the breed - breeders should provide copies of OFA/PennHip elbow and hip evaluations to buyers.  Life expectancy is believed to be 10-12 years or more.

Russian experts estimate that 70% to 80% of the Caucasian Mountain Dogs in the former Soviet Republics have been cross bred with other breeds such as the St. Bernard. Aware of this situation, in 1990 the FCI (the European registering body) suspended automatic registration of the breed and individual dogs must now be examined by a panel of FCI judges to be registered.

Here in the United States, Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) Club of America, Inc. (C.O.C.A.), was founded in 1991 by Stacey Kubyn for the preservation and responsible promotion of the authentic Caucasian Mountain Dog. The C.O.C.A. maintains the National Registry-USA and abides by a strict Code of Ethics. As of January 1, 1995, the United Kennel Club (UKC) accepted the Caucasian Mountain Dog with full privileges. The UKC supports the C.O.C.A.'s strict registration policy and C.O.C.A. dogs are eligible for dual registration. The C.O.C.A. publishes the Caucasian Mountain Dog / Ovcharka Fanciers’ International Onliine Newsletter, provides breeder referrals and extensive owner support. Rescue/placement services are available. The C.O.C.A. strives to publish the latest and most accurate information on the Caucasian Mountain Dog and will supply updated breed information as it becomes available.

In the words of Marina Kuznetsova, a licensed judge-expert in Russia, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is distinguished for its beautiful character and well-balanced nervous system. And, if you treat a dog of this breed with love and patience, you will get the best friend and protector, fearless and faithful, who will stand by you through anything and everything.
 

REFERENCES:

The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM and Chris Walkowicz, TFH Publications 1989

The Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds by Andrew De Prisco and James B. Johnson, TFH Publications 1990

The World Encyclopedia of Dogs by Jones and Hamilton, Galahad Books, NY 1971

Hutchinson's Popular Illustrated Dog Encyclopedia, Anchor Press, Great Britain

Droog Dog Magazine, Interunity - Moscow, Russia 1990

(c) 1995, 1998 Stacey Kubyn cocaclub@aol.com  All Rights Reserved

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