Dogs
Caucasian Mountain Dog
Other names: Cão de Montanha Caucasiano, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Owtcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kavkaski Ovcar, Kavkaz Dog, Kavkaz Mastiff, Kavkaz Volkodav, Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, Kaukasische, Ovtcharka, Sage Ghafghazi, Volkodav, Nagazi (Georgian Republic), Gampr (Armenia), Schaferhund\r\nCircassian sheep dog, Georgia Nagazi\r\n
- Origin
- Russia
- Size
- Giant
- Height · Male
- 68–78 cm
- Height · Female
- 64–72 cm
- Weight · Male
- 50–85 kg
- Weight · Female
- 45–75 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Litter
- 5–12 puppies
- FCI
- FCI group 2 · 2 · n.º 328
Traits
Activity
Social
At home
Training
Guarding
Temperament
Behaviour is steady, active, self-confident, fearless and independent. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog shows a devoted attachment to its master; it is an excellent guard dog.
History
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog (CSD) is considered to be the breed taking its origin from ancient Caucasian dogs.
The breed?s expansion covers territories from the Caucasian Range and the steppe regions of Southern Russia.
The evolution of the breed was not only a result of natural selection but also influenced by nations that inhabited the Caucasian Region. Historically Caucasian Shepherd dogs were used for guarding and safe-keeping of herds, flocks and dwellings from beasts of prey and predators. The first mention of a large molossoid dogs used by the army of Armenian Tsar Tigran the II dates from the 1st century BC.
Selection work with the breed started in the USSR in the 1920s. Obligatory qualities such as physical power, self-confidence, fearlessness, sharply developed hearing, good sight, and a dense and waterproof coat have been cultivated in the process of selection.
All these qualities as well as endurance allows people to use the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs in all kinds of climatic condition including the most severe ones.
Care
The Caucasian Mountain Dog breed is not recommended for apartment or city dwelling. They do best in a rural setting with room to roam and run and a job to do.
Health
Frequent brushing is required to prevent the coat from tangles and matting. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo to protect the weather-resistant coat. There are no known health problems associated with the Caucasian Mountain Dog breed.
Training
It is not too hard to train because it is intelligent and wants to make pleasure to its master. However, the owner should have experience in raising dogs and a strong character. The dog, having an independent personality, must never be treated sever and never be punished.
Coat & grooming
The fur of the long hair variety needs regularly brushing and combing for not getting tangled and for not making hair tows. The short hait variety needs a grooming less careful.
Caucasian Mountain Dog breeders
All breeders →No verified breeders for this breed yet. Are you a breeder? Register.
Looking for more breeders? Ask the Clube Português de Canicultura (CPC) for the list of registered breeders of your breed. Visit, meet the parents and ask for health tests.
