Caucasian Ovcharka
USD $1500-$2500 Price Avg.
Guard Dogs
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Giant
Size
10-12 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Guard Dogs |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 508 |
| Origin | Armenia Russia Georgia Azerbaijan |
| Other Names | Caucasian Mountain Dog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kaukasische Schaferhund, Kawkasky Owtscharka |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $1500-$2500
How much does it cost to buy a Caucasian Ovcharka? Caucasian Ovcharka are usually priced differently from breeder to breeder and from place to place. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between $1500 to $2500 if you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder. The price will increase if the dog has a fantastic pedigree. Dogs that already have basic training maybe even more expensive. But, most Caucasian Ovcharkas can be adopted through a shelter for a lower fee. |
| Size | Giant |
| Weight | 99-154 pounds (45-70 kg) |
| Height | 25-28 inches (64-72 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Recognized by |
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. And Not recognized by FCI. |
| Purpose | Protection |
| Date of Origin | 1879 |
| Ancestry | Central Asian Shepherd Dog |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense, Double, Thick |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Black, Cream, Gray, Silver, White, Yellow |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Hazel, Amber, Blue, Brown, Black |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown, Gray, Pink |
| Coat Color Possibilities | White, Cream, Gray, Agouti, Sable, Red, Black, Tan |
| Coat Length | Medium-long |
| Coat Density | Medium |
| Coat Texture | Thick and dense. |
| Recommended Brushes | Slicker brush, pin brush, shedding blade, undercoat rake, dematting comb, grooming mitt, nail clippers. |
| Brushing Frequency | 2-3 times per week |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Alert, Calm, Dominant, Powerful, Quick, Speedy, Vigilant |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Yes |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | Yes |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Yes |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Joint Dysplasia |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers cold weather |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | High |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 20 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 60-90 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 3-4 cups |
| Daily Cost | $50-$100 |
| Monthly Cost | $100-$200 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Caucasian Ovcharka have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 5-10 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a large, powerful dog breed that originated in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia and Georgia. It is a loyal and protective guard dog that has been used for centuries to protect livestock and property. The Caucasian Ovcharka has a thick double coat that can be either short or long, depending on the region it comes from. Its coat colors range from white to gray, black, tan, or brindle.
The average lifespan of the Caucasian Ovcharka is 10-12 years. They typically weigh between 80-150 pounds and stand 24-30 inches tall at the shoulder. They have strong muscular bodies with broad heads and deep chests. Their ears are usually cropped but can also be left natural if desired.
The personality of the Caucasian Ovcharka is one of loyalty and protection towards its family members and property. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners but can also be independent thinkers when needed. They are naturally suspicious of strangers but will warm up quickly once they get to know them better.
Caucasian Ovcharkas are generally friendly with other dogs as well as children in their own family, although they may be wary of unfamiliar children or animals due to their protective nature. With proper socialization from an early age, they can learn to accept other animals into their home without any issues though it’s important to remember that these dogs were bred for guarding so they should never be left unsupervised around small animals or young children just in case something unexpected happens.
The temperament of the Caucasian Ovcharka is one of courage and strength combined with gentleness towards its family members when properly trained and socialized from an early age. These dogs need firm yet gentle handling as well as consistent training in order for them to reach their full potential as loyal companions who will protect their families at all costs if necessary while still being able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures such as playing fetch or going for walks together with their owners every day!
In terms of health, the Caucasian Ovcharka is generally considered a healthy breed although there have been reports of hip dysplasia occurring in some lines so it’s important for potential owners to research any breeder before purchasing a puppy from them in order to ensure they’re getting a healthy pup who won’t suffer from this condition later on down the line!
When it comes to adaptability level, these dogs do best when given plenty of exercise each day along with mental stimulation such as obedience training or agility courses which will help keep them mentally stimulated while also helping them bond more closely with their owners over time! The benefits associated with owning one include having an incredibly loyal companion who will always have your back no matter what life throws your way!
Overall, the Caucasian Ovcharka is an impressive breed that makes an excellent guard dog due its size, strength, intelligence and loyalty combined with its gentle nature towards those it loves most – making it perfect for anyone looking for a devoted companion who will always have your back no matter what life throws your way!
History
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a large, powerful dog that was once used for guarding livestock and property in the Caucus Mountains of Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The breed is thought to be descended from the mastiff-type dogs of the Middle East and Central Asia. The Caucasian Ovcharka was nearly extinct by the early 21st century, but a concerted effort by breeders in Russia and other countries has resulted in a modest revival of the breed.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a large dog, with males standing 27 inches (69 cm) or more at the shoulder and females 25 inches (64 cm). The coat is thick and long, with a dense undercoat. The hair on the head, ears, and legs is shorter than on the body. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, cream, fawn, brown, brindle, black, gray, and piebald.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is an intelligent breed that is quick to learn new tasks. They are also independent thinkers who are not afraid to challenge their owners if they feel they are being treated unfairly. This can make training them difficult at times but also results in a dog that is fiercely loyal to its family. They are protective of their homes and families and make excellent guard dogs.
The Caucasian Ovcharka was once common throughout the Caucus Mountains but began to decline in numbers during the Soviet era. By the early 21st century, there were only a handful of dogs remaining in Russia and Georgia. However, interest in the breed has begun to grow in recent years as people have become interested in its history and unique qualities. A small number of breeders have started working to revive the breed and there are now several hundred Caucasian Ovcharkas living in Russia and other countries around the world.
