Caucasian Mountain Dog

The Caucasian Mountain Dog breed is described as having the size of a small donkey and the appearance of a bear. There are only a few hundred of such dogs in the US and growth is slow but steady.

The Caucasian Mountain Dog's Behavior

Source: American Association of Caucasian Ovcharka Owners, The Pet Professor website

Recommended for: pet, guard dog dog, working

The Caucasian Mountain Dog dog breed is a strong one and has a balanced nature. Caucasian Mountain Dogs make good watch and guard dogs because of their natural reactions. They should be trained because of their natural distrust and aggression towards strangers. However, they do possess an opposite side. They can be majestic, silent, gentle, and sweet. Caucasian Mountain dogs are natural protectors that aim to defend home and family.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Caucasian Mountain Dog's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Caucasian Mountain Dog breed as determined by the American Association of Caucasian Ovcharka Owners's published breed standard.

* Size: males have 65 cm minimum; females have 62 cm minimum
* Coat: doublecoated, natural, coarse;longhaired type - mane on neck and shoulders, well-developed pants, bushy-looking tail; shorthaired - thick, relatively short hair, no feathers on haunches, back of legs, or tail; combination of both types
* Color: grays, mostly light to rust-colored tones, straw, yellow, white, earth-colored, brindle, spotted, piebald
* Eyes: dark, medium, size, almond or oval shaped, set deep
* Ears: hanging, set high
* Muzzle: shorter than forehead, tapers to lips
* Nose: large, wide, black
* Tail: set high, reaches ankle joint if hanging

The Caucasian Mountain Dog's Origins and History

Source: American Association of Caucasian Ovcharka Owners, /www.thepetprofessor.com/breed_profiles/dogs/caucasian_mountain_dog.aspx

Country/Region of Origin: Russia

Original purpose: guard dog

Name: Named for the Caucasian Mountains where the breed developed; also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, Caucasian, and more.

Historical notes: The origins of the Caucasian Mountain Dogs are lost in history because of their relative isolation in the Caucasian Mountains. Only the largest and fiercest dogs were chosen in the course of time. The Soviet military further enhanced the breeding by encouraging a gentle and pliant disposition that would guarantee an obedient dog.