It is thought that the Caucasian ovcharka is more than 2,000 years old. The breed may be related to the Anatolian shepherd or the Tibetan mastiff. These large dogs, named for the Russian word “ovcharka,” meaning sheepdog or shepherd’s dog, is a large breed, responsible for guarding their owners, flocks, and property throughout its history. The first Caucasian ovcharkas were not introduced to the United States until 1990. An Ohio couple imported the first of the breed to the country. One year later, the Caucasian Ovcharka Club of America was formed. It wasn’t until 1996 that the American Kennel Club allowed the breed into its folds, labeling it a Foundation Stock Service breed. There is no formal standard for the breed. There are several different types of ovcharkas in Europe: Caucasian, South Russian, Central Asian, and East European. Because there is no formal standard, the future of any specific type of ovcharka is uncertain.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a giant dog breed that resembles a big teddy bear. Ovcharkas are massive, powerful dogs with strong bones. They are muscular and square proportioned. They have broad muzzles and small ears that are entirely covered by their profuse hair. The tail is heavily feathered and curls over the back. Their double coats are thick and wooly, and usually come in gray, white, fawn or tan. The coat comes in two varieties: short or long. The longhaired version needs a lot of attention and has to be brushed daily to prevent the coat from tangling. The shorthaired version needs less grooming, but should also be brushed regularly.
Personality
The Ovcharka is protective and strong-willed. Ovarchkas were bred to guard livestock and are brave and courageous in protecting their own. They are very gentle and affectionate with the people they know and are very loyal to their human family. They need lots of room and should be taken for long brisk walks on a daily basis. They need a strong hand when it comes to training because they are naturally dominant and strong-willed. They may be aggressive if they perceive a threat towards their family.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 – 14 years |
| Nicknames: | Caucasian Shepherd Dog |
Caucasian Ovcharka Build Information
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a giant dog breed that resembles a big teddy bear. Ovcharkas are massive, powerful dogs with strong bones. They are muscular and square proportioned. They have broad muzzles and small ears that are entirely covered by their profuse hair. The tail is heavily feathered and curls over the back. Their double coats are thick and wooly, and usually come in gray, white, fawn or tan. The coat comes in two varieties: short or long. The longhaired version needs a lot of attention and has to be brushed daily to prevent the coat from tangling. The shorthaired version needs less grooming, but should also be brushed regularly.
| Size: | Giant |
Behaviour and Personality
The Ovcharka is protective and strong-willed. Ovarchkas were bred to guard livestock and are brave and courageous in protecting their own. They are very gentle and affectionate with the people they know and are very loyal to their human family. They need lots of room and should be taken for long brisk walks on a daily basis. They need a strong hand when it comes to training because they are naturally dominant and strong-willed. They may be aggressive if they perceive a threat towards their family.
| Activity Level: | Low |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
This breed has a thick double coat. Cutting and clipping are not necessary, but some owners may prefer to shave their dogs than to deal with the extremely heavy shedding that occurs once each year. Whether or not owners choose to have their dog shaved, its coat needs to be brushed thoroughly. This should be done twice a week or more. Frequent brushing helps prevent loose hair from floating through the house. Routine care is also suggested, including toe nail trimmings, ear cleanings, and teeth brushing.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Caucasian Ovcharka Common Health Conditions
Although little is known about this breed’s health due to its newness to America, it is considered a generally healthy one. It is genetically prone to cataracts and hip dysplasia. If you choose to purchase a Caucasian ovcharka, do so only from a responsible breeder that has screened its stock against these diseases.
Caucasian Ovcharka Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Ovcharka means “sheepdog” or “shepherd” in Russian. Females of the breed only go into heat once each year. This lends to the somewhat limited availability of puppies. Coat colors are cream, gray, fawn, tan, white, brindle, white with gray patches, and piebald. Black and tan, black, and brown coats are undesirable. The breed is not known to be friendly towards other dogs. This dog is excellent for guarding home and family and is fairly affectionate. The Caucasian ovcharka is also called Caucasian shepherd dog. Owners of the breed sometimes refer to it as the “Caucasian”.
| Training: | Hard to train |
