Caucasian Mountain Dogs
Author
This information is copyrighted (c) 1995 by the author,
Stacey Gether Kubyn.
Table of Contents
Tucked between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea lies the Caucasus,
a land of towering mountains and winding valleys. From the earliest
times, the Caucasus has been a region of high romance. To the ancients,
it was the end of the known world, beyond which all was fable and
mystery. Here, more than a millennium of geographical isolation and
natural selection has produced a most spectacular guarding breed,
the Caucasian Mountain Dog.
The Caucasian Mountain Dog is called the Kavkazskaya Ovcharka
in its native land. The word ovcharka does not have an exact
English language translation and means something between shepherd's
dog and sheepdog. However, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is not of the
shepherding dog classification. It is a flock guardian which has served
the peoples of the Caucasus as a livestock guard, a home guardian, and
historically a fighting dog as well.
Standing a minimum of 26 inches at the withers (dogs), 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.
The Caucasian Mountain is strong-minded, well-balanced, and
even-tempered. They are territorial and suspicious of strangers,
and will protect their flock, family, and property from danger--real
or perceived--with lightning-quick speed. The breed is said to have
an uncanny ability to discriminate between true threat and benign
interference. In other words, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is able
to exercise good judgment provided he has been given the proper
socialization, training, and experience on which to base this judgment.
Socialization, training, discipline, control
These are the factors to successful ownership of the Caucasian in
today's fast-paced society. Formal obedience training beginning with
puppy classes is necessary. The Caucasian should be included to
participate in family activities and should accompany the owner off home
turf 2 to 3 times per week even for just a quick jaunt to the bank or
grocery. Just as a child should not be raised in a closet, so too the
Caucasian should receive consistent, diverse exposure to the outside
world, so that he may grow up to be a good canine citizen.
The Caucasian should be contained in a fenced yard or run when
not directly supervised by the owner. This breed should never run
loose and should not be tied out. Due to the Caucasian Mountain
Dog's territorial and protective nature, they may be aggressive
towards an unannounced visitor or the UPS delivery person carrying
that strange-looking package which could be a threat to the family.
Training must be firm, patient, and inducive. Due to its close
association with man, the Caucasian Mountain Dog breed is one of the
most willing of the flock guardians and is very trainable. However,
the Caucasian is still a more independent thinker than a shepherding
type dog such as the German Shepherd Dog. Because the Caucasian is slow
to mature, the hundred-pound yearling with the mental maturity of a
3-month old can be quite a challenge. And the Caucasian can be very
head strong, especially during the first 2 1/2 years of life. Very
highly intelligent, the young Caucasian Mountain Dog will find many
creative ways to get into trouble!
The Caucasian Mountain Dog has a keen sense of hearing and is
quick to alert to strange sounds. This means that the breed is
often noisy and barks a lot, especially at night. These traits
must be carefully considered by the potential owner. Because the
Caucasian Mountain Dog has functioned as a livestock guardian and a
predator animal, he will protect the yard from a wolf, a coyote, a
mountain lion, and the neighbor's dog.
The properly socialized and trained Caucasian Mountain Dog is
gentle and loving with his family. He is good with children and the
family cat and is so loyal that he will sacrifice himself to protect
his family. The Caucasian is sweet and charming--downright beguiling
most of the time!
In general, the well-bred Caucasian Mountain Dog is vigorously healthy.
As with other large breeds, the Caucasian should be at a minimum
screened for hip and elbow dysplasia. Life expectancy is believed
to be 12 years or more.
Does the Caucasian Mountain Dog make a good family member?
Yes, the Caucasian Mountain Dog, if properly socialized
and trained, is a devoted family member. He is good with children and
enjoys participating in family activities especially outdoor ones such
as hiking.
Do they get along with family pets?
The Caucasian Mountain Dog will get along with family
pets in a pack situation as long as he is "second in command". But
keep in mind, this breed has a history of fighting off with wolves and
is very, very large and strong. If a fight breaks out amongst family
pets, the Caucasian can easily hurt another family pet. An owner must
be the alpha figure in the family, in other words, the "top dog" and
must lay down the law to the pack.
Do they shed and do they need a lot of grooming?
The Caucasian Mountain Dog sheds "fur storm" twice a year
and loses some coat in between. The luxurious coat is maintained by
frequent brushing. Aside from routine bathing and nail clipping no
other specialized grooming is needed.
Do they drool?
The breed standard requires a tight flew and no drooling.
However, some dogs are faulted in this area and do slobber somewhat. If
this is of special concern, let your breeder know about it.
How should I choose a breeder and what questions should I ask a
breeder before choosing a puppy?
Be very sure that the breeder is a member of the Caucasian
Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) Club of America, Inc. (C.O.C.A.) and is listed
under current approved breeder list. This is your only guarantee
that the dog you are getting is an authentic, purebred (see History) and that strict breed practices have been
followed. Be sure to get details about the temperament/character of the
parents, whether they are working farm dogs or family pets, and also the
results of the hip x-rays.
How do I get a puppy?
Because the Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) Club of
America, Inc. advocates a careful breeding, they are difficult to
acquire. The best approach is to subscribe to C.O.C.A.'s newsletter,
C.O. respondence, and to contact an approved breeder.
Quality pups are available by reservation so it's wise to shop
early.
Lack of written records result in speculation as to exactly how and
when the Caucasian Mountain Dog 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 flock. However, Russian experts contend
that the breed naturally evolved from a group of dogs originating from
Tibet approximately 2,000 years ago. As these 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 types.
Because the Caucasian is trainable and territorial, and makes
and excellent reliable guard dog, the Soviet government utilized the
Caucasian in straight-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
as being a trustworthy service dog and is capturing the hearts of dog
fanciers across the continent.
Russian experts estimate that 70% to 80% of the Caucasian Mountain
Dogs are cross-bred with
St. Bernards and other breeds.
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.
U.S. Breed Founders for Preservation
Here in the United States, the Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog)
Club of America, Inc. was founded in 1991 for the preservation and
responsible promotion of the authentic Caucasian Mountain Dog. Working
with licensed judges and breed experts in the former Soviet Union, 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 accepted
the Caucasian Mountain Dog with full privileges, and C.O.C.A. dogs are
eligible for dual registration.
Buy only from a breeder who upholds the high standards set forth by
the C.O.C.A. and join us in the preservation and protection of this very
precious breed!
(Abbreviated Standard)
The authentic Caucasian Ovcharka (accurately referred to as the
Caucasian Mountain Dog) is a livestock guarding dog of greater than
average size and power possessing a robust constitution and exhibiting
an inherent distrust of strangers.
The Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) is indigenous to the mountain
regions of the Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani Union Republics;
the Kabardino-Balkar, Daghestan and Kalmyk Autonomous Republics,
and the steppe regions of the northern Caucasus and the Astrakhan
district. For hundreds of years the Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain
Dog) has functioned as a guarding dog, herding dog, and historically
as a fighting dog. Their faithfulness, protectiveness, and ferocity
when called upon to defend is legendary.
The breed's intrepidity, hardiness, and tolerance for different
temperatures and climates have made it possible to utilize the Caucasian
Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) in almost all the regions of the Soviet Union.
Type varies geographically throughout the mountain range, and also
varies according to the purpose for which the dogs were utilized.
Generally, dogs of the transcaucasus regions are more massively built,
while those found in the steppe regions have a somewhat rangier build,
are leggier, and are often short-coated. Modern breeding conforms to a
single standard.
- Particulars of deportment
- Highly developed nervous system - strong, well-balanced and
even-tempered. Well developed defensive reactions, professed
in the active form (ADR). Suspicion and aggressiveness toward
strangers is characteristic.
NOTE: Characteristic aggressiveness should be tempered by careful
socialization and training without suppressing natural instincts to
guard and protect. Behavior in the show ring should be controlled,
willing and adaptable. The dog should be trained to submit to "Hands
On" examination. Only the handler shall show mouth. Mild hostility
exhibited towards other dogs should not be penalized; however, the
judge should dismiss from the ring any handler who does not have
control over the dog.
- Type of constitution
- Despite regional differences, the ideal Caucasian
Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) is powerful and athletic, sturdy
and well-boned in proportion to height (see index of
bone), with very strong musculature.
- Height at withers
- Dogs: 65 cm. (25.6 in.) minimum; 69 cm. (27.2 in.) - 85 cm. (33.5
in.) preferred.
Bitches: 62 cm. (24.4 in.) minimum, usually much
larger; 65 cm. (25.6 in.) - 75 cm. (29.5 in.) preferred.
- Weight
- Proportional to height giving the Caucasian
Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) an imposing, symmetrical appearance.
- Index of bone
- Dogs: 21-22; bitches: 20-22.
NOTE: While the ideal Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) is
"well-boned", this breed is not as large-boned as some of the giant
mastiff breeds.
- Index of format
- 102 - 108
- Gender type
- Well expressed. Dogs are more powerful and more
massive than bitches. Bitches are slightly smaller, lighter in
build, more feminine.
- Skin
- Thick and elastic.
- Coat
- A double coat, slightly off-standing, formed by straight and
coarse guard hairs and a well-developed undercoat. Coat on the muzzle,
forehead, and the front of the legs is short and smooth. Coat on the
top and back of head is longer and slightly off-standing. Three types
of coat lengths are accepted without preference:
- Long coats with very long outer coat hairs. The hairs on the
neck form a "mane," and extensive feathering on the hind legs gives
the appearance of long, silky "pants". The long hairs feathering the
tail on all sides make it look thick and fluffy.
- Intermediate coats covered with longer hair on the body, but with
a lesser degree of "mane", leg "pants" and tail feathering than the
long coat variety.
- Short coats covered with thick hair, somewhat shorter than the
long coat variety. The neck "mane", leg "pants" and tail feathering
are absent. This coat type is seldom seen.
- Color
- Agouti gray - dark, light, silver, reddish, or yellowish - with
or without white markings; white, creme, fawn, reddish fawn, tan,
reddish tan, fulvous, or any of these colors with white markings;
brindle, piebald or white with gray patches. The undercoat is light
colored. The head often has a distinctive dark mask.
- Head
- Massive, with a broad skull and strongly developed cheekbones.
Skull and gradually tapering muzzle form a one piece blunt wedge-shape.
The forehead is flat, broad and level, divided by a slight centerline
furrow. The stope is gently defined but not abrupt. The muzzle is
shorter in length than the forehead and tapers to a large, broad,
black nose. A brown nose is acceptable in white and light fawn
colored dogs. Lips are thick, dry and tight.
NOTE: The head of the dog is more massive and masculine compared
to the more refined and feminine head of the bitch.
- Ears
- Hanging, highset, cropped short.
- Eyes
- Dark brown or brown, medium-sized, oval-shaped, deepset,
slightly slanted. Eyelids rimmed with black pigment.
- Teeth
- White, strong, well-developed, fitting
closely one to the other. The points lie in one line. Scissor
bite.
- Neck
- Powerful, short, moderately set at
an angle of approximately 30-40 degrees.
- Chest
- Broad and deep with a well-sprung, slightly rounded ribcage.
The brisket curvature should be at the elbow line or slightly
below.
- abdoment
- Moderately tucked.
- Withers
- Broad, muscular, clearly distinguishable above the
backline.
- Back
- Broad, straight, muscular.
- Loins
- Short, broad, gently arched.
- Croup
- Broad, long muscular, almost horizontally set.
- Tail
- Highset, hanging downward, reaching at least to the hocks in repose.
Carried as a sickle-shaped hook or ring when raised in excitement and
when gaiting.
- Forequarters
- Viewed from the front, the forelegs are straight and parallel.
Measured from the shoulder joint, the angle between the blade and
humerus is approximately 100 degrees. The forearms are well-boned,
straight and moderately long. The length of the lower arm to the
elbow is slightly greater than half the height at the withers.
Index of leg height is 50-54.
- Metacarpals
- Short, strong,
perpendicular. From a side view they may appear slightly sloping.
Circumference of metacarpals for dogs: 14-17 cm (5.5-6.7 in.);
bitches: 13-15 cm (5.1-5.9 in.).
- Hindquarters
- Viewed
from the rear the hind legs are straight and parallel; from the side
they are slightly straightened from the stifle joint. The shins
are short, the hocks strong, broad, and slightly straightened. The
metatarsals are well-boned and perpendicular. The hind legs are not
extended backwards. A perpendicular line, drawn from the hip, passes
through the center of the hock and the metatarsus.
- Feet
- Large, oval, well arched, compact, firm. Dewclaws, if any, should
be removed from the hind legs. Foreleg dewclaws should remain.
- Movement
- Free, usually unhurried. The characteristic
gait is a short prancing trot, shifting to a rather heavy gallop as
the dog gains speed. The legs should move in a straight line with
the limbs converging slightly toward the center line of travel. The
joints of both the fore and rear quarters should flex freely. The back
and loins should be elastic and springy. At a trot, the withers and
croup should lie in the same plane.
- Disqualifications
-
- Substantial deviation from correct scissor bite -
overbite, underbite. Missing teeth (other than isolated premolar).
- Monorchid or cryptorchid dogs.
- Soft, wavy coat, absence of
double coat.
- St. Bernard red and white, solid black, black and tan,
or solid brown coat color.
- Blue, green, or yellow eyes.
- Standard Interpretation
- Overall structure and soundness have priority over color and
flashiness. Regional variations shall be judged under this single
standard without preference.
The authentic Caucasian Ovcharka
(Mountain Dog) has been extensively crossbred with other breeds in
the former U.S.S.R. and throughout Europe (such as the
St. Bernard,
Great Dane,
German
Shepherd Dog,
Leonberger,
Tibetan Mastiff,
Sar Planina,
and others). These cross-breeds often possess a pedigree stating
that they are "Caucasian Ovcharka" or "Caucasian Shepherds", and it
may be extremely difficult to differentiate these cross-breeds from
the authentic Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) type. Incorrect
coat type, disqualified coat colors and lack of distinctive blunt
wedge-shaped head are strong evidence of mixed breeding; therefore,
dogs exhibiting these traits should be strictly disqualified.
*Other names include: Kavkazskaya Ovcharka; Caucasian Shepherd or
Sheepdog; Kaukasischen Owtscharka; Kaukasischer Schaferhund; Kawkasky
Owtscharka.
Copyright (c) 1992 Abbreviated Breed Standard by Caucasian
Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) Club of America, Inc., United States Breed
Founders for Preservation.
In the words of Marina Kuznetsova, 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.
For more information and a FREE CLUB NEWSLETTER
contact:
Caucasian Ovcharka (Mountain Dog) Club of America, Inc.
U.S. Breed Founders for Preservation
P.O. Box 745
Painesville, Ohio 44077
(216) 350-1900 days 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
(216) 975-9333 eves and weekends
Caucasian Mountain Dog FAQ
Stacey Gether Kubyn,
COCACLUB@aol.com.
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