For centuries, the breed was little known outside these remote regions and were first seen in European dog shows in 1930's Germany. In 1952, the breed was sub-divided into two distinct types; the Transcaucasian Ovtcharka, the heavyer boned, more massive dog from the mountain regions; and the Caucasian Ovtcharka, the lighter built dog of the steppe regions.
In 1976 the two types were re-classified as one breed with all dogs expected to conform to the same standard, and today, the best examples are considered to be of "Georgian" type, a heavy-boned, heavy-coated type often said to most resemble a bear. However, individuals of the breed can still be identified by regional type today, with each area of the former USSR having its own varieties, including numerous sub-types. If not these different regions and contries have been formerly occupied by Russia and the different types "trown" together in the Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka we may have seen that some of these types had been classified as a breed of their own, just like many of the close related east European flock guardians. Armenia have already written a own standard for their native type; the Gampr, and classified it as a breed of its own. Below you will find a little listing of some of the different types and their native region.

Name	Country/Region
Akhaltsikhe type	Close to the Tyrkish border
Azerbaďdjanish type (Kanjal?)	Azerbaijan
Daghestanish type	Daghestan
Gampr (Armenian type)	Armenia
Garban type (Gorban)	Problary partly imported from Turkey in the 1960-70's
Gergetskii type	East of the Kazbek (-mountain) (Georgia/Russia)
Kabardino-Balkarian type	Astrakhan, south Russia
Kazbek type	Kazbek, Georgia
Nagazi (Groozian/Georgian type)	Georgia

Zaijas Benito Mussolini, 1˝ year old male.
Picture by Saija Järveläinen, Kennel Zaijas - Finland.

The Caucasian was developed to guard flocks and thus is naturally protective. Though their appearance may be fierce, in general they should be well behaved with and accepting of all family members, but naturally wary of strangers.
Although more eager to please than more easily trained than many flock guardians, they still can be quite independent and stubborn when compared to more easily trained breeds such as the German Shepherd dog or Golden Retriver.

Zaijas Smoke-Yunvara at 4 weeks old.
Picture by Saija Järveläinen, Kennel Zaijas - Finland.

As with most livestock guarding breeds, the Caucasian is generally a phlegmatic, low activity dog. Originally they were bred to lay around with the sheep all day and keep predators at bay, but the slighest disturbance will rouse them and most Caucasians are surprisingly quick and agile.
As most predators are nocturnal, you may find your Caucasian much more active at night and they are alarm barkers and will give warning to anything encroaching their territory.

Pictures from Helsinki 29.11-98, Finnish Winner 1998 show.
From left;
Finnish-Winner female 1998, EST & FIN CH Alta, owner Levashoa Estonia, breeder Nurmeleht Estonia.
Second best female and a sister of WW-98 female, Kiige Auri, owner Tikkakoski from Finland, breeder Hutt from Estonia.
Pictures by Saija Järveläinen, Kennel Zaijas - Finland.

Ear cropping of the Caucasian Ovtcharka is traditional, but not required even for show dogs.
The breed has a long, heavy coat and they absolutely love cold weather and snow. The Caucasian comes in all colours except solid black and solid brown, black ticking and combinations of black and brown. Most commonly seen are various shades of gray. Other colours described are rust, straw, yellow, white, brindle, earth, spotted and piebald.
A typical male should stand from enywhere from 65 to 77 cm. (25,5-30,2 in) or more at the withers and should weigh over 55 kg. (121 lbs). Females are a bit smaller, over 44 kg (97 lbs) and a minimum of 62 cm. (24,3 in).

Best puppy in Helsinki 29.11-98 the Finnish Winner-show, Zaijas ShaoKahn-Yunvar, 7 months old.
Picture by Saija Järveläinen, Kennel Zaijas - Finland.

Some of the information about the Caucasian Ovtcharka used at this page comes from Caucasian Ovtcharka International, with permission from Benjamin G. Levy. Click on the link and visit his site for much more on this wonderful breed.

Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka Sheet.

Links

Caucasian Mountain Dog Worldwide Network

Ovcharka World - USA
Esquire Caucasians - USA
Caucasian.org - USA
Caucasian Ovtcharka International - USA
Pastor del Caucaso - Spain
Kennel Zaijas I - Finland
The Caucasian Ovtcharka
Kennel Zaijas II - Finland
Little Merlin's Kennel - Norway

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MOLOSSERWORLD - THE KONRADSEN'S HOMEPAGE - THE MASTIFF IN SCANDINAVIA - KENNEL OL'NORSE

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