The Caucasian Ovcharka is a strong and confident breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Caucasian Ovcharka can be traced back to the ancient Caucasus mountain range located in modern day Armenia, Georgia, and Iran. While the history of this breed has not been well documented, enthusiasts believe the breed to have lived for thousands of years.
Throughout its history, the Caucasian Ovcharka has been most commonly used for guarding livestock, herding, fighting, and as a watch dog, proving its superior abilities and talents.
The Caucasian Ovcharka has been known by several names over the years, including: Caucasian Shepherd, Gelkhegt, Nagazi Nagazi, Kavkaz Iti, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Kavkasi Ovcar, Kavkaz Dog, Kavkaz Mastiff, and Russian Kavkazskaya.
In 1996, the Caucasian Ovcharka was recognized by the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service.
Today, the breed remains rather rare world wide.
Personality Traits
Best known for its confident and independent nature, the Caucasian Ovcharka is an alert and courageous breed with a love for work. These dogs will back down from nothing and are essentially fearless. This breed is very protective of its owners and territory. While the Caucasian Ovcharka makes a nice pet, this breed is not known to show affectionate or love.
Train-ability
Due to independent and self-thinking attitude, the Caucasian Ovcharka can prove a difficult breed to train. This breed is known for being overly confident and somewhat of a know-it-all, often ignoring leadership and commands.
While it is not impossible to train this breed, the Caucasian Ovcharka only responds to those who dominant him and he respects. Only experienced, confident, and strong trainers should attempt to handle this breed.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Caucasian Ovcharka. These dogs are very protective and highly territorial, making expert guard dogs. This breed is intelligent, confident, and fearless, willing to do anything it takes to protect its owner. When properly socialized from a young age, the Caucasian Ovcharka gets along well with children and other pets. This breed makes a nice family pet.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Caucasian Ovcharka. This large breed requires moderate amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Caucasian Ovcharka not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, barking, whining, chewing, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
Proper obedience training and socialization is absolutely necessary with this breed. An untrained Caucasian Ovcharka can become quite out of control and even pose as a possible danger to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small children. Only strong and dominant trainers should work with this breed. Professional intervention is sometimes required.
The Caucasian Ovcharka has a thick and full coat which requires almost constant attention, brushing, and grooming.
As previously mentioned, the Caucasian Ovcharka remains rather rare world wide and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed will often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, extremely high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Caucasian Ovcharka is generally known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, obesity, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Caucasian Ovcharka? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/caucasian_mountain_dog
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/caucasian_shepherd
