10 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Caucasian Ovcharka
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The Caucasian Ovcharka is a breed of dog that is popular in Russia and surrounding countries, such as Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. It is believed to originate from the USSR. This large dog is one that some people have heard of but may know very little information about. Here are ten interesting facts about the Caucasian Ovcharka.
1. It is Known by Several Other Names
While it is most commonly referred to as the Caucasian Ovcharka, it is also known by several other names. These include the Caucasian Mountain Dog and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Another name for this breed is the Bakshan.
2. This is a Large Dog Breed
This dog is classified as a large dog breed. The minimum height for a healthy adult male is 27 inches. However, the desirable height for a male is between 28 and 30 inches. They weigh in excess of 110 pounds. There is not a recorded maximum height or weight for this dog.
3. Ear Cropping is Common
Traditionally, the ears of this breed are cropped. This is a practise that continues in many countries. However, in some parts of the world, cropping of any body parts on a dog are considered cruel and it is banned. Therefore, some Caucasian Ovcharkas have cropped ears and others do not.
4. There are Common Health Problems Associated with This Breed
Like all breeds of dog, there are some health problems that are more common amongst this breed in comparison to other breeds of dog. Some of these include heart problems, hip dysplasia, and obesity. However, this dog is generally healthy if it is taken care of properly. They have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years.
5. They Require Early Training
Early training in this dog is essential as their obedience is formed before the age of 9 months. Training should begin by 7 months at the latest to ensure this breed is trained properly. It is best to get an expert to train the dog because although they are intelligent, they can also be an insolent breed.
6. They Are Molossers
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a Molossers type of dog, which is a variety of Mountain Dog. This means they are large, muscular, and have a heavy coat. There is both a short and long-haired variety of this dog.
7. They Are Best Homed Alone
If you are considering adopting a Caucasian Ovcharka, then it is important to consider your home circumstances. They are not very tolerant of other dogs, so it is best if they are the only dog in the house. They are also not the best dogs to keep if you have children in your home due to their strength and size. A boisterous dog could easy knock over and injure a child. They also have an aggressive nature, so it is risky to have one in the house if you have children.
8. They Are Classified in Different Groups
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a recognized dog breed by the major breed registries across the world. Depending on the dog registry organization the dog is registered with depends on how this breed is classified. The FCI, known as the World Canine Organization, classifies this breed as a Molossian Mountain Dog. The American Kennel Club classifies the Caucasian Ovcharka as a Foundation Stock Service breed. On the other hand, the United Kennel Club classifies this breed in the Guardian Dog group.
9. There are Many Related Breeds
There are many other breeds that are related to the Caucasian Ovcharka. Some of these include the Armenian Gampr dog, the Georgian Shepherd, and the Kars Dog of Turkey. There are also several variants of the Caucasian Ovcharka, including the Astrakhan type, the Circassian sheepdog, the Circassian mountain dog, and Dagestan dogs. Many of these dogs are also Molossers or mountain dogs.
10. They Were Originally Farm Dogs
Like many breeds of dog, the Caucasian Ovcharka was originally bred as a working dog. This usually involved them working on farms in a variety of roles. Farmers would usually use them to guard their livestock against predators, such as wolves, bears, and jackals. They also had other roles on farms, including herding and hunting. Although many Caucasian Ovcharka are now kept as pets, some are still used in a working capacity on farms.
