Caucasian Ovcharka
Armenian Khobun, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Gampr, Najazi, Kars Dog, Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka, Sage Ghafghazi
The term ‘ovtchrka’ (also seen as ‘owtscharka’ or ‘ovcharka’) indicates a shepherd’s guard dog rather than one used for herding sheep. Primarily they protect the flock from predators, such as wolves, and thieves. Even today this breed is primarily used as a working animal.
Caucasian Ovcharka Standards
- AKC (FSS)
- FCI (Group 2)
- UKC (Guardian Dogs)
- 25-28"
- 99-154 lbs
- large livestock guardian
- ears traditionally cropped where legal
- long tail is sometimes docked
- coat may be long, intermediate, or short
- cream
- fawn
- greys
- tan
- white
History of the Caucasian Ovcharka
It is believed the Caucasian Ovcharka has existed in Russia and its neighboring countries along the Caucasian Mountains for more than six centuries. There are several varieties from different regions and countries, although currently most are lumped together as one breed. As with most ancient dogs their history is disputed. Some believe they descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, while other insist it was crossings that involved mastiffs and sheepherders. Lastly, there is a common debate that they are in reality a ‘native’ breed, created in isolation from outside influences.
Related Breeds: