About the Caucasian Ovtcharka

The Caucasian Ovtcharka, a guardian dog from the Caucasus mountain area, has many alternative names, a few include Caucasian mountain dog, Caucasian Shepherd, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kavkaskai Ovtcharka and Sage Ghafghazi. In Russian "Ovtcharka" means, "sheepdog."

History

The origin of the Caucasian Ovtcharka is not entirely clear. This breed dates back before the middle ages, some believe to prehistoric ancestors.

One theory of the development of the breed is that they are domesticated wolves from the Caucaus Mountain area. Others claim that the breed wad developed from crosses of Mastiff-Spitz. Still some experts argue that the breed developed from sheepdogs that had migrated from Tibet to the Caucasus. However, recent archaeological finding point to Mesopotamia, as the origin place of the breed.

For centuries the Caucasian Ovtcharka have been the protectors of sheep, from both human and animal predators. this breed has become popular in countries where shepherds need protection for their flocks. These countries include Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Daghesteon and surrounding countries.

The Caucasian Ovtcharka made its first show ring appearance in Germany in the 1930s. In the late 1960s, the breed was brought to East Germany to serve as a border patrol dog, mainly along the Berlin Wall. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, there were 7,000 patrol dogs. These dogs were dispersed and many of them went to new homes with families all throughout Germany.

In 1995 the Caucasian Ovtcharka was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). This breed is also recognized by the FCI, NKC, CKC, APRI and ACR.

Today this husky, powerful breed of dog, is the most popular breed in Russia. They are commonly shown in dogs shows in Russia and throughout other parts of the former Soviet Union.

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