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Caucasian Mountain Dog

 

The United States Caucasian Ovcharka Preservation Society (US-COPS), estimates that somewhere between 300-400 Caucasians exist in the USA at this time, with only a few litters being produced by ethical breeders in a given year. Ethical breeders are taking a cautious approach to the breed's widespread dispersal throughout the continent. Caucasians are not for everyone. Not everyone who wants a Caucasian should have one. Not everyone who gets a Caucasian will be able to handle it. Strong, intelligent, fiercely loyal, and highly protective, the Caucasian is not for the faint-of-heart, or the weak in body. A strong fence, early socialization and consistent obedience training are mandates for owning this breed.

History: 

The origins of the Caucasian Ovcharka are covered in the mists of prehistory. A millennium of geographical isolation and the extremely harsh conditions imposed by the Caucasus Mountains of Russia created a process of natural selection, where only the largest and most aggressive animals survived to carry on the breed. Further molded by the Soviet Military into a more trainable and compliant service dog, the Caucasian of today is a noble and magnificent guarding breed that is as sweet and gentle with family as they are tough and aggressive to strangers.

Temperament: 

Majestic and dopey, aggressive and sweet, the Caucasian is a collection of opposites, unique in the world of dogs, and for those "at risk", they are worth the extra work they require. It is the Caucasian's heritage to be a defender, and if you work with him to achieve his destiny, he will be a loyal friend and fierce protector, willing without a moment's hesitation to give his life in the protection of yours.In summary, the well-bred Caucasian Mountain Dog offers the best of both worlds: the gentle sweetness and charm of a devoted companion, with the explosive fierceness of a defending warrior. For most of us, the inherent protectiveness of the breed is only occasionally apparent, when a suspicious-looking stranger approaches a bit too quickly, or when an unannounced visitor attempts to pop their head inside the front door. But for a few, their Caucasian will respond to a real threat with the fury born from a millennia of guardianship -- to protect and defend their family from the threat, or to die trying. (Excerpted from: "Caucasian Ovcharka: The Complete Resource on this Ancient and Mysterious Guardian", by Tamara Follett-Orbegozo, 452 pages, 300+ photos.

Trivia: 
Also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, Caucasian, Kavkazets, Berger du Caucase, Ovtcharka, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Kawkasky Owtscharka, Kaukasische Schaferhund, Pastore del Caucaso, Volkodav.
Information supplied by: 

Information supplied by Tamara Orbegozo - ThunderHawk Caucasians