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Kanjal Caucasian Ovtcharka

This beautiful, very old, russian Molosser originated in the remote regions of the Kanjal Caucasian Ovtcharka and steppes, which span several territories of the former Soviet Union.
Nomadic tribes settling in the remote regions of the

brought working dogs with them whitch evolved with little outside intervention into the hardy, intelligent Caucasian Ovtcharka. The breed takes its name both from the region of origin and from the original purpose of the dogs. Caucasian refers to the regions of the Caucasus, which include Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Daghestan, Iran and Turkey. Ovtcharka, a Russian word, translates to Shepherd or Sheepdog. Not to be confused with herding breeds, the Kanjal Caucasian Ovtcharka is actually a livestock guardian, bred for the role of bonding with the livestock and effectively fending off predators,-whether wolves, bears or thives. This breed is recognized by many authorities not only for its incredibly attractive bear-like appearance but for its supreme versatility.

For centuries, the breed was little known outside these remote regions and were first seen in European dog shows in 1930's Germany. In 1952, the breed was sub-divided into two distinct types; the Trans caucasian Ovtcharka, the heavyer boned, more massive dog from the mountain regions; and the Caucasian Ovtcharka, the lighter built dog of the steppe regions.
In 1976 the two types were re-classified as one breed with all dogs expected to conform to the same standard, and today, the best examples are considered to be of "Georgian" type, a heavy-boned, heavy-coated type often said to most resemble a bear. However, individuals of the breed can still be identified by regional type today, with each area of the former USSR having its own varieties, including numerous sub-types. If not these different regions and contries have been formerly occupied by Russia and the different types "trown" together in the Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka we may have seen that some of these types had been classified as a breed of their own, just like many of the close related east European flock guardians. Armenia have already written a own standard for their native type; the Gampr, and classified it as a breed of its own. Below you will find a little listing of some of the different types and their native region.

The Caucasian was developed to guard flocks and thus is naturally protective. Though their appearance may be fierce, in general they should be well behaved with and accepting of all family members, but naturally wary of strangers. Although more eager to please than more easily trained than many flock guardians, they still can be quite independent and stubborn when compared to more easily trained breeds such as the German Shepherd dog or Golden Retriver.

As with most livestock guarding breeds, the Caucasian is generally a phlegmatic, low activity dog. Originally they were bred to lay around with the sheep all day and keep predators at bay, but the slighest disturbance will rouse them and most Caucasians are surprisingly quick and agile.
As most predators are nocturnal, you may find your Caucasian much more active at night and they are alarm barkers and will give warning to anything encroaching their territory.

Ear cropping of the Caucasian Ovtcharka is traditional, but not required even for show dogs.
The breed has a long, heavy coat and they absolutely love cold weather and snow. The Caucasian comes in all colours except solid black and solid brown, black ticking and combinations of black and brown. Most commonly seen are various shades of gray. Other colours described are rust, straw, yellow, white, brindle, earth, spotted and piebald.
A typical male should stand from enywhere from 65 to 77 cm. (25,5-30,2 in) or more at the withers and should weigh over 55 kg. (121 lbs). Females are a bit smaller, over 44 kg (97 lbs) and a minimum of 62 cm. (24,3 in).