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Caucasian Ovcharka: dog food and breed portrait

The Caucasian Ovcharka is a large dog that originally comes from the former Soviet Union. His breed standard is today looked after by Russia. The FCI leads the Caucasian Owtscharka in group 2, section 2.2 (Molossoids - mountain dogs).


The classic guard dog is characterized by its fearless and reliable nature. The Caucasian Ovcharka is not suitable for beginners.

History of the Caucasian Ovcharka

The Caucasian Ovcharka is an old breed of dogs, which originates from the areas around the Caucasus. Representatives of the breed were demonstrably already kept there 600 years ago as shepherd dogs. It is assumed, however, that its origins go back much further.


For a long time, the Caucasian Ovcharka was exclusively found in Russia. Later the impressive four-legged friends were then also held in other countries of the former Eastern Bloc, as for example the former GDR. There, the Caucasian Ovcharka was appreciated as a reliable working dog, who was used in the military, among other things.


In 1977 the first specimen of the breed was presented at a dog show in Cologne. Four years later, the Caucasian Ovcharka Club e.V. was founded, which is responsible for the care of the breed in Germany.


Due to its extensive distribution area, there have always been different types of the Ovcharkas. The animals native to the steppes tended to be somewhat lighter and more leggy, while the Owtscharkas were particularly large and strong in the mountainous regions.


However, the FCI's breed standard published in 1985 does not provide for a corresponding distinction. Instead, only information on important characteristics that a Caucasian Ovcharka must fulfil is summarised.

Characteristics of the Caucasian Ovcharkas

The Caucasian Ovcharka is a large dog with a robust and strong physique. According to the breed standard, the shoulder height should be at least 65 centimetres in males and at least 62 centimetres in bitches.


The weight of a male Ovcharka is usually more than 50 kilograms, while females weigh a good 45 kilos. However, it is not unusual for the massive dogs to become significantly heavier and reach a weight of a good 70 kilos.


The physique of the Caucasian Ovcharkas is massive and muscular. He has a broad and deep chest as well as a muscular straight back and strong legs with large, oval paws.


The Caucasian Ovcharka has a massive head and a broad forehead with a slight vertical furrow. The stop is moderately pronounced. The jaws are strong and equipped with large white teeth.


The lop ears of the Caucasian Ovcharka are set high. His dark eyes are medium sized and oval. The life expectancy of the breed is about 10 to 12 years.

The coat of the Caucasian Ovcharkas

The Caucasian Ovcharka has a coarse coat with well developed undercoat, which is slightly lighter than the top coat. According to the breed standard different shades of grey as well as white, earthy colours and straw yellow are permitted. The coat may be both pied and striped or speckled.

Depending on the length of the coat the breed standard also distinguishes between the following types:

  • Long haired animals with a pronounced mane and characteristic trousers on the hind legs and a highly feathered tail.
  • Short-haired animals without the above-mentioned characteristics such as feathering or mane
  • A transitional variety that shows a mixture of the characteristics of long and short-haired Caucasian Ovcharkas.

Caucasian Ovcharka character and nature

Caucasian Ovcharka character and nature

The breeding purpose of the Caucasian Ovcharkas has always been to obtain a reliable and vigilant guard dog. This circumstance is still very evident in his character.


He is self-confident, independent and fearless. The pronounced watchful and protective instinct, which shows itself with increasing age, is deeply rooted in his nature. Accordingly, he is generally suspicious and dismissive of strangers.


The education of the Caucasian Ovcharkas requires a lot of patience and a high degree of consistency. Provided that he is well socialized and kept in a species-appropriate manner from an early age, he nevertheless proves to be a surprisingly affectionate and sensitive family member who can easily cope with children.


For untrained dog owners the Caucasian Ovcharka is suitable, which always retains a certain degree of independence, but not.

Activities with the Caucasian Ovcharka

The Caucasian Ovcharka is an excellent watchdog, which should probably deter potential intruders with its imposing appearance.


Due to his naturally strong protective instinct, it is not recommended to train him as a guard dog. Because this can lead to the Ovcharka being difficult to control and sometimes becoming a serious danger.


Instead, a companion dog test is usually useful to promote a problem-free coexistence of dog and owner.


Apart from that, the Caucasian Ovcharka proves to be a very frugal dog, who prefers to be outdoors and therefore feels particularly comfortable in a house with a large garden.


Cats or other dogs usually do not tolerate the dominant four-legged friends. If you already have pets, the Caucasian Ovcharka is therefore not suitable as an addition to the family.

Caucasian Ovcharka diseases

Although the Caucasian Ovcharka is generally regarded as a robust and healthy dog, there are also the health risks typical of large dog breeds.


Accordingly, the massive animals can suffer from joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as possibly a life-threatening stomach twist.

The correct diet of the Caucasian Ovcharkas

A balanced diet is of course also very important for a large and resistant dog like the Caucasian Ovcharka.


Because with a needs-based feeding you ensure that your four-legged friend is always optimally supplied with all important nutrients and the risk of health problems remains manageable.

We recommend the following products from our range for the Caucasian Ovcharka:

  • Cold pressed dry food, as the croquettes of these varieties swell less in the stomach and thus reduce the risk of stomach twisting
  • Joints & Bones Capsules with Ovopet to supply the joints with valuable nutrients and counteract complaints such as hip dysplasia
  • Joints & Bones Biscuits as a tasty reward during dog training and as additional support for the health of the musculoskeletal system

With the special Bellfor nutritional concept, you can promote the healthy development of your Caucasian Ovcharka from an early age.

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