The Caucasian Ovtcharka (also known as Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, (Caucasian Shepherd, Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka, Caucasian Owcharka, Caucasian mountain dog, Sage Ghafghazi and Kavkazska�a Ovtcharka) is a very old and primitive dog breed originating in the remote regions of the Caucasus Mountains and Steppes, which span several territories of the former Soviet Union like Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia etc. It is a working dog breed that has been used as flock guardian. This large dog has an incredibly attractive bear-like appearance and is believed to have descended from ancient dogs that lived in the forested hills of Iraq and Mesopotamia. The dog is named after the place of its origin; 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 Caucasian is actually a livestock guardian, bred for the role of bonding with the livestock and effectively fending off predators — whether wolves, bears or thieves.
This dog stands between 25 to 30 inches and weighs between 100-150+ lbs. Females are shorter and lighter. It has a bear-like face with moderate, deep-set, dark eyes and densely covered ears. Nose is black with wide nostrils. Hips are slightly raised from line of back. The coat is thick, dense and weather-resistant and comes in gray, fawn, white, brindle and pied.
The dog is NOT recognized by AKC, however it is recognized by FCI, UKC and AKC (FSS) (FSS (AKC Foundation Stock Service) is optional recording service for purebred dogs that are not yet eligible for AKC registration).