Caucasian Ovcharka
| Caucasian Ovcharka | ||
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| FCI Standard No. 328 | ||
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| Origin : | ||
| Patronage : | ||
| Alternative names: |
Caucasian Shepherd Dog |
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| Withers height: |
Males : preferably 72-75 cm, at least 68 cm. |
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| Weight: |
Males: ≥ 50 kg |
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| List of domestic dogs | ||
The Caucasian Ovcharka ( Russian Кавказская овчарка - Kawkasskaja Ovcharka : Caucasian Shepherd Dog) is a breed of dogs from the former USSR recognized by the FCI , whose breed standard is maintained by Russia ( Patronage ) ( FCI Group 2, Section 2.2, Standard No. 328 ).
Origin and history
There is evidence that dogs of the Caucasian Ovcharkas type have existed for more than 600 years. It is estimated that they have been around for much longer. The Caucasian Ovcharka is mainly found in the isthmus between the Black and Caspian Seas, which is separated from the Caucasus. The region still extends to the borders of Iran and Turkey.
description
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a very resilient, sturdy dog that can easily live outdoors if it has sheltered shelter from the wind and weather. It is not suitable for keeping in a kennel or exclusively for housing. Ideal for him is free space in a fenced property that he is allowed to guard according to his original task. Since he takes guarding his family and property very seriously, a safe fence is a basic requirement for keeping a dog of this breed.
The Caucasian Ovcharka reaches a shoulder height of at least 64 cm in bitches and 68 cm in males. His hair is simple, coarse with a heavily developed, lighter undercoat. It varies in gray or has different, mostly light to rust-colored tones, also rust-colored, straw-yellow, white, earth-colored, striped, but also spotted and spotted.
There are 3 different types of fur.
- Long-haired with extended outer hair: The long hair forms a kind of mane on the neck, well-developed "trousers" on the hind legs, there are heavily "feathered". The long hair makes the tail look very bushy and thick.
- Short-haired - with thick, relatively short hair, without a mane, without "feathering".
- A transitional variety - longer hair, but without a mane, no "feathering"
Essence
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a fearless and reliable watchdog. He shows a genetically anchored guard and protective behavior, which however only develops with increasing age, since he is a late developer. He is reserved, suspicious, and dismissive of strangers. In the family he is balanced, affectionate, fond of children and sensitive, but nonetheless not submissive - if he is kept and raised appropriately.
The upbringing must be done with a lot of patience, because dogs of this breed can sometimes be very stubborn, but at the same time with consistency and absolute authority - but without violence. It is very important to socialize a Caucasian Ovcharka well as a puppy and young dog, to assign him a safe place in the family and to prevent any aggression that appears.
use
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a herd protection dog . Its original task in the South and North Caucasus was to protect the herds from predators such as wolves and human thieves and as a guard dog in the house and yard. Nowadays he is also a valued family dog, but he needs a lot of space inside and outside in order to be able to fulfill his watchdog characteristics and his territorial awareness. It is difficult to achieve good results in dog sports with such a breed that is more independent and independent of humans, because he does not necessarily want to please his dog handler. A protection dog training is unnecessary and dangerous, as it can then develop into an uncontrollable dog, which would be dangerous given its strength and size. Protection behavior is deeply rooted in the breed and therefore does not need to be encouraged. An assistance dog training is recommended, however.
Legal position
In the federal states of Hamburg and Hesse , the Caucasian Owtscharka and its crossings with other breeds are classified as a presumably dangerous dog ( breed list ). In Hamburg, however, only as long as nothing to the contrary is proven by a character test .
The Caucasian Ovcharka is on the breed list of potentially dangerous dog breeds in the Swiss canton of Ticino , and keeping it there requires a permit.
In Denmark (except Faroe Islands and Greenland ), possession, breeding and importation of the Caucasian Ovcharka are prohibited by the Dog Law ( Lov om Dogs, 2010 version).
Sources and further links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Dorit Urd Feddersen-Petersen : Expert opinion on keeping guard dogs
- ↑ Hamburg Law on Keeping and Leading Dogs (Dog Law - Dog Act). (PDF) In: hamburg.de. December 4, 2012, accessed July 29, 2019 .
- ↑ Hazard Defense Ordinance on keeping and leading dogs (Dog Ordinance). (PDF) In: fulda.de. November 12, 2013, accessed on July 29, 2019 (valid until December 31, 2021).
- ↑ Bekendtgørelse af lov om hunde (Danish)
