The Kavkazskaya Ovcharka is one of the ancient breeds, Known by different names in different lands it descends from the Mastiff-like dogs of the Tibet that are related by their origin to the shepherd and fighting dogs of Asia. For many years these fine dogs accompanied the cattle-breeders on the vast territories that stretched from the Caucasus steppes and foothills to the Plateau of Iran. Mostly this breed has been formed in the severe mountain conditions.

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

Originally bred to protect livestock, the Caucasian Ovtcharka is brave, strong-willed, well-balanced, and even-tempered. They have strong protective instincts and do not trust strangers. Everyone within its family, and everything belonging to it family will be protected and respected. The breed is said to have an uncanny ability to discriminate between true threat and benign interference. In other words, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is able to exercise good judgment provided he has been given the proper socialization, training, and experience on which to base this judgment.

 In general, the well-bred Caucasian Mountain Dog is vigorously healthy. As with other large breeds, the Caucasian should be at a minimum screened for hip and elbow dysplasia. Life expectancy is believed to be 12 years or more.