| We begin this article with the basic facts about the | | | | always be kept on a leash. Seeing that these dogs |
| breed, then follow up with an in-depth look at their | | | | are so aggressive and dominant, they should be |
| personality. | | | | socialised properly when still very young. They will |
| Group: Working | | | | however get along will with other animals within their |
| Weight: Male: 121-176, Female: 88-143 lbs | | | | families. |
| Height: Male: 27-32, Female: 24-27 inches | | | | Care |
| Overview | | | | Central Asian Ovtcharka does not require a lot of |
| It is believed that the Central Asian Shepherd dog | | | | maintenance, and will be fine if brushed on an |
| has its origin from many different places throughout | | | | occasional basis. These dogs have coats that are |
| Central Asia. These places include Tibet, Iran and also | | | | naturally very dirt resistant, and they also look |
| the very old Silk Road. Many feel that the Central | | | | groomed even when they are left natural without |
| Asian Ovtcharka is the ancestor of all the other dog | | | | regular grooming. During spring these dogs tend to |
| breeds. Genetic evidence available today proves that | | | | shed heavily, which is then followed by lighter |
| the Tibetan Mastiff is a close relative to the Central | | | | shedding through the rest of the year. At this time, it |
| Asian Ovtcharka, and not a predecessor as it was | | | | is best to brush their coats on a regular basis to |
| previously believed. The Central Asian Ovtcharka is | | | | remove any excess hair from their coats. |
| considered to be the oldest of the early Molosser | | | | Training |
| breed of dogs found in the world. The Central Asian | | | | It is vital that the Central Asian Ovtcharka should |
| Ovtcharka is still bred in Russia and other areas to be | | | | have a consistent training regime. These dogs are |
| protection and guard dogs and these dogs are | | | | fairly independent, and will therefore need a firm, yet |
| becoming more and more popular in many other | | | | gentle trainer. Early obedience training and socialization |
| areas as well. | | | | is very important for these dogs, as it will prevent |
| Temperament | | | | problems later on. |
| Central Asian Ovtcharkas are very serene dogs that | | | | Health problems |
| are without fear. This is a very autonomous breed, | | | | In general, the Central Asian Ovtcharka is a very |
| and they will not go down without a fight. Although | | | | healthy dog. It is however good to be aware of |
| the Central Asian Ovtcharka gets along well with | | | | some conditions these dogs do struggle with from |
| members of their own family, they should always be | | | | time to time. This breed has some problems with |
| supervised when left alone with children. These dogs | | | | elbow and hip dysplasia, and bloat has also been a |
| tend to be aggressive with other dogs, and should | | | | problem for these dogs in the past. |