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