Central Asian Ovcharka

The Central Asian Ovcharka, known in the USA as the Central Asian Shepherd, and formally known as Middle Asian Ovtcharka, was developed along the vast areas from Siberia to the Central Asian Republics of the Former USSR. They are a mastiff-type dog that developed through the process of natural selection. This breed is over 4,000 years old and was originally used as a powerful and agile flock guardian following its nomadic tribesmen masters. It showed its usefulness when man needed a dog with natural instincts to protect against such predators as bear, tiger, hyena, wolf, and the 2-legged kind of marauders. They make excellent guardians of home, family, flock and estates.

Height: 24 - 34" (61 - 86.4cm)

Weight: 90 - 150 lbs (40.2 - 67 kg)

Coat Type: It has well-developed undercoat. There are 2 coat lengths: a short coat that is 3-5" in length, and a medium coat which is 5-7" in length. The coat is shed seasonally.

Temperament: The Central Asian Ovcharka is an independent and fearless dog and will show a natural distrust of strangers and be dog dominant. Nocturnal barking and landscape digging are not unusual. This breed is NOT suited for doggie parks, or for first-time dog owners, since it is very dominant and not highly trainable. Good with children and other pets ONLY if well socialized at a young age.

Health Problems: Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. These dogs can handle extreme variances of temperature from the cold weather of Siberia to the heat of the Kara Kum desert.

Special Interest: The ears and tails are cropped in those that work in areas where they may have to battle such predators as bear, wolf and mountain lion.

Classifications:
AKC: Not recognized
CKC: Not recognized
KC: Not recognized
FCI: Group 2
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility