Central Asian Ovcharka Dog - A Rare Dog Breed

Here's another rare dog breed.... Central Asian Ovcharka. Although one amongst the very rare dog breeds, the large, muscular, Mastiff type Central Asian Ovcharka has marked its in the heart of many dog lovers across the world. Quite a lot impetuous, fearless and of steadfast valor, the Central Asian Ovcharka have always been amongst the most loved dog breeds in many countries. The heavy bones, large chests and wide backs of the Central Asian Ovcharka gives the dog an impression of tremendous innate strength.

Pronounced as "uhf-'chAr-ka", the word "ovcharka", which is also spelled as "ovtcharka" and "owcharka", is a Russian word that is used to denote something like a "sheepdog", "livestock guardian dog" or "shepherd's dog". Not specific to this particular breed of dog, the word "ovcharka", in Russia, is often used as as suffix to names of many working dog breeds, for instance, Belgian Sheepdog as bel'giyskaya ovcharka, German Shepherd Dog as nemetskaya ovcharka etc.

Native to Russia, "Ovcharkas" are actually four different categories: Central Asian Ovcharka (other names: Sredneaziatskaya Ovcharka, Central Asiatic Ovcharka, Central Asia Shepherd Dog, Middle Asian Ovcharka, Mid-Asiatic Sheepdog) Caucasian Ovcharka (other names: Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, Caucasian Shepherd/Sheepdog) South Russian Ovcharka (other names: Youzhnorusskaya Ovcharka or South Russian Sheepdog)East European Ovcharka.

Origin of Central Asian Ovcharka:

Not much could be traced about the Evolution and origin of the Central Asian Ovcharka, but researchers have concluded that CAS dog breed have been in existence for around 4000 years now. Central Asian Ovcharkas and the Caucasian Ovcharkas share a common origin - the Asiatic type of dogs that hailed from the Tibetan Mastiff. Both these breeds were bred by the shepherds, who made them work as the protection dog for their livestock against the predators, like leopards and wolves. Documentations about the Central Asian Ovcharkas states that the origin of these dogs is in Central Asia -- Central Asian Republics of the Former USSR.

General Appearance - Central Asian Ovcharka:

Preferred and praised by the shepherds for centuries for their innate stamina and ability to kill wolves, Central Asian Ovcharkas are often called " Volkodav" - a Russian word for "The Wolf Crusher"!

Central Asian Ovcharka is a giant dog with robust built, giving an impression of great strength. The short or moderately long hair with heavy undercoat give the dog a very different look from many of the other giant dog breeds that are commonly seen. Although ears used to be cropped and tail docked sometimes in the past, but due to the legal banning of cosmetic surgeries in many countries, these are not done these days. Taller at wither and slightly longer than the average dog breeds, the Central Asian Ovcharkas looks quite smart and powerful. Moderately large head without pronounced skull and stop, slightly low set short muscular neck with prominent dewlap, broad rump, fairly broad structure with strong muscular tone are the major beauty enhancing factors of the breed. Due to the well developed floating ribs the rib cages seems to be a bit longer, giving the dog a bit longer structure. The long straight heavy boned legs, with moderately defined angulation are stronger than most of the other dog breeds. Typical motion trait of Central Asian Ovcharka is gallop, though they can trot at ease for hours without getting exhausted.

The dog comes in a varied combination of colors... the most common of which are black-and-white, brindle, and fawns ranging from whitish shade to dark reddish.

Heights at maturity as per standard:

Males - 25 - 32 inches
Females - 23 - 27 inches

Weights at maturity as per standard:

Males - 121-176 lbs
Females - 88-143 lbs

Behavior of Central Asian Ovcharka:

Alike all Ovcharkas, the Central Asian Ovcharka has a well-balanced and even-temperament with a fair degree if intelligence and problem solving ability. Alike most of the guard and protection dogs they are quite suspicious of and aggressive toward the strangers, while independent enough with a strong-willed personality. Although apparently, he may seem to be a bit too phlegmatic to an intruder, but running away may be too late, once a stranger comes close to him. Unlike East European Ovcharkas, a Central Asian Ovcharka dog is naturally a stubborn breed, which makes him little difficult to train him for obedience. This is where his nature matches very much with Caucasian Ovcharka dogs. This calm and fearless flock guardian can make loving pet as they are are good with their family members.... not to forget the fact that they MUST be supervised with kids and socialized with children at vary early age.

Health Issues - CAS Dog:

Alike many of the large breed dogs, CAS dog is very much prone to hip and elbow displasia, although planned and selective breedings have mitigated the problem to a great extent. Although a deep chested dog breed, there hasn't been any evidence to conclude that this CAS dog breed is prone to bloat, as it is with many of the Mastiffs.

Recognitions:

Central Asian Ovcharkas have been recognized by FCI, UKC, NKC, ANKC, APRI, ACR and ARBA (American Rare Breed Association). The American Rare Breed Association allows the CAS dog owners to show their beloved CAS dogs in America. This rare dog breed has been placed under Working Group; used as flock and livestock guardians, Estates guards, and personal guardians.