Caucasian Ovcharka vs. Central Asian Ovcharka : A Comparison

After extensively studying both the Caucasian and Central Asian breeds in Russia, and owning both breeds in the US, it is the Caucasian that has captured my heart.

Each breed fancier has their own opinion, natural variation occurs within each breed, and training and socialization will mold an individual dog's character. However, we caution readers to be wary -- really very careful -- of sites that denigrate one breed over the other as a puppy peddling sales pitch. While the Caucasian and Central Asian are very smiliar breeds, with similar historical development, the chart below attempts to summarize some of the sometimes subtle breed differences, especially with regard to temperament.

CAUCASIAN OVCHARKA	CENTRAL ASIAN OVCHARKA
Temperament per Breed Standard : "Type of great alert activity, strong - balanced - calm. The reactions of defense which manifest themselves in active form, are well developed. An aggressive disposition and distrust towards strangers are characteristic."	Temperament per Breed Standard : "Type of great nervous activity; balanced, calm. The predominant reaction is defense in an active way. Faults: lack of excessive energy, timid character. Important faults: great excitability, cowardice."
Breed Standard based on "Georgian Type"	Breed Standard based on "Turkmenistan Type"
Active Defense Reaction (will use force to protect)	Active Defense Reaction (will use force to protect)
More active and explosive, "honest" demeanor	Calmer demeanor changes with lightening speed to aggression when tolerance threshold is surpassed
Independent, headstrong nature	Independent nature
Should be reserved with strangers - can be excellent family dogs - more animated, charming, demonstrative and more "emotional" with owner than Central Asian - good with children - trainable to advanced obedience titles - may disobey offlead	Should be reserved with strangers ("excessive excitability" faulted by Breed Standard) - can be excellent family dogs - good with children - more aloof than Caucasians but some breed fanciers prefer their overall calmer demeanor - leash obedient, but may disobey offlead
Excellent home and estate guardians, great watchdogs, impressive deterrents - good territorial livestock guardians, but require secure fencing	Very good livestock guardians, and home watchdogs and guardians
Historically mountain village guardians and protectors of the nearby flocks, Caucasians tend to be "homebodies" but still require secure fencing	Central Asians, known as the "Dog of the Nomads" tend to roam and require secure fencing
Somewhat dog aggressive - used for dog fighting in former USSR, but to far lesser extent that Central Asian	Very dog aggressive - used extensively (unfortunately) for dog fighting in former USSR
Larger size, stocky build	Large size, leggier than Caucasian
Double coat - shorter and longer varieties	Double coat - short to medium in length
Lifespan 9-11 years, sometimes longer - click here to see some of the revered "oldsters" at Esquire	Lifespan 9-11 years, sometimes longer

NOTE : Some native dogs in Central Asian today are very similar to aboriginal Caucasians in appearance and temperament due to migration of the native dogs between the adjacent geographic areas.