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Georgian Shepherd Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Georgian Shepherd Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
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Georgian Shepherd Dog dog profile picture
OriginGeorgia flagGeorgia
Other Names
What other names does the Georgian Shepherd Dog have?
Azerbaijani Shepherd DogCaucasian Mountain DogCaucasian OvcharkaCaucasian OvtcharkaCaucasian SheepdogCircassian Sheep DogGeorgian NagaziKarachay-Balkar pariyKars Kafkas KöpegiKavkaskaia OvtcharkaKavkazskaïa OvtcharkaKavkazskaya OvcharkaRussian CaucasianRussian Caucasian OvtcharkaRussian Mountain DogSage GhafghaziArmenian Khobun DogCaucasian Owcharka
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Georgian Shepherd Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Georgian Shepherd Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Georgian Shepherd Dog get?

What is the average size of a Georgian Shepherd Dog?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Georgian Shepherd Dog weigh? How much should a Georgian Shepherd Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Georgian Shepherd Dog? How much does a full-grown Georgian Shepherd Dog weight?
99-154 pounds (45-70 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Georgian Shepherd Dog?
126.5 pounds (57.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Georgian Shepherd Dog? Georgian Shepherd Dog height:
25-28 inches (64-72 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Georgian Shepherd Dog?
26.5 inches (68 cm)

Georgian Shepherd Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Georgian Shepherd Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Georgian Shepherd Dog in the United States? How much money is a Georgian Shepherd Dog?

Where to buy a Georgian Shepherd Dog with a good pedigree?

$1500-$3000
If you choose to purchase the Georgian Shepherd Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Georgian Shepherd Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Georgian Shepherd Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Georgian Shepherd Dog? How many Georgian Shepherd Dog are there in the world?
Average: The Georgian Shepherd Dog is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Georgian Shepherd Dog? Is the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Georgian Shepherd Dog is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Georgian Shepherd Dog?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Georgian Shepherd Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Georgian Shepherd Dog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Georgian Shepherd Dog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Georgian Shepherd Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentKindBoldFearless
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Georgian Shepherd Dog sensitivity:
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Georgian Shepherd Dog a good family dog?
Average to High: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog need? Georgian Shepherd Dog social needs:
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are kinda antisocial. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time, they tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Georgian Shepherd Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Georgian Shepherd Dog roam?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Georgian Shepherd Dog have high prey drive?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Georgian Shepherd Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog bark?
Average: The Georgian Shepherd Dog barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Georgian Shepherd Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Georgian Shepherd Dog in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Georgian Shepherd Dog indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Georgian Shepherd Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Georgian Shepherd Dog alone?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Georgian Shepherd Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Georgian Shepherd Dog? How much bite force does a Georgian Shepherd Dog have? How strong is a Georgian Shepherd Dog bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Georgian Shepherd Dog bite force: The Strongest. The Georgian Shepherd Dog bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Georgian Shepherd Dog measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs is impressive, and their Georgian Shepherd Dog bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Georgian Shepherd Dog PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Georgian Shepherd Dog bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Georgian Shepherd Dog puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Georgian Shepherd Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Georgian Shepherd Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Georgian Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Georgian Shepherd Dog do?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Georgian Shepherd Dogs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Georgian Shepherd Dog see the vet?
Rare
The Georgian Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs live? How old can a Georgian Shepherd Dog be? What is the age limit of the Georgian Shepherd Dog? How many years can the oldest Georgian Shepherd Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Georgian Shepherd Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Georgian Shepherd Dog?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Georgian Shepherd Dog: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers cold weather
The Georgian Shepherd Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Georgian Shepherd Dog have? What is the activity level of the Georgian Shepherd Dog?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Georgian Shepherd Dog need? How much exercise do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs require per day?

Do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed need?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Georgian Shepherd Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Georgian Shepherd Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Georgian Shepherd Dog? How much food should I feed my Georgian Shepherd Dog?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Georgian Shepherd Dog risk for obesity:
High: The Georgian Shepherd Dog breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Georgian Shepherd Dog more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Georgian Shepherd Dog weight regularly.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Georgian Shepherd Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseWaterproof
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Georgian Shepherd Dog coats?
GrayTan White Fawn Brindle Pied
Grooming
How to groom the Georgian Shepherd Dog and how often? How often should I take my Georgian Shepherd Dog to the groomer?
Advanced: The Georgian Shepherd Dog requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Georgian Shepherd Dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Georgian Shepherd Dog, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog? Do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs shed a lot?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Georgian Shepherd Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Georgian Shepherd Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Georgian Shepherd Dog every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Georgian Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Georgian Shepherd Dog drool?
The Georgian Shepherd Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Georgian Shepherd Dog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Georgian Shepherd Dog temperament with other people:
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Georgian Shepherd Dog temperament with children:
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Cat Friendly
How well do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed live with a cat?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Georgian Shepherd Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Georgian Shepherd Dog is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Georgian Shepherd Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Georgian Shepherd Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs good office canines? Do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Georgian Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog temperament with senior people? Are Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Georgian Shepherd Dogs are not the best breed for elderly people.

Georgian Shepherd Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Georgian Shepherd Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Georgian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Georgian Shepherd Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Georgian Shepherd Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Georgian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Georgian Shepherd Dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Georgian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Georgian Shepherd Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Georgian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Georgian Shepherd Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Georgian Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Georgian Shepherd Dog be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Georgian Shepherd Dog breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Georgian Shepherd Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Georgian Shepherd Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Georgian Shepherd Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Georgian Shepherd Dog have? How many puppies can a Georgian Shepherd Dog give birth to?
5-12 puppies

Georgian Shepherd Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Georgian Shepherd Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Georgian Shepherd Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Georgian Shepherd Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Issues: Georgian Shepherd Dogs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Watchdog Ability: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs handle alone time quite well.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Georgian Shepherd Dog breed.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Georgian Shepherd Dog requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs shed above average.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Georgian Shepherd Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Georgian Shepherd Dog breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Mouthiness: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Child Friendly: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Georgian Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Georgian Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Georgian Shepherd Dogs are not the best breed for elderly people.

Georgian Shepherd Dog History

Origins

The Georgian Shepherd, also known as Georgian Mountain Dog, is a breed of guard dog and livestock guardian dog from the Georgian Caucasus. The Georgian Shepherd Dog is the outcome of natural selection by Georgians. The breed’s initial representatives appeared in the country’s northeast. Although, the dog is believed to be native in a number of regions besides Georgia, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Daghestan, Turkey, Chechnya, and Iran. According to experts, these canines are the closest relatives of the mastiffs of Asia and sheepdogs of the Balkans. The Georgian Shepherd is used for multiple daily tasks, it accompanied shepherds, helping them to take care of the herds. Their main task was to chase away wolves and bears from the sheep.

Furthermore, they were also used as guard dogs to protect the property and the family. These dogs are known and valued for their strong, loyal, and courageous personality. According to mythology, one Georgian Shepherd ripped a wolf to shreds while protecting a family’s younger members. The breed is extremely territorial and given to their guardian and strong fight instincts, they are not scared to fight off dangerous animals like wolves and bears. The Georgian Shepherds are also quite intelligent, which makes them stubborn, independent, and sometimes difficult to handle.

Moreover, due to their distrust for other animals and strangers, they could be aggressive. However, there was a time for a long period when breeders were not interested in continuing the selection process of the Georgian Shepherd, so their numbers progressively declined. The breed was in danger of going extinct.

Eventually, the selection of the breed started in the 1920s in the USSR, and the selection was used to propagate the breed’s distinct qualities. These qualities include fearlessness, self-confidence, immense physical strength, and a dense and water-resistant coat. As a result of this, these dogs could survive in harsh climates too.

Description

Georgian livestock guarding dogs come in two varieties; the short-haired ‘Lion’ type, which is normally pure white or white with dark patches on its coat, and the long-haired ‘Bear’ type, which has a dark brown to blackhead and a lighter brown coat. The ‘Lion’ style is considered the breed’s oldest variation, with pure white being the rarest coat color. This type is mostly found in Georgia’s north-eastern areas. Physically, these dogs are strongly-boned, muscular, and athletic, with large heads and powerful legs.

The shape of the head of the Georgian Shepherd is almost rectangular, proportional in size to the body. The breed’s ears are traditionally cropped and the eyes are medium size, oval, and set deep. Adult males reach a height of 65cm, bitches are lower with a height of 60cm, and their weight ranges within 50 to 70 kg.

Further development

Unfortunately not much is known about the history of the breed, but what we know is that the Cynological Federation of Georgia approved a uniform breed standard in 2000 and the description includes distinct breed features and characteristics as well as recognized variations. Today, a community of breed enthusiasts is working on the development of the breed, and it is gradually gaining popularity outside of Georgia. Unfortunately, the breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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Georgian Shepherd Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • George

    Aug 20, 2021, 9:33:49 PM:

    #2 dog after caucasian shepherd! Very smart and strong guard!