CAO In Need

[animal_rescue]

http://www.ovcharkarescue.org/available_dogs.htm

Anyone in the NC area? There is a CAO that was going to be rescued and transported to WA state but it fell through, she is going to be put down on Tuesday.

[Karen]

She's a beauty - is there any more information available on her? The most recent posting is from 12/19 ...

How big is she? Spayed? Any health concerns? How is she with kids? I am not near NC, but more information about her can only help!

[animal_rescue]

they don't know much about her, she is going to be fostered then relocated to the rescue but in general Caucasians are not Beginner dogs! They are extremely protective and if not properly trained can and will jump through a window to protect their livestock(the family and home). They are very large dogs.

Some info on CAOs from caucasian.org

"Most working Caucasian dogs are hybrids between established types, as well as some lines of the Central Asian dogs, in effect making the Russian show type appear to be a superiourly-bred dog in the eyes of the West. This is of course due to in part to the main difference between the Eastern and Western ways; the dogs being bred strictly for work in the East and primarily for show and companion life in the West. The Caucasian Molossers were used for centuries to protect properties, guard livestock, kill wolves, hunt bears and for many other duties, but today and especialy in the West, they're most commonly employed as companion animals and watchdogs. Most prized as an aggressive property guardian, the mighty Caucasian Ovcharka is an intimidating and committed protector with no equal. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is generally a low activity dog, seemingly lethargic when not working, but extremely agile and convincing when it feels its family is threatened. Although certain strains are more vicious than others, all Caucasians are very territorial and fairly dog-aggressive, needing early and careful broad socialization, as well as firm, but never forceful handling. This wonderful ancient breed makes a good family dog, but it isn't the same thing as a Newfoundland, a Bernese or a St.Bernard and potential owners should be aware of the breed's history and temperament before deciding to tackle raising a Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Powerful and massive, the Kavkaz Volkodav can prove to be a serious problem to an unexperienced owner, because it respects and obeys only those dominant members of the family that it deems superiour to itself. They are generally good with children, but will not see them as their masters. The great Kavkazec develops a strong bond with its owner, but will rarely be completely submissive and blindly follow orders, for this is truly a thinking dog, which relies primarily on its own instincts, sometimes even disregarding its master's directions in certain situations. A breed with a very quick reaction time and lightning-fast protection reflexes, it has even been unfairly described by some as somewhat of a "loose cannon". Still, with proper care, handling and training, this is a well-behaved and obedient family companion. A well-bred Caucasian Shepherd Dog should be a healthy, strongly-boned, muscular and even-tempered Moloss, but some of today's bloodlines are prone to hip-dysplasia, obesity and too soft, as well as overly-vicious temperaments. The ears of the Kavkaskaya Ovtcharka have traditionally been cropped, although a large number of modern dogs can be seen unaltered. Even though many coat-types and beautiful colours exist, the preferred Show-types are the long-coated grey dogs with some white markings allowed. No black or black-n-tan dogs are accepted for Show, but do exist. The height ranges anywhere from 23 to 34 inches among working specimens, but most modern dogs are around 30 inches tall."

[Karen]

Large as in St. Bernard? My family has had St. Bernards, a Great Dane mix, and a shepherd mix... which are they closest in size to? Are they "live to herd" dogs that need a job, like most Border Collies, or would she be happy being a house dog?

Is she safe now, and not scheduled to be PTS?

[animal_rescue]

Bigger than a Saint, I'd say. They are happy as a family dog but they are extremely protective, it wouldn't be wise to let strange people come into your house unless they are locked up first. Even if your with the people. However a properly socialized CAO should be good on a LEASH when first meeting a stranger and never do it at night!

[Karen]

Okay, sounds like she wouldn't be a good match for the person I'm thinking of, as his house is a friendly place, and people just tend to walk in after a quick knock. But sounds ideal for someone looking for a security dog!

[animal_rescue]

She could be, but CAOs need to be protected so they don't end up with the wrong people. When that TV show came out, Designer Dogs or Future Dogs, CAO breeders phones were off the hook! One guys was actually looking to find a dog that would kill other dogs for pooping on his lawn!

[Karen]

So is she safe from being put to sleep? I couldn't tell from your previous post about going into rescue ...

[animal_rescue]

Yes she is safe from being put to sleep.

[Alysser]

That's Great!