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Georgia has a rich and diverse history of dog breeding that dates back centuries.
However, not many people know about the different Georgia dog breeds that exist, or in fact, the number of different breeds the country has.
Read on as I uncover what unique dogs you will find in this beautiful Caucasus country.
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Brief Overview of Georgia and Its Dogs
Georgia is a nation bordered by Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in the Caucasus region of Eurasia.
Numerous indigenous breeds were created and improved over the years to meet the demands of Georgia’s farmers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The thing is, there is not a high level of attention paid to purebreds, but rather, the dogs were crossbred to perform specific tasks for the people.
And that is why today, you will not find a huge variety of dog breeds that originate from Georgia. Instead, if you took a walk around the capital, you are far more likely to encounter the Tbilisi street dog (aka their version of a Heinz 57 dog breed).
The storyline is similar in other towns and cities too.
Dog Breeds Native to Georgia (country)
Today, there are only 2 known breeds that are native to the country of Georgia.
Georgian Shepherd
The Georgian Shepherd (or Qartuli Nagazi) is a large and powerful dog breed that originates from Georgia (country).
It is known for its intelligence, strength, and endurance, making it an excellent choice for tasks such as herding livestock and protecting property.
This beautiful dog is a tall and muscular breed with either a long and dense coat that can be either straight or slightly wavy or white short hair that sometimes has black patches.
The breed has a strong and well-proportioned head, with almond-shaped eyes and floppy ears that give it a friendly and alert expression.
In terms of personality, the Georgian Shepherd is a loyal and protective breed that is known for its strong work ethic.
It is intelligent and highly trainable but can be independent at times, so it is important for its owner to establish themselves as the leader of the pack.
With proper training and socialization, the Georgian Shepherd can make a great family pet, although it may be too large and energetic for small children or elderly individuals.
In terms of care, the Georgian Shepherd requires regular exercise and grooming to maintain its health and appearance.
It has a thick coat that will require regular brushing to prevent matting, and it is recommended to bathe the breed only when necessary to preserve its natural oils.
Overall, the Georgian Shepherd is an amazing breed that is well-suited to tasks such as herding livestock and protecting property.
With proper training and socialization, it can make a loyal and loving companion for the right owner.
Stats
- Weight: 50 to 70 kg (110 to 154 pounds)
- Height at withers: 60 to 65 cm (23.6 to 25.6 inches)
- Life expectancy: 11 to 12 years
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, is a truly unique and impressive breed.
Standing tall and muscular, these dogs are known for their power and loyalty, making them excellent at tasks such as working on the farm and protecting your home.
But don’t let their imposing size and appearance fool you – at their core, these dogs are loyal and loving companions who crave attention and affection from their families.
One of the most notable things about the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is its thick and dense coat, which can come in a variety of colors such as black, brown, fawn, and grey.
This coat not only gives the breed a striking appearance, but it also serves an important purpose – protecting the dog from the harsh and snowy winters of the Caucasus region.
Today, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is still commonly used as a working dog in the Caucasus region and has even expanded its job scope to cover prison!
Stats
- Weight: 45 to 70 kg (99 to 154 pounds)
- Height at withers: 72 to 75 cm (28.3 to 29.5 inches)
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Why Are There Stray Dogs in Georgia?
In 2015, there were over 43,000 dogs living in Tbilisi alone.
These numbers are increasing year after year, and they have not decreased.
They can be found all across Georgia, in towns, cities, along highways, and even in remote areas where they are transferred in special vehicles to leave.
Unfortunately, due to weak laws and a lack of resources, the problem does not seem to have a solution.
Right now, it is very much up to volunteers to care for them or bring them in for sterilization in order to control the problem.
Learn something new: List of dogs that are good with guinea pigs
In Conclusion: Dog Breeds of Georgia (Country)
While they do not have a large variety, Georgia has a couple of very beautiful, majestic even, dog breeds that are beloved.
I hope that this post has helped to improve your knowledge about them and encourages you to continue learning more about how we can help them thrive.
Check out dog breeds from other countries here:
