Georgian Shepherd

Georgian Shepherd Dog

Georgian Shepherd
Other names	Georgian Mountain Dog
Common nicknames	Nagazi
Origin	Georgia
Breed status	Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club.
Traits Height Male minimum 65 cm (26 in) Female minimum 60 cm (24 in) Coat Thick double coat—thick undercoat Color any color Litter size 6–9 puppies Life span 11–12 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 2 (in GKC), Section 2.2 Mountain Dogs (in GKC) [Not recognized standard] AKC [Not recognized standard] UKC [Not recognized standard]
Notes	Recognized by the Cynological Federation of Georgia (Georgian Kennel Club) National animal of Georgia
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Georgian Shepherd (Georgian: ქართული ნაგაზი qartuli nagazi) is a molosser-type livestock guardian breed of dog with ancient working origins in the Georgia Caucasus.^[1] The Georgian shepherd is related to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. There are two kinds of Georgian mountain dog: the short haired Kazbegian dog, also called "Nagazi", and the long haired Georgian mountain dog.

Description

Because of their morphology and lineage, Georgian shepherds fall into the Molosser category. Male Georgian mountain dogs should be at least 65 centimetres (26 in) in height at the withers; females should be at least 60 centimetres (24 in) in height.^[2] Physically, these dogs are strongly-boned, muscular, and athletic, with a large head and powerful legs. Georgian mountain dogs tend to be assertive, brave, and alert. Shepherds traditionally used Georgian mountain dogs for defending sheep from predators.

History

The Cynological Federation of Georgia has had a strict battle with the Russian federation of Cynologs about Caucasian Shepherd dog.

In 2012, the International Cynological Federation was to have decided which national breed would be the Caucasian Shepherd Dog as a result of this heated discussion.

After the removal of most of the Georgian Nagazi from Georgia, Georgian enthusiasts with support from the Ministry of Environment began expeditions to the regions of Georgia to describe and take photos of the remaining Georgian shepherds. Georgia started advertising the breed using television broadcasting and printing articles about Georgian shepherds in order to popularize the breed.

Following the Soviet collapse, Georgia began to popularise this dog. Today, the goal is to breed another rare Georgian shepherd, Georgia's ancient white shepherd. Unfortunately, Georgian shepherds are still used in dog fighting.

References

1. "Ancient Times And Origins". Kennel director in Finland. Archived from the original on 2009-02-02. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
2. "Georgian Mountain Dog history". Cynological Federation of Georgia. Retrieved 2011-12-28.