Georgian Shepherd

Georgian Shepherd Dog

Georgian Shepherd
Other names	Georgian Mountain Dog
Nicknames	Nagazi
Country of origin	Georgia
Traits Weight Male 143–187 pounds (65–90 kg) Female 121–154 pounds (55–70 kg) Height Male 29–33.5 inches (74–85 cm) Female 25.6–30 inches (65–76 cm) 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] Not recognized by any major kennel club
Notes	Recognized by the Cynological Federation of Georgia (Georgian Kennel Club) National animal of Georgia
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Georgian Shepherd (Georgian: ქართული ნაგაზი qartuli nagazi) is an Aboriginal dog from the Georgian mountains in the Caucasus. It is an ancient working breed from Georgia.^[1] The Georgian shepherd is related to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. There are two kinds of Georgian mountain dog: short haired Kazbegian dog called "Nagazi"; long haired Georgian mountain dog. The shorter coated Georgian Mountain Dog is an ancient working breed from Georgia.

Characteristics

As one of the giant dog breed, Georgian Shepherds are some of the biggest dogs on the planet. Because of their stature, Georgian shepherds fall into the Molosser category. Male Georgian mountain dogs grow between 75-85 centimeters in height, and 65-90 kilograms in weight. 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

Georgians were calling this dog "Nagazi". It has been used as a sheep guard dog for centuries. The breed is extremely popular in Georgia.

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 will decide which national breed is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog as a result of this heated discussion.

After removing 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.

After the soviet collapse, Georgia began once more to popularize this dog. Today the Georgian main goal is to breed Georgia's ancient white shepherds (also other Georgian shepherds) which are rare.^[2] Unfortunately, Georgian shepherds are still used in dog fighting.

References