Events such as the Pet Expo offer us ethical breeders and dog enthusiasts a great opportunity to educate the public about our breeds.
However it doesn’t stop there. It also allows us to hear from them. One aspect that becomes apparent when talking to the public is how much misinformation is spread by irresponsible dog breeders, and the extent of the irresponsible and unethical behaviour that exists among some people producing puppies on a regular basis. It seems that all too often the average dog lover is being hoodwinked by the hard sell; the pros are being bolstered but the cons hidden.
We all adore our own particular breeds, and when given the chance to talk about them most of us can rabbit on for an eternity. However, when someone enquires it is our duty to be truthful. No breed is suitable for everyone. All have very specific traits and characteristics. That’s why we love the ones that make the perfect fit with us. This perfect fit makes for very happy people and very happy dogs. It’s another reason why we love pedigree dogs; relatively speaking (compared to cross-bred dogs) we know what we can expect from a breed. In some cases the misrepresentation of a breed can result in the new owner ending up with a lot more on their plate than they expected, a dog that can be more work than we expected in terms of training, exercise or grooming, but in some cases inexperienced dog owners are being sold a cute little puppy that in the wrong hands and wrong environment will eventually become a public hazard and threaten the safety of all around.
Last weekend I spoke to a very nice couple that had been sold a Caucasian Ovcharka (also called the Caucasian Shepherd or mountain dog). They asked me what I thought of the breed, and I replied that I really like them. “Why don’t you have one?” was their next question. However my honest answer seemed to leave them a bit perturbed…despite my life revolving around my dogs and very many years experience with big defensive dogs I would not have the ability to control a Caucasian, and couldn’t cope with their extreme temperament. They informed me that the parents of the puppies were very good examples of the breed imported into Ireland. So I explained that as a good example of the breed the defensive behaviour would be more pronounced, not less; it is a desired trait in the CO.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a massive and very handsome dog. He is bred for a very specific purpose and is very good at his job. Defensive, guarding and dominant behaviour is the key trait of the breed. That combined with incredible size, strength and independence of mind make him excel at his duties when left alone on the Caucuses to destroy any potential threat to his flock, whether the threat is animal or human. However these exceptional traits that make him the perfect dog in one situation also make him the worst dog and a public liability in most normal Irish settings. His nature is to keep strangers away, and while this sounds like a trait common to all guarding breeds the degree to which the Caucasian expresses this nature can’t be compared to any of the guarding breeds we are more familiar with such as GSDs, Rottweilers or Dobermans. The latter breeds were developed and bred to react to their owners demands to protect, but the Caucasian was bred to guard independently and use his own initiative… best case scenario, in the hands of a very (and I mean VERY) experienced owner he trusts only his family and will keep all others away (including anyone or anything that he perceives as a threat gets too close on walks or to his territory) with a determination and force that most people including those very experienced with dogs can’t fathom.
Follow