The caucasian ovtcharka originates from an area that starts at the Black Sea and goes all the way to the Caspian sea, including several countries and different climates. The breed is sometimes compared to the anatolian shepherd and the breeds are similar not only in area of origin but also in general shape and and working style. The caucasian breed varies greatly in type depending on area. The mountain dogs are larger and heavier, the steppe workers smaller and shorthaired. The breed has been used for thousands of years to guard livestock. The traits asked for the standard - sharp, mistrustful and territorial are all asked fo in dogs that work in these areas. The breed is also supposed to be calm and laid-back but it's important to remember what it has been bred for for several hundred years.

The caucasian ovtcharka should be very large - in particular the males. The proportions are clearly rectangular, with a broad skull and slight stop. The eyes are small and oval in shape. The ears are set high on the head (in the area of origin the entire ear is cropped away). The neck is short and powerful, the boning massive and very heavy. The tail is set high and carried hanging, curved or like a hook. The coat comes in longhair, shorthair and a type that is inbetween the two.