Georgian Shepherd

The Georgian Shepherd — Nagazi — is the mountain flock guardian of the Caucasus, and one of the oldest guarding types in the region.

History

It has worked with shepherds in the Georgian highlands for millennia, guarding sheep against wolves and bears on summer pasture. Georgian breeders distinguish it from the Russian-standardised Caucasian Shepherd, arguing that Soviet-era breeding took that dog towards size and away from the working mountain type; the argument is about which population counts as the original.

Temperament

The breed is known for being self-directed, courageous and highly territorial, calm with its own household and decisive about anything it reads as a threat.

Care and training

It needs space, genuinely secure boundaries, early socialising and an experienced owner. Exercise needs are steady rather than intense. The heavy coat sheds enormously.

Health

Generally hardy from hard working selection, with hip dysplasia and bloat among the known concerns. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.