Big Bertha

Well this gorgeous gal has been nicknamed Big Bertha, she is 2 years old.

Bertha is a Caucasian Shepherd (Caucasian Ovcharka or Russian Bear Dog) who has not had the best start having been passed around from pillar to post. She has already had at least 3 homes, was at one point advertised on the internet as a breeding bitch and then ended up being picked up as a stray!

Bertha came from another rescue with no experience of this breed, so were glad to take up our offer of help as we have been rehoming these dogs for several years now.

In her foster home she is fine with some of the dogs but not all of them. She plays very rough which some dogs don't like. On walks she ignores other dogs she meets, she would probably chase cats. Because of her size, we think a home with older kids only as she would knock little ones over.

Bertha was spayed before she came to GSDR to prevent anyone exploiting her for financial gain.

Caucasians are not the breed for many and not a dog for a suburban lifestyle so she needs a secure rural home with lots of space and one where she will get regular exercise and grooming. Standard garden fencing will not stop a Caucasian Shepherd in guard mode, they are enormously powerful dogs. Their recall tends to be poor......

Although Caucasians don't need huge long walks, they do need frequent short walks. They also have very thick double coats which need regular grooming.

The breed originates from Europe where they are bred as flock guarders in the mountainous regions. They are better suited to colder climates and don't cope with heat very well, so you will need to be able to provide her with somewhere shaded and cool in the summer if temperatures rise.

Caucasians have a reputation as being very formidable guard dogs, they have a bark that would wake the dead and can be nuisance barkers. They are nothing like GSD's but they are indeed wonderful dogs in the right hands.

More information about the Caucasian Shepherd.

The founder of GSDR has 3 Caucasians so if you need any advice before considering adopting Bertha, please contact Jayne on 01568 797957

Beautiful Bertha

Exocet Elsie giving Bertha the run around.

Caucasians love to jump up at you

Bertha with her nose stuck inside the running egg........

Bertha says I don't want to be brushed........