[DRAFT]

Russuan Empire

• 1908 - the "Russian society of encouragement and application of dogs to police service" ("Российское общество поощрения и применения собак к полицейской службе") is founded
• 1911 - more than in 60 cities there were dogs on police search and watch service

Soviet Period

Before WWII And During WWII

• 1923 - the Central cources of instructors on preparation of frontier guards and dogs for the boundary service, later renamed in the "Central school of service dog breeding of boundary troops" ("Центральная школа служебного собаководства пограничных войск") are organized
• 1923 - Order "РВС №1089" Organize in Moscow at the High shooters-tactical school Central studing-training kennel-school of military and sports dogs for the purposes of investigation, sentry and a public health service in armies and guarding of military warehouses
• 1924 - the "Central school of experts of service dog breeding" ("Центральная школа младших специалистов служебного собаководства") is established at which established the factory-kennel of service dogs "the Red Star"
• 1925 - at All-Union Hunters Associacion the Central Section of fans of service dogs is organized
• 1928 - Central Section of fans of service dogs has joined in "Public Society of Supporting Army" ("Осоавиахим"), are organized state breed kennels, departmental and public nurseries of service dogs, training platforms, a wide professional training of experts of service dog breeding has begun, work and an exchange of experience in this area were developed based on scientific-research methods.
• 1931 - is published "The Standard and features of service dogs " (the author - chairman of committee of service dog breeding "Осоавиахим" V.L.Vaysman
• 1930th years - Breed Kennel "The Red Star " spend experiences on interpedigree crossing under direction of professor N.A.Ilin (Н.А.Ильин)
• 1939 - in structure of People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR following schools of service dog breeding function: school of service dog breeding GULAG (ГУЛАГ) of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, 5 schools of ervice dog breeding of "ГУМ" of People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs
• 1943 - for preparation of leaders and training of dogs of sentry and guard services the "Central school of dog breeding of Military Fleet (НКВМФ) is created

V.V.Yazikov - leading kinologist of USSR in his book "Theory of training of the dogs" (Госиздат, 1928) was writing: «The scientifically based experiences will reveal the breed most convenient for us, but at the moment our orientation, should be directed on our Caucasian sheep-dogs and our northern Laikas. Having taken in a basis endurance, unpretentiousness and mobility of the given dogs (the last does not concern to the Caucasian sheep-dogs) and having considered their full acclimatization, we can expect to leave in the near future from the German market and to work exclusively on new our Russian breeds.

While in the first years of development of business we can recommend following distribution of breeds:
Guard and convoy service -- the Caucasian sheep-dogs, South-Russian sheep-dogs, German shepherds and erdel-terriers.
Logistics service -- Laika and Rottweilers.
Service of communication -- German shepherd, erdel-terriers, Munich-schnauzers and leather.
Service охранения and investigations -- the same.
Public health service -- the same.» Source >>>

State level strategy choise based on "Sovetskaya Troika" (Soviet Three) of: West European (German) Sheppherd, Caucasian and Mid Asian Ovcharka and Black Giant (Stalin's dog) was done after long discussions and reserch. We read in the book "TRAINING GUARDING - SEARCH DOGS", by I.G.Krylov printed by People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of RSFSR 1929: «Whether we should and in the further to be limited to these 4 breeds (subject is 4 European breeds German Shepherd, Doberman-Pincher, Erdel-Terrier, Roweiler)? Certainly, no. In the USSR there are original Russian both Caucasian sheep-dogs and some breeds Siberian Laika, possessing excellent natural qualities for service-search work. But by virtue of that first (sheep-dogs) have a congenital reflex of freedom, and at the second (Laikas) the hunting reflex which it is possible eliminate only during several generations, they in service-search work till this moment were not applied. The nearest and urgent problem of state kennels will be a capture of these breeds in training. That these breeds can yield excellent results to doubt it is not necessary. But time is necessary, persevering and persistent training of the future generations for eradication of lacks available these breeds is necessary.» Source >>>

"Red Army" dog instructor and Caucasian Ovcharka (erlier then 1930)
http://www.dogwinner.dog.ru/normativ/history/nkvd/nkvd.shtml

«During WWII dog breeding in the USSR has had greater losses. In all areas was in German occupation, dogs have been destroyed. In nursery Narkomzema of the USSR dogs of a selection supply were lost almost all. Have completely lost the livestock and have been compelled to begin all over again the kennel centers of Leningrad, Kiev, Minsk and other cities. Despite of difficulties of that time, all managed to be kept a part of a breeding livestock. To Sverdlovsk area has been taken out a part of breeding dogs of the "Central school of military dog breeding" and Kennel of Central "Осоавиахим" of the USSR, and the best dogs of Moscow transferred by their owners (recruted from private owners). Together with them the best representatives of domestic breeds have been evacuated also.»

«During WWII years at the front were about 60 thousand four-footed fighters. Dogs -- fighters of tanks have put out of action more than 300 units armoured vehicles of the opponent. Dogs of engineering services were used in 2 separate divisions, 19 battalions and 29 "rota"s; with their participation it has been neutralized more than 4 million bombs and land mines. 36 battalions and 69 platoons of dog winter transports "sanka" have been generated within war. When under enemy fire it was impossible to deliver an ammunition, the dogs served in these divisions, dragged cartridges and small-caliber shells. Almost 700 thousand wounded men of Red Army soldiers and commanders it has been taken out from a battlefield by four-footed hospital attendants.» Source >>>

After WWII

• 1955 - on All-Union agricultural Exibition representatives of pedigree group "Black Terrier" (Stalin's Dog, Beria's Dog) are shown
• 1956 - for April, 1st, 1956 for strengthening service on protection of prisoners and search of fugitives in in the militarized Armed Protection Guard (ВОХР) of jails of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is used 10.729 service dogs, including 1.686 search, 1.434 escorts and 7.609 guard and there are 4 schools on preparation of sergeants-conductors of search dogs, 25 kennels of service dog breeding
• 1957 - in Leningrad at Ministery of Economics it is formed Central kennel-school of special services ("ЦПШСС"), united kennels of the various enterprises applied service dogs for protection of the objects. Chief ЦПШСС appoints N.N.Chernyshev (Н.Н.Чернышев), expert an all-Union category. ЦПШСС has acquired the right of breeding cultivation of dogs.

North Caucasian case - during WWII this region of USSR was place of active fights, there was colossal damage to economy of the region and also to sheep herds, farming and same towards population of the shepherd dogs. More - after the war - man breeders of Caucasian Ovcharka in the North Caucasus - Chechens and Ingushs (closest neighbours of Tushetians and Khevsurs) were totally persecuted and send to Middle Asia and Syberia. This leaded to total degradation of population of Caucasian Ovcharkas on the North Caucasus, which was actually re-populated by Caucasian Ovcharkas mainly from Georgia.

«In the end 1940ies the "Central school MO" has organized special expeditions to Caucasus and to Central Asia during which breeding animals have been bought. So, in kennel "The Red Star" has appeared grey-skewbald Vebkhia (Georgian: "Tiger") from the Georgian "Collective farm named by Zhdanov" which became the ancestor of new pedigree group. Later Central school MO bought St. Bernards in East Germany. At once we shall note, that quality of the dogs got by school was high enough. The method of complex and simple reproductive crossing had been created accordingly breeds the black terrier and Moscow sentry. General G.Medvedev considered as hour of the present triumph of breed winter review-competition of 1974 on All Soviet Exibition (ВДНХ). Then on exibition circle for the first time has passed more than fifty dogs-giants. The first puppie pack of "Moscow Storozevaya" has appeared in Moskow city club DOSSAF in 1953.»

Georgian Legend Nagazi "Topush" (1950ies)
establisher of Caucasian Ovcharka State Kennels Family and standard in the USSR

Another Georgian Legend and establisger of the Caucasian Ovcharka State Kennels Family
Champion of USSR Nagazi "Jamal" (1950ies)

One can read in many articles - that origins of Caucasian Ovcharka spreads all Great and Small Caucasus region - really and basically Soviet, Russian state kennel and exibition breed families of Caucasian Ovcharka absolutely and fundamentally was based on dogs from Georgia. All contemporary lines of Caucasian Ovcharka in Europe and America also are based on ancestors basically from from Georgia.

Pre WWII cultural or state kennels population of "Caucasian Ovcharka" in USSR was mostly eliminated during war and starting from 1950ies breed was recreated and reestablished using several hundred of best dogs from Georgia collecting according with State Directive obligatory for all state structures and first of all for collective and state farms.  According this fact starting data of recultivation of "Caucasian Ovcharka" in the USSR (and Russia) can be easily and exactly dated. But according existing and accesible pedigree lists there is no data of usage of significant amounts of dogs from say Azerbaijan (and absolutely no from Armenia). And there are only several occasions of usage dogs from Nortern Caucasus. International "Caucasian Ovcharka" society is to force Russians to publish full lists of pedegrees of theirs dogs started from 1950ies and especially from biggest state cennels like "The Red Star - Krasnaja Zvezda", etc.

«April, 1st, 1956 for strengthening service on protection of prisoners and search of fugitives in in the Militarized Armed Guard (ВОХР) jails of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is used 10.729 service dogs, including 1.686 search [moslly German Shepherd - Ed.], 1.434 escorts [moslly German Shepherd - Ed.],  and 7.609 guard [moslly Caucasian Ovcharka - Ed.],  and there are 4 schools on preparation of sergeants-conductors of service dogs, 25 kennels of service dog breeding». Source >>>

«In Russia, as anywhere, many the specialized film-logic centers, including - well-known « the Red star » in situated near Moscow settlement Knjazhevo. There were annually trained during the best times up to 500 conductors and 1000 dogs». Source >>>

Reader now can understand, that Caucasian Ovcharkas become part of "Soviet Defence" and most data, factography about the breed development was turn secret. Well known specialist of Caucasian Ovcharka and author of famous book - A.Mazover was colonel of Soviet Army. 1970ies I several timed attempt to visit "Red Star" kennel - but was not granted permission. When I myself wanted to enter into kennel - I was stopped several kilometers from kennel by army truppers and forced go back.

All state plans of "zagotovka" - recruting, collecting dogs from collective farms and privare users were done under control of "Organs" (police) and directives were obligatory. Several recrutions during 1950-1960ies got all the best dogs from local structures, population and this was a reason of lowerig level of breed in Georgia, North Caucasus, Azeri (which is mentioned also by other authors).

«The system of clubs of service dog breeding ДОСААФ the USSR represented one huge collective kennel, managed by the staff of breed specialists by means of active workers of fans in local clubs, and coordinated by the Central Club of service dog breeding. Exhibitions in these conditions were the actions arranged whenever possible festively. Requirements to the presented animals were shown rigid enough: except for a genealogical dog is more senior than 1 year must to have the diploma at the general or initial rate of training, and after 2th years - on specialized service (for the Caucasian sheep-dog both diploma were replaced with the diploma on a guard duty). The matter is that under the Soviet legislation the dog was not a private property and could be mobilized for needs of army in case of the beginning of war. The dog was estimated first of all from the point of view of its practical usage.» Source >>>

When I (in the middle of 1970es) started to find puppie of Caucasian Ovcharka from State Kennels (to mix with local, native dogs) I was explained how to do this:

• First I was to become member of ДОСААФ (Voluntary Society Supporting Army, Aviation and Navy)
• Then I was to apply for puppie (serviceman checked if I have good accomodation for puppie)
• Then I was to wait 2 or 3 years to get sertified and full pedigree puppie

I do not wanted to wait 2 or 3 years and I asked my friends in Moscow to find puppie (on the "black" market) - and this was done. I got pipies of champions from Yaroslavl, then from Moscow! But this happened in the "soft" mid 1970s - not 1950s or 1960s.

During this period exibitions of Caucasian Ovcharka were organized only and were monopolized by ДОСААФ (Voluntary Society Supporting Army, Aviation and Navy).

Full pedigree lists of contemporary state kennels and exibiton Caucasian Ovcharkas (especially starting from 1950ies) were newer published and this is mastemainded main secret of the breed.

The term "Caucasian Ovcharka" was part of Soviet propaganda and "Soviet Priority" and "Sovietization" propaganda. Nowadays term "Caucasian Ovcharka" is a part of Russian propaganda - mentioning priority of Russia as a breeder of  "Kavkazskaja Ovcharka"...

From the other, optimistic (and not on a side extreme nationalistic) and beeng objective - we are to say that, Soviet State Kennels and enthusiastic Russian cinologists started from 1950ies have done big, bright and valuable job acually saving Caucasian Ovcharka-Nagazi and collecting various genetic fund for future use. Having big amount of species, now it is possible using also local, aborigenal, natural Nagazi population building and fixing breed based on helhty basement.

General dissisions:

• Breeding of Caucasian Ovcharka-Nagazi in the USSR was under absolute control of state structures and first of all under control of military-persecutional organs and was done inside State Kennels like "The KrasnaYa Zvezda"
• Aims of state breeding was
  • Practical - to establishe breeds servicable for military and even more for GULAG - containing millions of prisoners
    • Tagret 1 - Big, siviar dog used for opression ageinst humans-prisonrs (for this role after mid 1950ies also was used "Black Terier" - Stalin's Dog)
      • Sub target of this direction was interbreeding of Cuacasian Ovcharka and Bernargen given "Moskovskaya Storozevaya"
    • Target 2 - Medium sized, strong, low-expenditures dog serving for guarding military objects - bases
  • Ideological - to show priority of Soviet Political, Economical System
    • Target - Big, bright dog can be shown on exibitions as evidence of Soviet priority
• Private persons were attached to common - State system to realize posibility of better-personalized care and training of dogs - using state controlled semi-military organizations like "Осоавиахим"/"ДОСААФ" (ДОСААФ = Voluntary Society for Support of Army, Aviation and Navy). High level-breed puppies from State Kennels were distributed excusively to members of ДОСААФ under obligation to turn back dogs to state on the "first call"
• Mass of Caucasian Ovcharkas in the state structures was huge - dozens thousands - most of which was loosed after "perestroika" and collapse of USSR
• Mass, repetable and forcible "recruiting" of Caucasian Ovcharkas-Nagazi from Collective Farms, State Farms and private farms all ower the Caucasus was leading to systematic lowering of the level of the breed inside this economic stuctures

1963, "Caucasian Ovcharka" - Berlin Wall Dog,
most probably mixture of Caucasian Ovcharka and East European Ovcharka (German Shepherd)
7000 such "grey uniform" guards were serving Cold War's this attribute

But, we are to return to main, fundamental problem: is "Caucasian Ovcharka" mixture of various Caucasian breeds (Georgian, Azerbaijan, Armenian, North Caucasian) or it is mostly dessendant of Georgian Nagazi with some fixes from other sub-breeds? Another view: are Georgian Nagazi, Armenian Gampr, Turkish Kars/Anatolian and "Caucasian Ovchareka" different beeds or only population subfamilies of one common Caucasian breed?

Our opinion is that contemporary Russian "Caucasian Ovcharka" is development fundamentally based on Georgian Nagazi and main direct anccestors of all lines of "Caucasian Ovcharka" are Georgian Nagazi, but generally there is common, relative population of dogs of All-Caucasian breed.

MISINFORMATION - there is region near Tbilisi named Gardabani and small setlement Garbani on the Georgian Military Road some !¤ km from Kazbegi - bithch shown on this picture can't be discussed as some Nagazi family, just a typical Nagazi bitch...

MISINFORMATION - Kazbegi is small maountaineous city on the Georgian Military Road there is no specific family of Nagazi there.

Map of Kazbegi region - Setlements Kazbegi, Garbani and Gergeti Monastery
Distances (by autocar road): Kazbegi <> Gergeti = 3km, Kazbegi <> Garbani = 9km

View of Kazbegi from Gergeti

But if Georgian Nagazi (as well as Armenian Shepherd and others) is different breed from "Caucasian Ovcharka" and is under different STANDARD, then - any mixtures of this dogs are not to be presented in exibitions! And Nagazis are to be presented as a different breed from "Caucasian Ovcharka" of Russian/Soviet State Cennels origins. If "Caucasian Ovcharka" is big breed family containing several subfamilies - then standard of this breed is to be internationalized and is to be under management of say Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Tukey (teritories of spreading of Turkish Kars/Anatolian have gone under control of Turkey from 1924 and before this period during thousand years they were teritories of Georgia, pupulated till now by Georgian ethnic group). We wow for one, unified standard for all Caucasian Ovcharka/Shepherd (Nagazi)...

Schema of breed-building of Caucasian Ovcharka

L'Etalon for Nagazi-Caucasian Ovcharka from "Great Soviet Encyclopedia"

One of the USSR champions Nagazi-Caucasian Ovcharka of 1950ies

Nagazi - Caucassian Ovcharka, picture from Georgia 1960ies

This rare photos are important to check development of the breed during last half of century.

Below is map explaining seasonal migrations of sheep herds (and Nagazi) of Georgia during last two centuries

South borders Russian Empire at Caucasus for 1886

Land of "Kars Dog - Kars Shepherd"
Region of Kars (now Turkey) under Russian rule from 1878-1917(Georgia from 1921)

Contemporary Georgian regions

What is important following this maps:

• Contemporary territory of Turkey - teritory of spreading of Anatolian Shepherd dogs family was inside Georgia ("Russian Georgia") of Georgian sheep herds migration zone during centuries - this is territory of Small Caucasus. Only from 1930ies this part of Georgia have gone under control of Turkey - but this have not changed population and breed of dogs here...
• For a more then last half a century North Caucasus ("Kizlyar Winter Pastures" teritory leased by Georgian SSR from Russian Federative SSR) was zone of intensive contacts with Georgian sheep herds. Georgian sheep herds and Nagazi were living on Kizlyar pastures half of any year and during this time and migrations have close contacts with local population of dogs. But - it is to be taken into account, that during migrations to Kizlyar pastures only dogs were convoing herds (not bitches).

Unfortunatelly - most (if any) specialists of "Caucasian Ovcharka" do not know abovementioned facts and are making dissisions based on Russian propagandic "legends"...

Text includes computerized translations done using:
http://translation.paralink.com/translation.asp