The Kars (Caucasian) Shepherd Dog

The main location of this breed is Kars but also the southern mountainous and lowland areas of Artvin, Erzurum, Ağrı, Ardahan and Iğdır provinces of north-eastern Turkey. In the Kars-Ardahan-Erzurum-Iğdır-Ağrı area it is called Kıllı (shaggy), in Ardahan, Saçaklı (fringed) and in Artvin, Tüylü (hairy) . This regional sheep dog was first defined by David Nelson of the USA and presented by him on the occasion of the First International Symposium of Turkish Shepherd Dogs, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey in 1996.

 
In appearance the Kars Dog resembles the Caucasian Ovcharka. Its long-haired coat, suitable for severe winter conditions, when shed often gives it a dishevelled motley appearance. It is also possible to meet with short-coated Kars Dogs. The Kars Dog is found in almost all colours and patterns. Colours are mainly dark and include black, reddish brown, grey, mixtures of black and brown, white, piebald, and white with grey patches. White markings are very common in solid colour dogs. Also common are white forequarters, chests, and neck collars. The head is usually dark. It has long hair on the neck and the backs of the hindquarters. Since its neck bears this mane the head appears larger and more imposing when seen from the front. Local lore claims that a pack of them can kill a fairly large bear.

The Kars Dog tends to bond with one person. It is not particularly friendly to others in its environment. Compared with the Kangal (Karabash), the Kars Dog has a thick, husky, short and sporadic bark. Its courage and faithfulness make it an ideal guarding dog.