Overview
The Georgian Shepherd, or Nagazi, is the Georgian branch of the great Caucasian livestock guardians, bred for centuries to protect flocks from wolves and thieves in mountain pasture. It is huge, heavily coated and bred to make decisions alone at night. It is not recognised in Britain and only a few live here.
What a walker needs to understand is the type. These dogs are calm and even lazy in familiar surroundings, and swift to act when they judge something a threat. Strangers, strange dogs and anything approaching their people can all count as threats.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a quarter of calm walking a day is adequate. Livestock guardians are not built for distance or speed; they patrol, rest and watch.
Heat is a hard limit for a dog with this coat. In summer walk very early and keep it short. Avoid heavy exercise in young dogs while the frame is still growing.
On the walk
- Strangers: Expect the dog to watch every person who approaches and to position itself between you and them. Do not let anyone reach for it.
- Other dogs: Frequently intolerant, particularly of other large dogs or same-sex dogs. No group walks and wide berths on paths.
- Recall: Not a realistic expectation. Guardians decide where they go. A long line in a secure field is the most freedom to offer.
- Strength: Huge. A dog this size cannot be held by force if it chooses to move. Everything depends on training and the relationship.
Tips for professional walkers
- Insist on several introductory visits with the owner before walking the dog alone.
- Walk at quiet times and places where encounters with other dogs are unlikely.
- Use a strong, well-fitted harness and lead, checked before every outing.
What to ask the owner
- How has the dog reacted to visitors and to other handlers, and has it ever bitten or threatened anyone?
- Does it have any obedience training, and what commands does it respond to?
- Does the owner carry insurance that covers a professional walker handling the dog?