About Brotherbear Acres
Brotherbear Acres is a Northern Michigan working homestead focused on the preservation of true working-line Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) livestock guardian dogs, raised for functional guardian work through heritage bloodlines and responsible placement.
Our work with Caucasian Shepherds began in 2015, followed by the establishment of our homestead in 2020. These dogs are not a side project. They are an integral part of our daily life, land stewardship, and long-term commitment to preserving working guardian traits shaped by generations of practical use.
A Working Guardian Breed
The Caucasian Shepherd was developed in the Caucasus Mountains to protect livestock and land in demanding environments where independence, discernment, and stability were essential. These traits were shaped by function rather than appearance, and they remain central to how we approach preservation.
At Brotherbear Acres, we focus on:
- • Sound temperament and natural guardian instincts
- • Functional structure suited for real working environments
- • Stability, confidence, and discernment
Our goal is to protect what history and function have already proven, not to alter it.
Living and Working with Guardian Dogs
Our Caucasian Shepherds live and work on the land as livestock guardian dogs. They are raised in active working environments with daily exposure to livestock, children, weather, terrain, and the rhythms of a functioning homestead. Early formation occurs through consistent real-world context rather than isolation.
We prioritize long-term balance over short-term outcomes. Not every dog is bred, and not every home is considered an appropriate fit. Preservation requires restraint, honesty, and patience.
Responsible Placement
Caucasian Shepherds are serious guardian dogs, not general-purpose companions. They require leadership, structure, and environments that respect their instincts.
We take placement seriously and work to ensure each dog is matched with an environment where its role and nature are understood. Responsible placement includes acknowledging that this breed is not suitable for every household. View our current Caucasian Shepherd puppies to learn more about available dogs.
Experience-Based Information
In addition to our breeding program, we share information about the Caucasian Shepherd breed based on lived experience, including history, temperament, and responsible ownership considerations. This information is intended to help families make informed decisions before committing to a guardian breed of this nature.
Our approach is rooted in observation and real-world conditions rather than abstract or theoretical models, with a focus on clarity, honesty, and long-term success for both the dog and the family.
Our Approach to Preservation
Brotherbear Acres exists to safeguard the future of the Caucasian Shepherd as a working livestock guardian dog. Preservation, in our view, means:
- • Protecting working ability and sound temperament
- • Respecting the breed's history and purpose
- • Placing dogs thoughtfully and responsibly
- • Maintaining standards rather than responding to demand
This breed requires careful stewardship, not mass production.
Contact
For general inquiries regarding our program or questions about the Caucasian Shepherd breed, please contact brotherbearacres@gmail.com.