Standards & Breeding Program
At Brotherbear Acres, our breeding program is guided by restraint, function, and long-term responsibility.
We focus on preserving true working-line Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) livestock guardian dogs through clearly defined standards, real-world exposure, and selective placement.
Breeding decisions are made deliberately and infrequently. Every pairing, placement, and outcome is evaluated against the same question: does this protect the long-term integrity and working purpose of the breed?
Our Breeding Philosophy
The Caucasian Shepherd is a functional livestock guardian breed developed for independent work in demanding environments. Preservation requires more than producing puppies. It requires discipline, selectivity, and an understanding of how environment, temperament, and structure interact over time.
At Brotherbear Acres, we do not breed for volume, appearance trends, or market demand. Our program exists to maintain:
- Working ability
- Sound temperament
- Functional structure
- Environmental suitability
Breeding is approached as long-term stewardship, not production.
Core Standards of the Brotherbear Acres Program
1. Function Comes First
All breeding decisions prioritize functional guardian traits over appearance.
We evaluate dogs based on natural livestock guardian instincts, stability and discernment under pressure, environmental awareness and confidence, and the ability to operate independently without unnecessary reactivity.
Structure, size, and coat are considered only insofar as they support real working function.
2. Temperament & Stability
Temperament is foundational to a working Caucasian Shepherd.
We prioritize:
- Calm, grounded disposition
- Clear discernment between normal activity and genuine threats
- Confidence without instability
- Predictable behavior within a working environment
Dogs that demonstrate excessive nervousness, reactivity, or instability are not bred.
3. Structure for Working Environments
Caucasian Shepherds must be physically capable of sustained work in varied terrain and weather.
Structural considerations include:
- Balanced movement and sound joints
- Proportions suited for endurance rather than exaggeration
- Functional bone and muscle appropriate for guardian work
- Physical resilience over time
Structure is evaluated in context of function, not show standards.
4. Real-World Environmental Exposure
Our dogs are raised and evaluated in active working environments.
From an early age, puppies are exposed to livestock and farm animals, weather, terrain, seasonal changes, daily homestead routines, and consistent human presence without dependence.
Early development occurs through consistent real-world context rather than isolation or artificial conditions.
Selective Breeding Practices
Not every dog is bred, and not every breeding-age dog qualifies for the program.
Selection is based on:
- Demonstrated working aptitude
- Temperament consistency over time
- Structural suitability for guardian work
- Alignment with long-term program goals
Breeding frequency is intentionally limited to preserve quality and evaluate outcomes responsibly.
Placement as a Core Standard
Responsible placement is inseparable from responsible breeding.
We assess potential placements based on environment and land context, prior experience with large or guardian breeds, the intended role of the dog, and long-term suitability for independent working dogs.
Placement decisions are made with the same level of care as breeding decisions. Not every household is appropriate for a Caucasian Shepherd, and we are transparent about that reality.
Puppy Preparation & Placement Process
Our approach to puppy preparation is process-focused and grounded in responsible practices rather than promotional claims.
Puppies are evaluated for overall health and developmental appropriateness prior to placement. This assessment considers physical condition, temperament indicators, and readiness for transition to a new environment.
Appropriate documentation relevant to the puppy's age and placement is provided at the time of placement. This documentation reflects the care and evaluation conducted during the puppy's time at Brotherbear Acres.
We remain available for guidance and general questions as dogs mature and integrate into their environments. This availability reflects our commitment to responsible breeding and placement rather than contractual obligation. Long-term awareness of how our dogs develop directly informs future program decisions.
Long-Term Evaluation & Accountability
Our responsibility does not end at placement.
We maintain long-term awareness of how our dogs mature, work, and integrate into their environments. This feedback informs future breeding decisions, temperament evaluation, and environmental suitability considerations.
Preservation is an ongoing process, not a one-time outcome.
What Our Program Is Not
To avoid confusion, our breeding program is not focused on:
- High-volume production
- Pet-only breeding
- Exaggerated size or appearance
- Trend-driven traits
- Short-term demand
Our standards exist to protect function and integrity over time.
Our Commitment to Preservation
Brotherbear Acres exists to safeguard the Caucasian Shepherd as a true working livestock guardian dog. Preservation, in our view, means:
- Breeding selectively and responsibly
- Evaluating outcomes over years, not weeks
- Placing dogs where their nature is respected
- Maintaining standards even when demand exists
This breed requires thoughtful stewardship, not mass production.
Contact
For general questions about our standards, breeding philosophy, or program structure, please contact brotherbearacres@gmail.com.