Caucasian Mountain Dog

This is definitely not a dog for everyone. In fact, it's probably right for very few people. Caucasian Mountain Dogs are strong-willed and exhibit a natural guardian trait, which they they were bred for. Duffy considers every one in the home, as well as every thing attached to the home, as his personal property, to be protected and guarded night and day. He can even display a ferocious and unmanageable temperament toward anyone that poses some perceived threat against what is his. Although Duffy is a great protector and has never shown signs of aggression toward anyone outside of the family, he will do whatever it takes to protect us, and that stance even includes the other pets that live in our home.

Now I don't want anyone to get the impression that Duffy is a bad or mean dog, it's just that he is very possessive of what is his. His massive appearance and impressive strength make him appear even more formidable. But under the "tough guy" exterior, Duffy is really a loyal comrade. I had to take some training courses myself to learn how to handle him under various circumstances, which I would strongly recommend to anyone considering owning this breed. With training both for the owner and dog, there will be no problems and no regrets - and this is really a unique breed of dog, as Duffy proves daily.

There is one other thing that having Duffy made me do: because of his size, I was forced to sell my Volkswagen and opt for a much larger car. Did I say 'car'? I bought the largest SUV I could find, one with plenty of room between the rear seat (Duffy's) and the front seat (mine). I loved that VW, but I wouldn't trade Duffy for all the Volkswagens in the world.