Georgian Shepherd
Also called Qartuli Nagazi, Nagazi, Georgian Mountain Dog
From Georgia1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Typical weights given by Wikipedia.
Minimum heights.
Coat and looks how to spot one
thick double coat
A powerful mountain guardian with a dense double coat. There are two types: a shorter-coated 'lion' type, often white, and a long-coated 'bear' type, often dark.1
Personality what they are like
A confident, courageous guardian with strong protective instincts. It is watchful with strangers but usually gentle with its own family, including children, and judges threats carefully.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A working livestock guardian that needs room to patrol and regular exercise rather than intense sport.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The thick double coat benefits from regular brushing, more often during seasonal shedding.1
Home where they are happiest
Suited to rural homes with large, securely fenced space; bred for mountain pastures.1
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its family and flock; early socialisation helps with other dogs, as it can be assertive with them.1
The story where it all began
Georgian shepherds used these large dogs to guard flocks against wolves and bears in the Caucasus mountains. Interest in the breed faded and it became rare, until a unified standard in 2000 renewed attention and it began to be known outside Georgia.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Cynological Federation of Georgia
- National breed standard; unified standard adopted in 2000. Not FCI recognised.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Georgian Shepherd. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Georgian Shepherd, and at what times?
Feed your Georgian Shepherd at least two meals a day at regular times, as their stomach empties within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Furry Diary's starting plan is to follow a consistent schedule, and always check the food label and your vet for exact amounts.12 Furry Diary plan
What should a Georgian Shepherd eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced, high-quality dog food suitable for large breeds is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid alcohol, yeast dough, and raw meat or eggs.13
How often should I bathe a Georgian Shepherd?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 10 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. If your dog is very active outdoors, you may bathe more often, but avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.14 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Georgian Shepherd need brushing?
Brush your Georgian Shepherd every three days, and daily during heavy seasonal shedding. Their thick double coat benefits from regular brushing to remove loose fur and prevent mats. Shaving is not recommended as the coat insulates against heat and cold.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Georgian Shepherd's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.14 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Georgian Shepherd need?
This working breed needs daily walks and play, plus room to patrol. They are not high-intensity athletes but require regular exercise to stay healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and playtime.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Georgian Shepherd's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends daily brushing and regular ear checks.14 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Georgian Shepherd live?
Lifespan varies and is not specified in the available information. For an accurate estimate, please ask your vet or a reputable breeder.
Is a Georgian Shepherd good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are usually gentle with their own family, including children, and judge threats carefully. They bond closely with their family and flock, but early socialisation is important as they can be assertive with other dogs.1
Can a Georgian Shepherd be left alone?
This breed bonds closely with its family and is a working guardian, so they may not tolerate long periods alone. They are best suited to homes where someone is around, or with a secure space to patrol. For specific advice, consult a good breeder.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Georgian Shepherd - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.