Pet Wiki

Georgian Shepherd

Also called Qartuli Nagazi, Nagazi, Georgian Mountain Dog

A confident, courageous guardian with strong protective instincts.

SizeGiant
Weight45 to 50 kg (99 to 110 lb)males 50 kg, females 45 kg1
Height60 to 65 cm (24 to 26 in)males from 65 cm, females from 60 cm1
CoatThick double coat
OriginGeorgia1
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
brave
alert
devoted to its family
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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Georgian Shepherd. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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

Coloursany colourwhitedark brownblack1

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

  1. 1

    The Nagazi is regarded as a national animal of Georgia.1

  2. 2

    It comes in two coat types nicknamed 'lion' and 'bear'.1

  3. 3

    Litters usually hold between 3 and 10 puppies.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is called 'Georgian Shepherd' or 'Georgian Mountain Dog' in English. In Georgian, it is known as 'Qartuli Nagazi' (ქართული ნაგაზი), where 'Qartuli' means 'Georgian' and 'Nagazi' is the local name for this type of livestock guardian dog.1

Name ideas for your new friend

KartliNagaziTbilisiKazbegiBorjomiSvanetiMtskhetaRioniAlazaniGagraBatumiDariali

A day in the life told by a Georgian Shepherd

I am the guardian of my mountain home. Each morning, I patrol the rocky edge of our land, my deep bark echoing across the valley. When the children play, I lie nearby, watchful but gentle, letting them tug my thick fur. At noon, I rest in the shade, one eye always open. Strangers are met with a low rumble until my family says it's okay. At night, I circle the house one last time, then settle by the door, content.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Cynological Federation of Georgia
National breed standard; unified standard adopted in 2000. Not FCI recognised.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to follow a consistent schedule, and always check the food label and your vet for exact amounts.12 Pet Wiki 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?

Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and playtime.1 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily brushing and regular ear checks.14 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Georgian Shepherd - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.