The Georgian Mountain Dog is not from the American state of Georgia, but rather he originates from the country of Georgia- where he is the national animal of the country. This is an old guarding (property protection) and livestock guardian (livestock protection) breed that descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, and is highly related to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. At one point threatened with extinction, a group of dedicated breeders with the purpose of preserving this powerful dog has been working diligently to ensure the breed’s survival. The Cynological Federation of Georgia recognized the breed standard in the year 2000 and hosts shows so that breeders can continue their work. This molosser can be identified by a massive head, high-set ears traditionally cropped extra short, a short yet thick double coat which can appear in any color, and a heavy distrust of strangers.
Georgians are courageous yet calm, and are well known to have a very high suspicion of strangers. They are extremely protective of their families (including livestock and other pets) and won’t hesitate to defend if they feel they need to. This dog is not for the novice, for if they suspect danger they won’t wait around, choosing to act quickly whether or not actual danger exists! An owner must be very knowledgeable and experienced with handling the unique personality of a livestock guardian dog, including early and frequent training and socialization. This said, when raised correctly the breed should not be aggressive towards his owners, and in fact will form a very tight bond with them.
Georgians can be gentle with children and will often play more carefully with them than they might an older person. They also share a gentle nature with family livestock and household pets including cats, as long as they consider those animals to be part of their family. When it comes to strange animals or wild animals however, they are not so kind. This trait makes sense when one remembers their original purpose was to protect their herd or family group from predators and/or outside danger. With other dogs, they usually only get along with those in their household, although there may be some initial scuffles with housemates as the dogs decide where they stand with each other. Not a breed generally known for its dog-sociability skills, they have historically (and unfortunately) been used in dog fighting pits. 
The standard of the Georgian Mountain calls him a dog of “robust constitution” but he is definitely not a huge couch potato! Rather, he is an athletic dog fully capable of long exercise routines in even the worst of weather. He does need regular daily exercise in order to thrive. He will not do well in an apartment or even a small house as he needs room to stretch out. Traditionally the breed is kept outside to guard the flock or home, and while he can be an indoor dog he prefers to be outside as much as possible so that he can patrol a large yard. When given regular exercise and correct care, the typical lifespan is 11-12 years and the breed as a whole is not prone to any particular health issues (although any dog of any breed or mix can always develop an issue).
Georgian Mountain Dogs require patient owners when it comes to training, and furthermore they tend to be dominant which means household rules must be in place and upheld at all times. A wishy-washy owner will not be a good fit for this strong assertive breed, as they require someone firm and experienced. Add in the fact that this giant breed can reach 30″ or so, and can weigh anywhere from 100-200 pounds, and it becomes obvious that an out-of-control Georgian is a disaster in the making! With the right owner, however, this strong breed is known for being clever and is capable of being taught obedience. This said, the primary goal of this dog is that of serious protector.
