Why do they crop the ears so short?
Technically they are not cropped they are amputated.
Crop is indicative of taking a natural ear and doing Plastic surgery on it to give a different appearance.
This is a working amputation that has been done on this landrace of breeds for over 4000 years..The reason the less apendages for the wolr or predator to grab the less damage to the dog and it can save thier life.
And since it is done at 3 days like the DOCK of the tail it cant be chosen for just working dogs vs pets at that age.
The place they call home does NOT have vets in the working areas of the breed thus it is the survival of the fitest.
What is their health like for big dogs? (lifespan, health issues...etc)
My oldest female is 10 next week and my oldest male is 10 in March .
BOTH are working , he is still out showing and winning at what many consider ancient for molossers.
When the breed is inbred we will see less on longevity , increase of size and a rise in joint issues.
We are lucky so far within my lines but others are not as lucky.
I find if you select for work first show 2nd you get a long lived dog.I
Maybe this is off track but what are the main difference between CO and CAO? I read the slight temperment difference but what else?
Truth is regards to temp I dont want to get into it with the severe politics that surround both breeds on the net due to the unusual rare fact that they were taken from their native lands and bred under Comminist rule for a long period of time.
So here is my opinion based on having 4 CO at my home and many others i handled in the show ring.
Appearance the CO has a tail should be bigger than the CAS and has a longer coat-
Temp the CO is a better security dog with a quicker trigger than the CAS.
Please read the standards for correct temperament for both breeds and look at key words difference for correct and for faults.
http://www.ankc.aust.com/centrala.html
http://www.raritiesinc.ca/breed standards/Caucasian Mountain Dog FCI Standard 328.pdf
Do they herd or guard or both?
They guard the sheep and other livestock native to their area are nomadic they move with the trible vs the dog moving the sheep.
Thanks for the info...good reading YOUR WELCOME