The head is a very powerful blunt wedge with well-developed muscle and powerful jaws, which is extremely important when judging these dogs in their homeland for a full and correct bite. The tail reaches to the hocks in repose, but is very indicative of the dog's mood when excited or on alert, the Caucasian may carry his tail hooked or curled above the back. The coat of the Caucasian is very thick and weather resistant with a profuse undercoat. There is a thick ruff and feathering on legs, buttocks and tail. The Caucasian comes in a variety of colors various shades of agouti gray, white, cream, silver, reddish fawn or tan, brindle, piebald, or white with colored patches.
White markings are present in all colors, and a black mask is common.
Colors that are not allowed are solid black or brown, black and tan, red and white, or a dark undercoat. The Caucasian must give an impression of power, strength, agility and fearlessness, and the ability to fulfill his tasks under any conditions. The Caucasian Mountain Dog is an ancient breed that has been used for centuries as a herd guard dog and companion by the various tribes inhabiting the Caucasus. Its origins are not documented, but it is considered to probably be a local descendent of the mastiff-like herd guardian dogs of Tibet, which are the ancestors of many of the modern herd guardian breeds. There are also those that claim that the Caucasian is a descendent of the wolves of the Caucasus.