Caucasian Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

50-100 kg

Height

69-76 ck

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The Caucasian Shepherd dog is a breed steeped in history. Their strength has been used positively by humans as well as exploited over the years.

Today, this is an uncommon breed that won’t fit into most people’s lifestyles. A working dog that knows how to do its job- just doesn’t expect to play fetch with these guys.

What is the history & origin of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

This is a dog breed with an incredible history and story. They are an ancient breed dating back two millennia to the Caucasus Mountains of Eastern Europe, namely Russia and Georgia. They’re among several giant breeds that come from that area and were originally bred to be a shepherd dogs.

Due to their size, loyalty, aggression towards strangers, and fierce yet quiet demeanour, they were eventually adapted from the grazing fields to the battlefields.

Caucasian Shepherds were used at prison facilities in the USSR but eventually moved into military roles. During the Cold War, the East Germans used Caucasian Shepherds to patrol and guard the Berlin Wall. After the Wall fell, the Caucasian Shepherds were given to East German families to keep as family pets.

What is a Caucasian Shepherd Dog breed?

This is a large breed of dog and was bred to be a working dog.

Their very thick coat provides both protection from the elements (as it is a waterproof coat) and from predators.

These dogs have a variety of names, including:

Caucasian Shepards
Russian Bear dogs
Caucasian Ovcharka
Baskhan (Karachay) Pariy
Caucasian Mountain dogs

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a recognized breed by kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), which officially recognized the breed in 1996.

Who is a Caucasian Shepherd Dog best for?

Caucasian Shepherds are not for a new dog owner. This is a dog breed that requires an owner to know how to handle a large dog that could express aggressive tendencies.

These are not good additions to families that already have other dogs, nor do they readily welcome other dogs into their homes. It is best to raise a Caucasian Shepherd puppy along with children so that they will grow up together. It is not advisable to introduce an adult Caucasian Shepherd to a large family or areas where there are a lot of other dogs.

These are not a breed for dog sports, as Caucasian dogs tend to be very relaxed animals and do not want to exert much energy without reason. While Caucasian Shepherd puppies are very adorable and playful, the adult version of the Caucasian Shepherd is completely different in both demeanour and energy level.

These are not good for city living and definitely not an apartment animals. These dogs are best on ranches or farms where they will be around other animals to herd or protect.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Grooming & Shedding

These dogs have very thick coats which come in three different lengths, one of which is very long. They require a great deal of grooming, and they shed a lot. They are also big droolers. In fact, drooling could be considered their superpower! The longer their hair is, the more of a lion’s mane they have.

Along with white markings and a mask on their face, their coats tend to be:

Grey
Red
Tan
Fawn
Brown

They require daily brushing, but you may be able to get away with it two or three times a week. While they seem to shed often, they have a once-a-year shedding where they seem to lose their entire coat.

While they do need to be bathed, that can be a very labour-intensive task, given their size and stubborn nature.

Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark a lot?

On a good note, these dogs are not loud animals unless they are triggered into their protection mode. You won’t hear very much from them during the regular course of things. However, if they were to suspect something or someone intruding into their domain, they will alert you.

What is the average weight & height of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

Simply stated, these are large animals and a typical Shepherd dogs. They were bred to be big enough to both handle the animals they were herding as well as the predators they were protecting them from.

Males average:

Weight: 50 to 100 kg
Height: 69 to 76 cm

Females average:

Weight: 45 to 81.5 kg
Height: 63.5 to 71 cm

Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs easy to train?

This is a breed that genuinely needs obedience training as well as socialisation training. With that said, they are not generally considered an easy breed to train. So you will need to contact a breed club or a dog training organisation to find the best options.

These are intelligent dogs and do need mental stimulation. They can become very stubborn, and training gives them the mental stimulation they need to not overthink or get bored.

How do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

They are not a standard breed to be kept in a home. These are very loyal and loving dogs, and they could potentially make good family pets. With that said, they prefer to simply be left alone. They are not cuddlers, but they will express affection toward their family.

They are very fierce guard dogs and protection dogs, with an instinct to defend. Uhm, how should I put this? These are one bad motherfluffers!

While they could be a good family pet, it needs to be noted that they do not do well with strangers, and that includes unfamiliar children. Caucasian Shepherds tend to have a natural distrust of anyone they are not familiar with.

This breed is a low energy dog with an even temper but is also very strong and can handle threats effectively even when they are considerably larger than them.

They are very intelligent animals and can also be very stubborn. If they don’t want to move, they are not going anywhere. Thus, they need firmness with patience, confidence, fixed boundaries, and consistent training. Training must include socialisation training from the time they are a puppy.

Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog have any common health issues?

These are generally very healthy dogs. They do not suffer from many health issues providing they are taken care of and have regular exercise and vet visits. The most common issues are:

Hip dysplasia
Obesity
Cataracts
Ear infections

What is the lifespan of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

These dogs have an average and typical life expectancy. They typically live 10 to 12 human years or 70 to 84 years old in dog years.

How much does a Caucasian Shepherd Dog need to be fed?

Their size and their energy level make for a unique dietary situation. As they are already very big dogs, it is important to keep them at a healthy weight, as overfeeding them will make them very obese dogs very quickly. Regular exercise is essential.

Their diets change drastically from being a puppy to being full-grown adults. Thus, you need to consult a veterinarian and or professional animal nutritionist to identify the best and correct diet for your specific dog.

These dogs have been known to develop bloat from an inappropriate diet, which is a life-threatening condition for this breed.

How much can you expect to pay for a Caucasian Shepherd Dog in Australia?

This is a difficult question to address as. Currently, there are no reputable breeders in Australia that are breeding Caucasian Shepherd dogs. However, they are widely available in Europe and Russia, with some availability in the United States.

Another factor contributing to cost is that females, like some other breeds, only give birth once a year.

With that said, you can expect a pedigree Caucasian Shepherd dog to cost anywhere from AUD 1,500 to AUD 4,200. When considering the cost of this dog, you should also be mindful of the cost involved with feeding an animal of this size.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog FAQs

Is a Caucasian Shepherd Dog ideal for a first-time dog owner?

No, this is not one of the dog breeds that first-time owners should consider adopting, nor are they a good addition to homes with other family pets. This dog requires a lot of attention and commitment to train so as to handle them. They don’t respond well to strangers, including new owners they are not yet comfortable around.

Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Most dog breeds will suffer from separation anxiety if left alone and isolated for various periods. This breed is no different. It can take a while for this dog to become fully relaxed and comfortable, and when that occurs, it should not be separated from its family.

Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs hypoallergenic dogs?

No, these are definitely not a good choice for someone who has an allergic reaction to dog hair. These dogs have very thick coats and can shed quite a bit. They also require extensively brushing.

Will a Caucasian Shepherd Dog need professional grooming?

Yes, simply due to the sheer size of this dog, it is generally recommended that you use the services of a professional groomer. Bathing a dog of this size requires special equipment, a large bathtub, and specialised handling.