The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a ferocious family protector who is devoted, sturdy, and brave. They were raised in the harsh Caucasus Mountains to protect herds and guard the house against savage predators.
Numerous varieties and sorts go by many names, including Caucasian Mountain Dogs, Russian Bear Dogs, Baskhan (Karachay) Pariy, Caucasian Ovcharka Dogs, and simply CO.
Even when confronted by bears or wolves, this giant breed is fiercely territorial and won’t back down from a confrontation.
Although Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are bright, training them can be challenging due to their independent, stubborn attitude.
Suppose a skilled trainer doesn’t keep them in check. In that case, their inherent mistrust of strangers and other animals might also result in aggressive behaviours.
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Brief History
One of the oldest Molasser breeds is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, whose hulking guardian dogs have a mysterious history. They have been present for over 2,000 years and are native to the Caucasus Mountains.
Some people think they are descended from domesticated wolves, while others believe they are related to Mastiffs and other breeds.
Despite the assertions of many experts that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog descends from sheepdogs that moved from Tibet, some recent archaeological evidence points to the breed’s origins in Mesopotamia.
Regardless of where they originated, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have been a vital resource for shepherds in the Caucasus region for many years.
They aggressively protected sheep herds and the people who owned them from harmful animals like wolves, jackals, and bears. They needed to be brave, powerful, and scary, yet hard enough to withstand the elements.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Overview
| Breed group | Working dogs |
| Height | 24 – 34 inches |
| Weight | 45 -70 kg |
| Life span | 10 – 12 years |
| Temperament | Powerful, strong, alert, calm, dominant, quick |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Coat colour | White, fawn, cream, rust, grey |
| Trainability | Difficult to train |
Size
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant. Males typically weigh 110 to 220 pounds, whereas females typically weigh 100 to 180 pounds. Males tend to be slightly larger than females. Depending on their origin or breed, some dogs may weigh more or less than others.
Plain dogs are a little thinner, while mountain dogs are more muscular. The height of a male’s shoulder is between 27 to 30 inches, whereas a females is between 25 and 28 inches.
Personality
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is not appropriate for inexperienced pet owners. Although they are capable of becoming devoted, loving family dogs and powerful guards, they also tend to be wary of strangers.
They have trouble getting along with other dogs or animals they do not know.
Although they tend to be calm and low-key but are fiercely territorial and won’t back down from a fight, even if facing off against a bear or wolf. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be somewhat stubborn despite their intelligence, making training challenging.
Therefore, they require strict boundaries, tolerance, and consistency. Early socializing and training should both start as soon as feasible in childhood.
Also, you must carry out proper socialization training to combat the breed’s tendency to become aggressive around unfamiliar people and animals.
The Caucasian Shepherd is highly affectionate and devoted to humans they are familiar with and will make for a lifelong guardian and protector.
Health
This breed is generally healthy; however, it can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, like many large dog breeds. Cataracts may also form in them. Obesity is one of the most prevalent issues they experience.
Although you should feed them food suitable for a large breed, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not have exceptionally high energy levels. They will require activity, and veterinarians should keep an eye on their weight.
Consult your veterinarian or a nutritionist about developing an adequate diet and an exercise plan to prevent obesity in your Caucasian Shepherd.
To prevent bloat, your veterinarian may advise giving them smaller, more regular meals throughout the day instead of large ones.
Care For The Caucasian Shepherd Dog Breed
Weight management through a healthy diet and regular exercise is the primary type of care that Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require. Consult your veterinarian or nutritionist about these.
Beyond that, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs should have their teeth cleaned adequately, as your veterinarian advises, every two to three weeks. At least once a week, you should check your ears for debris or wax buildup symptoms and clean them as necessary.
Cut their nails often to avoid breakage and harm. Keeping an eye out for drool and wiping it away when necessary may also be essential to prevent getting spit all over your house.
Feeding The Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherd dogs should consume food designed for a large breed with a moderate quantity of energy.
Ask your veterinarian or a qualified nutritionist for assistance in determining the best type of food and serving size for your particular dog. From puppyhood through adulthood, the proper diet will change based on medical requirements.
Additionally, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a slight tendency to overeat and put on weight, so follow the appropriate food recommendations. Dogs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals to avoid acquiring bloat, a potentially fatal illness.
Grooming The Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have three different coat lengths: long, medium, and short.
The mane and feathering around their tails and hind legs are more noticeable the longer their hair is.
Also, the three coat lengths are very thick. They have two coats, the undercoat being soft and delicate and the outer coat being longer and rougher.
Brushing the thick coat at least twice a week would be best to eliminate loose or dead hairs and avoid matting. Every year, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs go through a significant shed.
Bathing and additional brushing can hasten this shedding process. With a dog this size, bathing might be a hassle, so it might be best only to bathe it sometimes when needed or hire a professional groomer.
Children And Other Pets
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can make excellent family pets and are incredibly devoted, even to children. Still, starting socializing and training them at a young age is crucial.
They are naturally wary of strangers, often to the point of hostility, and they do not get along with other dogs unless they have the correct socialization.
Also, Caucasian Shepherds tend to be possessive and hostile to other dogs unless they grow up with them. Therefore visiting children will need a clear, thorough introduction to familiar humans.
Their innate herding instincts can take over and make them demanding around kids. They may also see a rough play from new kids as an attack on a human family member and react accordingly.
Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, developed to be scary, won’t think twice about defending their family and house from perceived dangers.
Children should be watched during playtime and taught proper animal handling skills, like with any dog, to prevent mishaps.
Even with a trained Caucasian Shepherd, their size could be a problem, so it’s vital to keep an eye on them to prevent play from getting out of control and leading to injuries.
It might be preferable for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs to live in households without any other pets and older children.
