Caucasian Shepherd or Caucasian Wolfhound

For centuries, the massive and formidable Caucasian Shepherd, sometimes referred to as the Caucasian Wolfhound, has been protecting livestock. These dogs, who were first bred in the untamed mountains of the Caucasus, are renowned for their power, devotion, and protective nature.

The Caucasian Shepherd is a large, intimidating dog with a thick coat, but they are also very loving toward their family. Although their innate reluctance to interact with strangers makes them great guard dogs, they also need the right socialization and training to be happy in a household setting.

The main traits of the Caucasian Shepherd, their differences from other large breeds, and what you should know if you’re thinking about bringing one into your home will all be covered in this article.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Caucasian Shepherd dogs come from the Caucasus mountains, where they were used to guard livestock from predators.
Size	These dogs are large and powerful, often weighing between 100 to 170 pounds.
Temperament	They are protective, loyal, and can be aggressive towards strangers, but very affectionate with family.
Exercise Needs	Moderate; they need regular walks but are not extremely energetic.
Grooming	Their thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding.
Lifespan	The average lifespan of a Caucasian Shepherd is 10 to 12 years.
Training	Early training and socialization are essential, as they are independent and can be stubborn.

History of the Caucasian Shepherd breed

Exact information regarding the origins of the Caucasian Shepherd is unknown. Their external resemblance, behavior, and internal structure all point to wolves and jackals as their distant ancestors. Maybe they are dogs from Central Asia, brought to the Caucasus by cattle-breeding tribes. Still, other elements of nature and the progeny of local dogs might have altered their appearance.

Some people believe that the Tibetan Dog—which has folds of skin on its forehead and is large, fierce, and strong—is the ancestor of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. His forebears were Tibetan grassy dogs, also known as wolf-shaped dogs in China.

The first record of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog dates back to 1121 BC, when the emperor of the Zhou dynasty received a wolfhound. Giving a dog to a lord or other noble was considered a mark of great respect in the past. They were an extremely valuable gift and a symbol of strength, loyalty, and devotion. It was revered as a sacred animal in ancient Greece, Assyria, and Egypt. Even now, they are revered in Altai.

According to the second version, their ancestral home was the ancient Caucasian state of Urartu, which had its capital on what is now modern-day Armenia. Since the state reached its peak in the seventh century BC, we can infer that the breed was already present in the Caucasus. There have been discovered images resembling Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, who defended Urartu’s cities and strongholds back then.

A picture of a Caucasian Shepherd dog on the lawn

A decree introducing the use of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs for military guard duty was issued during Russia’s conquest of the Caucasus. Numerous embalmed mummies of the animal have been discovered by archaeologists, confirming the belief that these animals were once cherished family members. They were employed as shepherds, fighting dogs, and baiting dogs in the Caucasus.

The goal of Caucasian shepherds was to create a breed that was resilient to all types of weather. Its large and robust build was meant to make it the shepherd’s devoted helper and a dependable guardian against robbers and predators. They felt comfortable in cold weather and could endure lengthy trips through the mountains. Their endurance, strength, bravery, unpretentiousness, and agility only grew with time, which was very helpful when on guard duty.

Between the 18 and 19 centuries. Shepherds of the Caucasian race were trained to search for people and were utilized by the police. Despite the experiment’s failure, the breed’s viciousness and stubbornness were determined to be the cause. Their appearance varies greatly depending on the habitat area.

Caucasian shepherds come in a variety of types, which are further broken down into smaller subgroups:

1. Georgian type (more massive, taller, the body is more elongated. It has long hair, a uniform zonal-gray color).
2. Armenian type (smaller in stature, with long, single-colored fur).
3. Azerbaijani (there are two types: mountain – similar in appearance to Georgian, and steppe – square format, with long legs, strong bones and dry muscles. The fur is short, with rare red and dark fawn color).
4. Dagestan (larger in stature than Georgian, the body format is more square. It has a strong bone structure and smooth lines of the hind limbs. The length of the fur and color are varied).

A picture of a young Caucasian Shepherd

Cynologists identify varieties that got their names based on their original habitat, including Gergeti, Gorban, Kazbek, Akhaltsikhe, Tushino, and others. Dogs that live in mountainous regions and steppes differ from one another as well. Long-haired people were more common among the Georgian type, while short-haired people were more common in the North Caucasus due to the summer thorns and winter snow getting stuck in the long hair.

The first breed standard for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs was developed in 1931; it was based on the Georgian type, but it also included information about the Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Dagestani varieties. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs first participated in the All-German Exhibition in Nuremberg at the start of the 20th century. They were soon being discussed in numerous international locations. However, in spite of the breed’s widespread interest, they essentially never developed.

Many members of the genus perished during the Great Patriotic War, but the Caucasian Shepherd was spared because of the work of cynologists, especially professors Bogolyubsky and Ilyina, Mazover, and Weissman. To breed and revitalize the breed, specialized nurseries were established. People with the right physique and constitutional type emerged as a result of the work.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog achieved great success in 1970 at the World Dog Show in Paris. The title of "World Champion" was given to the top representatives.

They were the winners of the highest ball once more in 1971 at the World Exhibition in Budapest.

The Caucasian participated in the first-ever all-Union exhibition of service dogs of domestic breeds in 1988.

In 1990, the International Kinological Association (FCI) officially recognized the Caucasian wolfhound as a distinct breed.

These days, Caucasian shepherds are becoming more and more well-liked outside of Russia and the CIS. Dog handlers in Europe and America, as well as amateur dog breeders, became much more interested.

Standard and description of the breed Caucasian Shepherd

Picture of a Caucasian wolfhound at full growth

Large-framed, rude, massively muscular, Caucasian shepherd dog with growth that is above average. robust, modest, resilient, and sensitive.

1. Format: stretched.
2. SHRU: elastic, fat.
3. Head: massive, cranial part of voluminous and wide. Cheekbones are well developed.
4. Muzzle: voluminous, blunt, tapering smoothly towards the nose, slightly shorter in length than the cranial part.
5. Forehead: slightly convex, spacious, divided by a longitudinal furrow, with noticeable but not protruding superciliary arches, smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
6. Lips: thick, tight-fitting.
7. Nose: black, large, with well-developed nostrils. A lighter nose is acceptable in white and light fawn colors.
8. Ears: small, high-set, hanging on cartilage, cropped short in puppyhood.
9. Eyes: dark, oval-shaped, deep-set, slanted. Eyelids are dry, tightly fitting.
10. Teeth: correct scissor bite, full set of 42 teeth. Large, white, the upper jaw tightly overlaps the lower jaw. Incisors are located in 1 line.

Caucasian wolfhound with an uncommon hue

The fur of Caucasian wolfhounds comes in two varieties:

1. Long-haired – with long guard and guard hair (10 – 12 cm). Long hair forms a "mane" on the neck, "fringes" and "pants" (30 cm) on the hind limbs. The tail is fluffy and thick.
2. Short-haired – the hair is thick and short (6 – 7 cm). "Mane", "dewlap", "fringes" on the tail are absent.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog color

There is a large range:

• Red – from dark red-brown to light fawn, including zonal red
• Gray – from dark gray, almost black, to light fawn-gray, including zonal gray
• Brindle – from dark brown – brindle, almost black, to light fawn-brindle
• White

It is necessary to have solid dark lip and eyelid linings. Solid-colored animals are permitted, as are those with black masks and white markings on their paws, stomach, chest, and tail tips. The aforementioned shades come in spotted or piebald colors.

Caucasian Shepherd character

The Caucasian Shepherd is an independent, fearless, unpretentious, persistent, and occasionally stubborn creature. It is superbly guarded and watched over, has a keen sense of its surroundings, and will remain vigilant until the very end.

Easily adjusts to all environmental factors, upkeep, and nourishment. Due to these characteristics, the Caucasian Shepherd is often used as a guard dog. Beneath the massive growth, imperturbability, and indifference lies a gentle loving heart and a vulnerable soul.

The Caucasian Shepherd gets along well with the kids in their household and even seems to enjoy their games and pranks. However, because of their tremendous strength and growth, you should never leave them alone with a child. She is gentle with the helpless, gets along well with other animals, particularly if they are raised with them, and doesn’t bother little dogs, but when it comes to her big brothers, she will always try to be the boss.

The Caucasian Shepherd needs early socialization and training before he is six months old because the lessons he learns during his formative years will stick with him throughout his life.

The Caucasian Shepherd puppy is seen in the picture lying on the table.

Perhaps because they are intelligent, self-reliant, and have a strong sense of self, they are challenging to train. To determine the best training strategy, the owner should become familiar with the traits of this breed. The owner of a Caucasian Shepherd must have a firm, fair, and gentle hand. Try to maintain the trust you have earned. Become the pack leader for him; if not, the independent and determined character will win out. Soak up all your patience, persistence, and character strength. And it’s unclear who will eventually acquire ownership of whom.

Never beat your pet; doing so will simply incite their wrath and aggression. When teaching an animal a new command, take your time and make sure it understands it completely before moving on to the next one. Of course, you can contact a professional, and he will train your Caucasian Shepherd puppy to be obedient. Any violent actions committed against family members must be immediately stopped.

The Caucasian Shepherd makes an excellent security dog because he won’t bark pointlessly and will simply lie down by the door to keep an eye on the entrance.

Reflective gaze, mature White Shepherd – image

I assure you that the well-wisher will regret the visit after realizing the surprise in store for him. When the owner is around, he greets guests in the house with composure. After the customary sniffing, he can lie quietly and comfortably within eyeshot of the object while maintaining control over the group.

If you pay special attention to teaching your Caucasian Shepherd how to react appropriately to people and animals in your city apartment, you won’t have any issues with other people. The breed is extremely wary of strangers, even as young as four months old, and will not interact with them despite their seeming calm exterior. possesses a volatile and perilous nature. The Caucasian Shepherd will react right away if it believes its owner is in danger.

They don’t need the owner’s full attention and can happily pass the entire day by themselves. They don’t run or make a scene, and they prefer to sit in a spot that allows them to see all that is going on in their immediate surroundings. The temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd is balanced, and it can finish the task at hand. Due to his rural upbringing, he is energy-efficient, which makes him appear sluggish in the city. However, he is also aware that his actions in an emergency will determine whether the flock is safe or not, as well as his own life.

An adult, trained shepherd dog, for instance, knows that the wolf will not charge at him while he is in the vicinity, so he will never leave the flock and will never chase after the animal. He only needs to frighten them off with his bark in order to end the alleged emotional conflict. Young animals lacking experience but possessing a fiery heart will instinctively chase the enemy, making a grave error. Predators deftly take sheep while he is away (wolves hunt in packs, so they know how to divert guards). A skilled shepherd keeps the dog on the leash at all times.

Experts frequently remark on the Caucasian Shepherd’s extraordinary capacity to discern whether the owner and his family are in danger. It’s challenging to get him to chase after a stick alone. Being a self-sufficient and independent working dog, the Caucasian wolfhound requires a strong owner who can both physically and mentally support and guide it.

Large and strong, the Caucasian Shepherd, sometimes called the Caucasian Wolfhound, is a dog breed prized for its devoted and protective nature. These dogs are fearless and extremely independent, which makes them great guard dogs but requires skilled handling. They were originally bred to protect livestock and property in the harsh mountain regions. When properly trained and socialized from an early age, they can be gentle and affectionate with their family despite their intimidating appearance. A balanced Caucasian Shepherd requires a parent to successfully navigate the breed’s innate guarding tendencies.

Caucasian Shepherd care and maintenance

A picture of a dry grass with a Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd requires mandatory care and is not a whimsical breed.

Wool: sheds, thick with undercoat. Shedding occurs twice a year, in the spring and the fall. It can last for the entire year if stored in an apartment with warm, dry air. Every three days, the wool is combed using a metal comb or a brush with coarse bristles. Use a slicker brush and comb daily during shedding to prevent tangles. By doing this, you can get rid of dead hair and give the pet a tidy appearance. Knitting enthusiasts will have great yarn for mittens and socks from the collected wool.

Take a bath once every three weeks or whenever they become unclean. Select a shampoo with a moisturizing effect based on the kind of wool. Regular combing and rinsing after bathing with accessible components will be ensured by preventing tangles. After bathing, prepare a solution of citric or acetic acid (1 tablespoon acid for every liter of warm water) and use it to rinse the coat. This easy process is a good defense against infestation by ticks and parasites. A hair dryer can be used to dry the coat in cold weather (but not with hot air).

Ears: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are docked between 36 and 72 hours of life. The baby is given 1.5-2 days to get stronger and on the third day, the ears are cropped. On the 5th – 6th day, the ears become 1.5 times larger and thicker. If you miss the docking time, there will be severe blood loss and the healing process will be delayed. If not docked in time, the puppies are left with their ears. For show dogs under 1 year of age, this procedure is performed by a veterinarian on the operating table, under general anesthesia. But it is stressful for both of you. Buy your Caucasian Shepherd"s ears on time.

The image shows a contented Caucasian Shepherd.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that professional ear trimming is required. Examples of such professionals include knowledgeable breeders and veterinarians with experience in trimming ears.

Regularly check the ears. Check for ticks or extra dirt after a walk. Using a moist cloth or cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide or boric alcohol, clean the interior of the shell.

Make sure no water enters your ears when taking a bath. Please get in touch with a veterinarian right away if you suspect inflammation. Clearly visible symptoms include the dog shaking its head, an offensive smell coming from the ear, or liquid oozing from the ear.

Eyes: check frequently. a healthy eye that isn’t sour or red. Inflammation is caused by dust accumulation. A chamomile decoction is used to remove it.

In a glass of boiling water, add one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers; stir, let cool, and strain. A gentle, lint-free cloth is used to cleanse the eyes. Make sure your pet isn’t outside in the cold or in a draft when you wash his eyes. If at all feasible, move it inside until the eyes are dry.

Paws and claws: for large breeds, the claws are clipped once a month using a claw cutter. Use a moist cloth to wipe the paw after a walk and check for any cracks or damage. It is important to ensure that the dog does not lick the reagent during the winter months as it can be harmful to their health. Applying vegetable oil (olive, corn, or linseed) to the animal’s skin can help stop paw cracks; the cracks will eventually disappear. Add one hour of vegetable oil to your diet each day.

Make sure the Caucasian shepherd is accustomed to this procedure (and any others) since they are young. If she doesn’t behave with patience and obedience, you won’t be able to handle her after a year.

Make sure to give praise and offer a favorite treat following any procedure.

Teeth: You should check and examine them once a week. Keep an eye out for gum inflammation, as tartar can occasionally be the cause. Allow your pet to chew on fresh tomatoes to ward off the formation of tartar. Dogs should brush their teeth once a week with toothpaste, either with a brush or a special finger attachment.

Treat the Caucasian with an antiparasitic medication (Frontline, Advantix, etc.) once every three to four weeks to prevent ticks and fleas. Please don’t disregard this step; ticks carry piroplasmosis, which is especially harmful to dogs and poses a serious risk to health. Applying the product closer to the neck will prevent the wither from being able to lick the medication. Take no showers for ten days.

A Caucasian Shepherd should be kept in a country home with a yard and a garden. On hot summer days, your baby will be able to enjoy the shade. It doesn’t mind the cold because it has fur, but in the summer, always keep an eye on it. The enclosure that you plan to store it in needs to be roomy and tidy.

Ensure there is an adequate supply of pure drinking water. Adults should eat fresh food at room temperature twice a day, in the morning and the evening.

Caucasian Shepherd Diseases

• Heart Diseases
• Hip Dysplasia
• Thyroid Damage
• Dwarfism
• Eversion or Eversion of the Eyelid
• Diabetes Mellitus

Photo of a Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd, sometimes referred to as the Caucasian Wolfhound, is a robust and devoted breed that is ideal for people who require a trustworthy and protective friend. They make great watchdogs because of their innate protective tendencies, but they also develop close relationships with their families.

They are extremely loving and devoted to their owners, despite the fact that their intimidating size and temperament require experienced handling. In order to guarantee that they flourish in a family setting, proper training and socialization are imperative.

All things considered, the Caucasian Shepherd is a special breed that provides warmth and security. They can make wonderful and dependable companions for the right owner.

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