Caucasian Shepherd

Large and strong, the Caucasian Shepherd breed is renowned for its strong personality and protective tendencies. These dogs have a long history of being dependable guardians in the most hostile settings. They were originally bred to guard homes and livestock.

Being able to adapt to different climates with ease due to their impressive size and thick coat has made them a popular choice for those seeking a dependable and obedient guardian. Caucasian Shepherds can exhibit extreme loyalty and affection towards their families, even though they may present a tough exterior.

But having a Caucasian Shepherd means that you have to take care of it. For them to flourish, plenty of space, socialization, and appropriate training are necessary. In the home, this breed can make a loyal companion and protector with the correct training and guidance.

Characteristics of the Caucasian Shepherd breed

Shepherd of the Caucasus Dogs make the perfect watchdogs. They were carefully bred to ward off robbers and predators and safeguard the territory and herd. They are brave, resilient, and acclimated to harsh environments. Caucasians are frequently referred to as evil because of their formidable appearance and well-preserved guard instincts. However, this dog also has a lot of benefits that become apparent with the right upbringing.

Caucasian Shepherds make devoted companions as well as watchful and alert guards. They are self-reliant and intelligent. They possess the ability to act independently in dangerous situations and bravely defend their owner and territory. However, these are extremely aggressive dogs with quick reflexes, a natural mistrust of strangers, and an energetic nature. It is very hard to stop a Caucasian once you infuriate him. This independent, obstinate dog can only be raised by a skilled dog breeder.

The Caucasian Shepherd breed of dog is large. Only mastiffs and Great Danes outrank them in terms of height at the withers, and only alabai and St. Bernards outrank them in terms of weight. A large representative of the breed weighs over 100 kg, while Caucasians typically weigh between 70 and 80 kg.

The following eye-catching images will aid in your understanding of the traits exhibited by this breed’s representatives:

Parameters	Characteristics
name of the breed	Caucasian Shepherd
country of origin	Russia
height	males 68-75 cm, females 64-71 cm
weight	males 50-75 kg, females 45-70 kg
life expectancy	10-12 years
use	guard, watchman, shepherd
character traits	determination, independence, fearlessness, responsibility, persistence, independence
aggressiveness	may show aggression
attitude to people	friendly only to members of her family, loves children, distrustful of strangers
activity	average, physical activity is needed for health
training	difficult, the dog is understanding, smart, but prone to dominance
complexity care	easy, but sheds a lot

Pros

The best dogs for territory and home guarding are Caucasian Shepherds. These strong, impressive-appearing giants have numerous benefits:

• attached to the owner, loyal, affectionate with him and family members;
• brave, decisive, will protect the owner and the territory from any dangers and ill-wishers;
• have innate security qualities;
• independent, responsible, always on guard;
• independent, capable of making independent decisions in an emergency;
• smart, easy to train;
• hardy, have great strength;
• unpretentious, adapted to any weather conditions;
• very sensitive, have lightning-fast reactions and developed intuition;
• calmly endure loneliness;
• do not need long walks;
• care is simple.

Disadvantages

However, Caucasians only exhibit their advantages when they have received a good upbringing. This dog requires specialized training and is not appropriate for everyone due to its tendency toward dominance. For security work, Caucasian Shepherds are the most commonly used breed. However, this is not a pet, so you should be aware of its drawbacks before obtaining one:

• due to their huge size, Caucasian Shepherds are not suitable for keeping in an apartment;
• early socialization and competent training are necessary;
• aggressive, distrustful of strangers, can rush if they notice the slightest threat;
• independent, stubborn, do not always show obedience, these shepherds do not tend to want to please people;
• very strong, difficult to stop;
• slowly growing, Caucasian Shepherds reach full maturity only at the age of 2 years.

Caucasian Shepherds’ primary drawbacks are their strength, independence, propensity for dominance, and aggression. A vicious dog that is uncontrollably large will grow up if such a dog is reared badly, is not trained, is kept on a chain, and receives no care. Caucasians have a reputation as vicious, evil dogs because their primary purpose in life is to protect their territory. While the breed may not be ideal for everyone, a skilled dog breeder can produce a companion as well as a watchful guard dog.

A fascinating video enhances the qualities of Caucasian Shepherds:

Caucasian Shepherd in Video. benefits and drawbacks of the breed

Video: Benefits and drawbacks of the Caucasian Shepherd breed

Large and strong, the Caucasian Shepherd, also called the Caucasian Ovcharka, was first developed to protect livestock in arid mountainous areas. These dogs, who are renowned for their fidelity, power, and protective tendencies, are inherently suspicious of strangers but develop close relationships with their families. Despite being fearless protectors, they require the right socialization and training to control their size and independent nature. Because of their natural protective tendencies, they do best in the hands of seasoned handlers and make great guard dogs for people who are aware of their special needs and temperament.

History of the origin of the Caucasian Shepherd breed

The ancestors of the Caucasian Shepherd are the oldest domestic animals. People utilized shepherd dogs as guards and security dogs two to three thousand years ago. The southern Russian steppes and the Caucasus are the original habitats. These areas produced dogs that were tough, courageous, and strong. Their cuisine was simple, and they had adapted to the varied climate and way of life in the mountains. Pets were valued members of the family who were frequently a person’s life support system.

Numerous historical pictures of strong canines resembling Caucasian Shepherds have survived. They could independently watch the herd and assisted the shepherds. They were able to deal with wolves and kept man and animals safe from them. Consequently, the Caucasian wolfhound is another name for the breed. These canines were employed by the army as guard dogs in antiquity. However, Caucasians are now only appropriate for defense. Their extreme aggression and lack of belief in people made their use by the police an unsuccessful experience.

Tibetan dogs may have been the ancestors of the Caucasian shepherds. The exterior resemblance of these breeds serves as evidence for this. These dogs have been used for hunting, protection, and combat since ancient times. Caucasian shepherds are categorized by modern classification as "Pinchers and Schnauzers, Swiss cattle dogs."

In a different version, shepherds and wolves were crossed to produce dogs with strong security traits. Numerous researchers think that domesticated wolves are the ancestors of the breed. This explains the contemporary Caucasians’ aggressiveness, independence, and need for dominance. They keep a close eye on their domain and only submit to those they acknowledge as superiors.

Only the Caucasus and Russia were home to Caucasian Shepherd Dogs until the late 1800s. The army used these dogs for guard duty. The breed has been bred since the turn of the 20th century, and it has gained international attention. Wolfhounds attracted the interest of regular dog breeders. They aimed to produce a dog that was not only sturdy and resilient but also devoted and not overly hostile. The breed wasn’t well-known throughout the world until the 1990s. It was listed in the FCI at that time.

The most recent revision to the standard was made in 2010, after multiple revisions. These days, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are canines that are suited to city living as well as territory defense. The benchmark has maintained its remarkable look, robustness, and modesty. Declared guard characteristics, self-reliance, and mistrust of outsiders persisted. However, the life expectancy was impacted by the alteration in the detention conditions. Caucasian Shepherds of today live 10–12 years, not 20.

The following are intriguing old photos of the breed’s members:

Description of the appearance of dogs of the Caucasian Shepherd breed

Even after the first breed standard was established in 1931, not all dog breeders were aware of the ideal appearance of a purebred Caucasian dog until the end of the 20th century. With the help of the current standard, purebred members of this breed can now be preserved and differentiated from the widespread crossbreeds of the 1970s through 1990s.

The Caucasian Shepherd has a height of 75 cm, which is above average for a dog. They therefore appear impressive, particularly those with long hair. They have a bear-like appearance with their massive head and strong, muscular frame. But their dense fur isn’t the only thing that makes them appear big. Caucasian Shepherds frequently weigh up to 70 kg. Many people weigh one hundred kilograms or more. However, females are more graceful, smaller, and weigh around 50 kg. Their heads are also less massive.

Images make it easier to visualize these dogs’ appearances:

Features of the head structure

Caucasians have big, massive heads with nearly square-shaped skulls. The cheekbones are prominent and the forehead is flat. The stop is not sharp, and the superciliary arches are not strongly expressed. The wedge-shaped muzzle taper smoothly to the nose. The teeth are large and the jaws strong. The grip is firm, the bite is extremely tight, and it can be straight or scissor-shaped. The nose’s bridge is broad and straight, and its large lobe ought to be black.

The eyes are round, small, set wide apart. The color can be any shade of brown – from dark brown to hazel. The look is intelligent, attentive, appraising. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, set high. They are hanging, the inner part is pressed to the head. Ears were previously cropped, which was due to the need to protect them in a fight with wolves. Now they are also sometimes docked, then the dog"s head resembles a bear"s even more.

Build and tail

The nape is well-developed, and the neck is strong. The skeleton is large, and the build is muscular. Females have an elongated body that is marginally longer than their height at the withers. It is more powerful and square in men. The loin is short and the back is straight and broad. The belly is tucked in, and the chest is broad and deep.

The tail is broad at the base, tapering towards the tip, and positioned high in a sickle shape. It hangs down to the hocks when it is calm. A dog that is happy will lift it above its back and occasionally coil it into a ring.

Limbs

The limbs are parallel, strong, muscular, and straight. Every joint is clearly defined, and the bones are broad. Approximately half the height at the withers is the distance between the elbows. The paws are collected into a big lump.

The description of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs’ appearance is enhanced by photos of them:

Wool

Caucasians have fairly thick skin. There is a thick undercoat and thick fur. Because of this, they can withstand even very harsh frosts. The guard’s hair is straight and hard. Either long or short hair can be found in Caucasian Shepherds. Dogs with short hair have guard hair that is between 6 and 7 cm long, and their necks are free of manes, featherings, or pants. Thick coat, fitted close to the body. The Alabai and this Caucasian variety are comparable.

Long-haired More Caucasian Shepherds exist. The coat is between 10 and 12 cm long. The hair is short and close to the body on the head and the front surface of the paws. There are featherings on the tail, the back of the paws, and the neck with a thick collar.

Color

The colors of Caucasian Shepherds differ. At the moment, there are various choices:

• zonal-gray or wolf – a combination of shades of gray and black;
• white, cream;
• red from light to brown;
• brindle, piebald or spotted with a combination of different colors.

On the muzzle, a dark mask is preferable. The paws and chest might have white spots. The colors ought to be vivid; frequently, multiple tones are blended together. The most popular hues are fawn, brown with black, and red with cream. Pure liver, blue, brown, and black are prohibited.

Images of variously colored representatives of the breed:

Varieties

The Caucasus, the mountainous and steppe regions of southern Russia, has long been home to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Throughout its existence, the breed has developed a number of variations linked to various topographies:

• Georgian type or mountain dogs – large representatives of the breed, with a slightly elongated body, gray color and long heavy hair;
• Armenian type – smaller dogs, the hair is also long, but red or brindle color;
• Azerbaijani or steppe dogs have a light, often white color, shorter hair, long strong limbs;
• Dagestan or aboriginal dogs – the largest in size, powerful, square format, strong and independent.

Disqualifying defects

The breed began to decline in the middle of the 20th century, and today there are very few purebred examples of the breed. Caucasian Shepherds was the name given to many large dogs. They were frequently mixed with different breeds. The breed’s numbers have increased since the 1990s. However, there are still flaws and departures from the norm. It may not be permissible to show or breed a Caucasian Shepherd because of the following defects:

• smaller height deviations;
• malocclusion;
• pure brown or black color;
• presence of blue color;
• docked tail;
• pigmentation disorders of the nose, lips, eye lining.

Character of Caucasian Shepherds

Caucasians are stunning canines with a bear cub-like appearance. But this pet isn’t very adorable. They possess a distinct and multifaceted personality. They are prone to dominance and independent decision-making, just like all ancient breeds. As a result, they require a strong education, and the owner needs to possess leadership abilities.

However, the Caucasian Shepherd makes the ideal bodyguard or watchdog when raised properly. Since ancient times, the breed has been bred with these characteristics in mind. These dogs’ only concern is keeping people and their territory safe. They are always on guard and in total control of the situation; they are not easily distracted, bought off, or convinced. Caucasians are brave, dependable, and decisive. They never bark without a purpose, and they are willing to sit still for hours on end while watching for an intruder.

The following characteristics are also found in Caucasians:

• quick reaction;
• distrust;
• independence;
• good memory;
• stubbornness;
• independence.

This shepherd’s loyalty to his owner and his family is one of his character traits. They voluntarily play games and adore kids. However, this dog’s job is to protect the child; it will not become a nanny. As a result, you shouldn’t leave the dog alone with kids, particularly if someone else is playing with the kids. The Caucasian Shepherd will not put up with misbehavior or disregard for authority, and loud noises or yelling may be interpreted as endangering "his" youngster. These are also very large dogs that have no idea how to gauge their own strength.

Particularly if they were raised with other pets, adult Caucasian Shepherds get along well with other animals. These could be birds, cats, or rodents; the dog will guard them rather than hunt them. It is advisable to keep decorative breed dogs with him at all times. The Caucasian Shepherd may start to fight and compete for dominance when kept as a large pet.

The images depict the traits of the disposition and mannerisms of Caucasian Shepherds:

Features of education and training

Even though Caucasian dogs have historically exhibited aggressiveness, mistrust toward strangers, and a strong territorial instinct, with the right training, these dogs can develop into gentle, peaceful beings. When these dogs were first brought to the United States by unskilled owners at the close of the 20th century, the perception of them as vicious and merciless was established. Not elevated, but kept in a booth and on a chain. Consequently, vicious, uncontrollable animals were produced. As a result, the breed was listed among the top 10 most aggressive canines.

Caucasian Shepherds are intelligent and obstinate, making training them challenging. It’s critical to acquire authority right away. Caucasians are independent, self-assured, and only follow the leader. You and your pet must develop a bond on an emotional level. This dog’s unique training characteristic is their dislike of needless commands. A Caucasian person won’t chase after a ball or repeatedly give the same order.

Therefore, selecting a training strategy for these dogs can be challenging even for seasoned dog handlers. For them, OKD or other training courses might not be appropriate. Owing to their natural independence and stubbornness, training can take up to two years. This dog has natural guard qualities, so it doesn’t need to take a guard duty course. Additionally, she might choose to ignore the trainer during class because she doesn’t think he poses a threat and doesn’t think it’s necessary to defend someone else’s territory.

However, it is still imperative to start the puppy’s upbringing and socialization process as soon as it arrives at the house. The dog shouldn’t be afraid of moving vehicles or loud noises. It must be trained to respond appropriately to both strangers and other dogs. Be firm and strict when speaking with a Caucasian person. However, you should never resort to corporal punishment or rudeness. As a result, the dog might grow resentful or hostile. However, you will also be unable to use treats as a bribe for this dog.

The appropriate way to interact with a pet can only be determined by an experienced owner. You shouldn’t attempt to pick up a lot of commands at once. However, by the time the Caucasian child turns one, they ought to know the following words:

The following video provides more insight into how to instruct representatives of this breed:

Video: Caucasian Shepherd training techniques

Video: Retraining a Caucasian Shepherd’s Behavior

Watch Video: Breaking in White Shepherds

Features of keeping and care

The Caucasian Shepherd is an inconspicuous pet that typically requires little maintenance and care. However, keeping this dog in a city apartment is not advised. They do not take well to heat and require large amounts of open space. A country home with a large enclosure would be the ideal home for a Caucasian Shepherd. Given how clean these dogs are, it ought to be. It also requires an insulated booth large enough for the dog to stand upright.

This dog requires regular walks and can be housed in a closed enclosure or on a light chain. The Caucasian prefers not to waste energy in vain and does not require long walks. This dog will gladly run alongside a bicycle or go for a walk in the forest with its owner. He dislikes running after a ball, though. Such a dog should only be taken out on a short leash and with a muzzle in the city.

A Caucasian adult can live outside year-round. But what he really needs is a clean, roomy enclosure and a warm booth. Its thick, dense fur allows it to resist even the worst frosts. The dog needs shade from the sun during the summer.

The Caucasian Shepherd’s fur may make maintenance more difficult. It becomes knotted and absorbs moisture heavily. The pet needs to have its fur combed several times a week; the belly and paws can also be trimmed. Bathing the dog more than once every two to three months is not advised. It is preferable to do this in open water during the summer. Thick fur should be routinely treated with antiparasitic agents because it is a common breeding ground for ticks and fleas.

The dog should be trained to follow hygienic practices from an early age. Periodically checking the eyes and extracting any discharge that may be present is recommended. You should keep a special lotion at home to wash your ears because they are prone to inflammation during the warm season. White people enjoy chewing on sticks, and frequently end up with wood chips in their teeth. The animal must be trained to react calmly when its owner uses tweezers to remove it or a brush to clean its teeth. The dog’s claws need to be clipped once a month if it does not walk on asphalt frequently.

Captivating images illustrating the quirks of raising Caucasians:

Health

The health of Caucasian wolfhounds is good. They hardly ever get colds because they have strong immunity. They can live for at least fifteen years under ideal circumstances. However, members of the breed are not immune to a number of congenital and acquired diseases:

• arthrosis and arthritis;
• cataract, eversion of the eyelid;
• joint dysplasia;
• diabetes;
• cardiovascular pathologies;
• epilepsy;
• allergy;
• obesity.

Nutrition

Caucasians can be fed both dry food and natural food because they are not fussy eaters. Their dietary needs are not high, in contrast to those of other large breed dogs. Because of their sluggish metabolism, they could gain weight if you overfeed them.

According to its natural diet, this dog requires 40 g of food per kilogram of body weight each day, of which at least half should be meat. Beef, horse meat, poultry, offal, veggies, and cereals must be provided. Sea fish, fruits, and fermented milk products are beneficial. Feeding is required twice a day. It’s also advised to supplement the food with vitamins and minerals. Giving pork, baked goods, sweets, smoked meats, or anything from the human table is prohibited.

Even less food is required when feeding an adult Caucasian dog dry food—10–15 g for every kg of the dog’s weight. It is best to select foods designed specifically for Caucasian shepherds. They ought to be in the super-premium or premium class. Feeds like Acana, Bozita, Brit, Bosch, Hills, Purina, Royal Canin, and Eukanuba are suitable for Caucasian shepherds.

How to buy a Caucasian shepherd puppy

Russians are now fond of Caucasian shepherds, and it’s not hard to locate a purebred puppy. Reaching out to a sizable nursery is preferable as it ensures that you will receive a healthy pet. In Moscow, a dog of this breed costs between 15,000 and 30,000 rubles. Puppies in show class cost between forty and fifty thousand dollars.

Examine the paperwork and the conditions under which the dogs are housed in the nursery. A veterinary passport and the required vaccinations are requirements for puppies. Babies up to two months old should be purchased; after that, it will be harder for them to adjust to a new home.

At this age, Caucasians are like funny teddy bears—fluffy, thick-pawed oafs. You also need to consider the puppy’s temperament in addition to its appearance. It should have a stable mental state, which is demonstrated by the lack of fear and violence as well as by its upbeat disposition, curiosity, and playful nature.

You must consider that male dogs are harder to train and more independent when choosing their gender. When defending their territory, females are more aggressive but also affectionate and devoted.

The images depict the appearance of Caucasian puppies:

You can decide whether or not to get this breed by watching this entertaining video:

Video: Do Caucasians actually pose a threat?

Myths surrounding the Caucasian Shepherd in Video

Caucasian Shepherd in Video. Everything regarding the breed

Conclusion

Certain people should not own a Caucasian Shepherd. They are tough and unassuming because they were bred to defend the herd and territory from predators. These dogs have been fierce, courageous, independent, and intelligent since ancient times. This is a loyal guard, not a pet. It is advised to give it to a person who can establish authority over the dog and who demonstrates endurance and patience in the training process. With the right care, this pet can grow into a devoted friend, protector, and full member of the family.

Reviews of the Caucasian Shepherd breed

Characteristic	Details
Breed Name	Caucasian Shepherd
Size	Large, muscular, and strong
Coat	Thick, dense, can be short or long
Temperament	Protective, loyal, and independent
Training	Requires firm, consistent training
Life Expectancy	10-12 years
Exercise Needs	Moderate, regular walks and playtime
Grooming	Regular brushing to manage shedding

A remarkable breed, the Caucasian Shepherd is renowned for its power, loyalty, and protective nature. Their size and protective attitude can make them intimidating, but with the right training and socialization, they can make wonderful companions for the right family.

This breed is perfect for homes with large yards or rural settings because it thrives in environments where there is room for roaming and tasks to complete. Although they are not a breed for inexperienced owners, those who recognize their needs will find a courageous and devoted companion.

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