Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
The Caucasian Shepherd dog is a big, serious dog that keeps you safe. It’s brave and confident, ready to protect you from danger. But with its family, it’s gentle and loving, even with other pets.
People have used these dogs for hundreds of years to guard homes and animals from things like wolves and coyotes. Nowadays, they’re mostly kept as pets and guards in the Western countries.
There are different types of Caucasian Shepherd dogs, like the Mountain type with long fur and a bigger body, and the Steppe type, which is smaller and has shorter fur.
You might also hear them called Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kawkasky Owtscharka, or Kaukasische Schaferhund.
“In the tough outdoors, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog stands tall as a loyal guardian—showing strength, smarts, and unwavering loyalty.”
History of Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a very old type of big dog, and where they came from is a bit of a mystery. People think they might have come from wolves that were made into pets, or maybe from other big dogs like Mastiffs.
Some experts say they came from sheepdogs in Tibet, but new evidence suggests they might be even older, from a place called Mesopotamia. But wherever they’re from, they’ve been with people in the Caucasus Mountains for over 2,000 years.
They were great friends to shepherds, keeping them safe from dangerous animals like wolves, jackals, and bears. They had to be really brave and strong to handle the cold and tough weather up in the mountains.
Because the mountains are so big and varied, different kinds of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs started appearing. But the ones from Georgia became the most well-known type.
In the 1900s, when the USSR was around, they started using Caucasian Shepherds to guard prisoners. They even used them to make new kinds of dogs in their army centers.
Then, in the 1960s, East Germany used them to guard their border along the Berlin Wall. When the wall fell in 1989, lots of these guard dogs found new homes with families in Germany.
Nowadays, most Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are just part of families, watching over homes and being friends. But some still help shepherds look after their sheep.
They still have some traits like being cautious or sometimes getting aggressive, so they need to be trained and introduced to new things early on. As more people like these dogs, breeders will probably work to make sure they have only the best qualities.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Size
Caucasian Shepherd Dog weight is considerable. Male dogs typically weigh between 110 to 220 pounds, while females range from 100 to 180 pounds.
However, these weights can vary depending on factors such as the dog’s origin and breed type. Mountain dogs tend to be more muscular, whereas plain dogs are leaner.
Males stand at a height of about 27 to 30 inches at the shoulder, while females are typically between 25 and 28 inches tall. Due to their substantial size, Caucasian Shepherd dogs are classified as a giant breed.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Temperament
The Caucasian Shepherd dog temperament is often described as bold, loyal, and protective. These dogs are known for their strong instincts to guard their family and territory.
While they can be affectionate and gentle with those they trust, they may also be wary of strangers and assertive in their protection. Proper socialization and training are important to help them channel their protective instincts in a positive way.
With the right guidance, Caucasian Shepherd dogs can be loving companions and dedicated guardians.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Grooming
Caucasian Shepherd dogs come in different kinds of fur, from really long to short. If your dog has long fur, it’s important to brush it every day to keep it neat and clean. Brushing your dog can also be a nice way to spend time together and make your bond stronger.
Their nails grow fast and strong, so you need to trim them regularly with special tools to prevent them from getting too long and causing problems.
Check their ears often to make sure they’re clean and free from wax or dirt buildup, which could lead to infections. It’s also a good idea to brush their teeth regularly to keep them healthy and prevent dental issues.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Nutrition
To keep your Caucasian Shepherd dog healthy, it’s important to give them food that suits their digestion as they grow up. Your breeder will usually recommend a specific food for your puppy until they’re about 6 months old.
It’s a good idea to stick with this unless there’s a really good reason to change. Good breeders will make sure your puppy gets the right nutrition to grow up strong and healthy.
When it’s time to switch, there are special dog foods made for different sizes of breeds, like small, medium, large, and extra-large. Caucasian Shepherds are extra-large dogs. It’s best to avoid foods with low-quality ingredients because they’re hard for your dog to digest.
What you feed your dog is up to you, but it’s a good idea to talk to your vet or breeder to figure out how often to feed your puppy and what’s the best food for them as they get older. And don’t forget, your dog should always have clean, fresh water available to drink.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health
Just like any other type of dog, Caucasian Shepherd dogs might have some health problems. But most of them are healthy dogs overall. If you’re thinking about getting a Caucasian Shepherd dog, it’s important to find a good breeder who knows about the health issues that can affect this breed.
Responsible breeders do tests on the parent dogs to make sure they’re less likely to pass on any diseases to their puppies. This helps make sure the puppies are healthy when they’re born.
So, if you’re getting a Caucasian Shepherd dog, it’s a good idea to find a breeder who cares about their health.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems
Caucasian Shepherd dogs are usually strong and healthy, but like all dogs, they can have some health issues. Here are some common ones:
Elbow Dysplasia: This is like hip dysplasia but affects the elbow joint, making it painful for the dog to move.
Hip Dysplasia: This happens when the hip joint doesn’t grow right, causing pain and arthritis. It’s more common in big dogs like the Caucasian Shepherd.
Obesity: Because they’re big dogs with slower metabolisms, Caucasian Shepherds can get overweight if they eat too much and don’t get enough exercise. This can lead to joint and heart problems.
Entropion: This is when the eyelid rolls inward and rubs against the eye, causing pain and possible eye damage. It often happens in the lower eyelid.
Bloat: This is a dangerous problem where the stomach gets filled with gas and twists. It needs quick vet help and is more likely in big-chested dogs like Caucasian Shepherds.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Exercise
Caucasian Shepherd dogs need a big yard to play in and are great for families who enjoy going for walks every day. Since they’re smart and like to do their own thing, it’s important to keep them safe by making sure they stay in your yard or on a leash when you take them for a walk.
Even though they don’t need a lot of energy, they can keep going for a long time on walks or hikes. Some breeders even have tests to see how much endurance their dogs have. So, if you’re thinking about getting a Caucasian Shepherd dog, make sure you have space for them to play and go for walks.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Training
Caucasian Shepherd dogs are very smart and like to do things their own way, which can make training them a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. While they enjoy being active outside, they’re usually calm when they’re indoors.
But here’s something to keep in mind: these dogs are super protective of their family and home, so it might be hard to have guests over. They take their job of guarding seriously! So, if you’re thinking about getting a Caucasian Shepherd dog, be ready for their protective nature.
Note: You can find Caucasian Shepherd dog for sale from reputable breeders or adoption shelters. The Caucasian shepherd dog price can vary depending on where you buy it.
Established breeders in the United States might charge over $2,500, while newer or farm breeders might ask for less, typically between $1,200 and $2,500. If you want to learn more about German Shepherds, read our article at harpersatelier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Average Lifespan of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog?
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog lifespan generally ranges from 10 to 12 years.
How Tall Does a Caucasian Shepherd Dog Typically Grow?
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog height typically ranges from 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder.
What is the Average Weight of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog in Kilograms?
The average Caucasian Shepherd dog weight ranges from 45 to 100 kilograms, making it one of the heaviest dog breeds.
Are Caucasian Shepherds Good Family Dogs?
The Caucasian Shepherd dog is a serious guardian breed that should be taken seriously. They are brave and confident when facing danger, but they’re also gentle and devoted to their family and other pets.
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