The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a bold family pet that is strong, courageous, and highly devoted. They were raised in the rugged Caucasus Mountains to preserve cows and guard the house against dangerous predators. Caucasian Mountain Dogs, Russian Bear Dogs, Baskhan (Karachay) Pariy, Caucasian Ovcharka Dogs, and simply CO are a few variations and types that go by these names.
This giant breed is territorial and won’t back down from a conflict, even when faced with bears or wolves. Despite the intelligence of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, training them might be difficult because of their independent nature. They may become hostile if a professional trainer doesn’t keep them in check because of their innate distrust of humans and other animals.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Profile
| Breed Name | Caucasian Shepherd Dog |
| Other Name | CO, Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Armenian Khobun Dog, Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog |
| Dog Breed Type | Herding Dogs |
| Origin | United States |
| Parent Breeds | Molosser dogs and Caucasian Mountain Dog |
| Height | 20 – 24 inches |
| Weight | 50 – 90 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 14 years |
| Coat Type | Short and smooth |
| Common Colors | red, gold / yellow, black |
| Grooming Needs | Easy to groom |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Willful, aloof, protective |
| Apartment Living | No |
| Pet Friendly | Medium |
| Health Concerns | Hip dysplasia, eye issues, deafness |
| Overall Health | Good |
| Intelligence Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Medium |
| Litter Size | 5 to 12 puppies |
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability 2 stars
Adapts Well To Apartment Living : 1 star
Good For Novice Owners : 1 star
Sensitivity Level : 2 stars
Tolerates Being Alone : 2 stars
Tolerates Cold Weather : 3 stars
Tolerates Hot Weather : 3 stars
All Around Friendliness 3 stars
Affectionate With Family : 5 stars
Kid-Friendly : 3 stars
Dog Friendly : 1 stars
Friendly Toward Strangers : 1 star
Health And Grooming Needs 3 stars
Amount Of Shedding : 3 stars
Drooling Potential : 1 stars
Easy To Groom : 5 stars
General Health : 3 stars
Potential For Weight Gain : 3 stars
Size : 4 stars
Trainability 3 stars
Easy To Train : 2 star
Intelligence : 3 stars
Potential For Mouthiness : 3 stars
Prey Drive : 1 stars
Tendency To Bark Or Howl : 3 stars
Wanderlust Potential : 3 stars
Physical Needs 4 stars
Energy Level : 4 stars
Intensity : 3 stars
Exercise Needs : 5 stars
Potential for Playfulness : 2 stars
Vital Statistics
DOG BREED GROUP : HERDING DOGS
HEIGHT : 20 to 26 INCHES
WEIGHT : 50 to 90 POUNDS
LIFE SPAN : 10 to 14 YEARS
Highlights
Due to the size of the Caucasus Mountain region and the complexity of the needs of the local shepherds, various breed varieties were evolved to satisfy those needs. Most kennel organizations consider Georgia’s Caucasian Shepherd Dogs to be the breed standard. Only one litter each year is produced by female Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. Although they are strong protectors of their domain, Caucasian shepherds Dogs are nevertheless very low-energy canines. One should keep up a healthy diet and frequent exercise to prevent weight gain, a real risk. This breed was used by the communist USSR to guard captive animals, and dogs were kept in army kennels to create new breeds for the armed forces. German families were given pets to live out the rest of their lives once the wall came down. One of the oldest Molosser breeds is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. They are connected to Mesopotamia via archaeological ruins that have been discovered.
History
In the hilly Caucasus region of Europe and Asia, dogs that resemble the Caucasian shepherd have existed for ages. In the past, they were used to protect land and cattle from intruders and predators like wolves and bears.
These canines had different appearances depending on the particular region from where they came. The Mountain type, which has a bigger build and a longer coat, and the Steppe type are the last two types within the breed (lighter body and shorter coat).
In the early 1900s, Soviet breeders started selectively breeding these dogs. Strength, self-assurance, sharp hearing and vision, and a weather-resistant coat were some traits that aimed to generate in the offspring. The breed is still relatively uncommon, particularly in North America. It is a component of the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club, which maintains breeding records of purebred development.
Size
The size of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is usually large than other dog breeds. The average weight of a male is 110 to 220 pounds, whereas the average weight of a female is 100 to 180 pounds. Typically, men are larger than females. Some dogs may weigh more or less than others, depending on their origin or breed. Mountain dogs are stronger than dogs that live on land. The shoulder height of a male is between 27 and 30 inches, whereas that of a female dog breed is between 25 and 28 inches. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is regarded as a huge dog breed.
Personality
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be highly stubborn, making teaching tough. They demand stern boundaries, patience, and consistency. Early socialization and training should begin as early as possible in a child’s life. Training in socializing must be done correctly. Proper socialization training must be implemented to overcome the breed’s fear of unfamiliar people and animals and prevent violence. These dogs are highly devoted and caring towards their families, which makes them one of the top choices among family dogs to consider. Also, they have the quality to stay like a bodyguard for their family members.
Health
The Caucasian shepherd breed is generally healthy. But, it is more likely to develop a few inherited medical disorders, including:
- Heart issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion (eyelids rolling too far inward)
Care
Despite their enormous size, they don’t need a lot of activity, and grooming them is rather easy but takes some time. Teeth should be thoroughly cleaned and brushed twice a week for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. However, it is advised to follow your veterinarian’s advice. Check the ears for dirt or wax accumulation at least once a week, and clean them as necessary. If this is not done, ear infections could develop. It is advisable to trim nails as needed to prevent damage and breakage. You might also need to look for drool and clear it away as necessary to avoid covering your home.
Feeding and Diet
Caucasian dogs should eat calorie-dense food made for a big breed. To help you choose the right kind of food and portion amount for your specific dog, consult a professional nutritionist or your veterinarian. The ideal diet will alter as the dog ages, and it may even be modified to meet specific medical needs. Keep in mind that Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a tendency to overeat and gain weight. Dogs should be given smaller, more frequent meals to prevent the onset of bloat, a potentially fatal condition.
Coat Color and Grooming
The coats of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs come in three lengths: long, medium, and short. The longer their hair, the more pronounced the mane and feathering around their tails and rear legs becomes. The coats are thick in all three lengths. They have two coats, with the undercoat being softer and more delicate than the longer one. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be solid white, grey, fawn, red, cream, or any of these hues.
Furthermore, large areas of two or more colors as well as brindled coats, are both feasible. They typically have white markings on their bodies and dark “masks” around their faces. Brush the coat of a Caucasian dog to remove any dead or stray hairs and prevent matting at least twice a week. Caucasian Shepherd Dog Every year, go through a large shed. This shedding process is enhanced by bathing and further brushing. It may be preferable to just bathe your dog when it is required or to rely on a professional trainer when you have a dog that is big in size.
Exercise
Aim to give your dog at least an hour of activity every day through walks, playing fetch, running around in the yard, and other activities. Additionally, playing with puzzle toys might help you mentally exercise. Even if this breed doesn’t have a lot of energy, it still tends to have muscular endurance if you enjoy long walks or treks. Because of its protective attitude and tendency for hostility towards strangers and even other dogs, Caucasian shepherds should always be kept on leashes or in securely gated areas.
FAQ on the breed
• Are Caucasian shepherds suitable as household pets?
These dogs are quite dedicated to their families. Caucasian shepherds with the proper training and socialization may be ideal for a household with older children.
• Are Caucasian Shepherds hostile?
Caucasian shepherds are fiercely protective animals and can become aggressive if they sense a threat.
• Are there a few Caucasian shepherds?
Shepherds of the Caucasian race are a relatively uncommon breed, particularly in North America.