Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Table of contents
Breed Information | |
|---|---|
Another Name | Caucasian Mountain Dog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog |
Origin | USSR, Caucasus |
Height | Males at least 68 cm Females at least 64 cm |
Weight | Males at least 50 kg Females at least 45 kg |
Fur | Long, thick |
Colors | Black, cream, gray, white, pale, rust |
Lifespan | 10-11 years |
ICF Classification | Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossers, Mountain Dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs |
Group | Watchdogs, protection dogs, guard dogs |
Price | $1500-2000 |
Breed photos
Features of the breed
History of Origin
Caucasian Sheepdogs are the ancient ancestors of shepherd dogs. The homeland of the breed is considered the Caucasus, the south of Russia. There is a version that the ancestors of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are Tibetan dogs.
Throughout its formative phase, the Sheepdog has done various jobs: herding sheep, guarding homes, and being a loyal companion. It is believed that its traits were formed naturally.
Official breeding and work on the Caucasian Shepherd Dog began in the 1920s. Now the dog is trendy and has remarkable endurance, which allows it to withstand the most severe frosts. They faithfully protect their territory and do excellent guard duty.
Appearance: height, weight, fur, color
This breed is considered one of the largest in the world. The size of the dog is intimidating and gigantic, somewhat reminiscent of the bear form. The male dogs are usually more extensive than the females. The minimum height of the male dog is 68 cm, and the female is 64 cm. The weight of an adult Caucasian Shepherd Dog can reach up to 100 kg.
Their wool is thick and long, so it can easily withstand severe frosts. There is also a dense undercoat. Depending on the coat’s length, three types of Caucasian Sheepdogs are short-haired, intermediate, and long-haired. The most popular are the long-haired. Wool can be a brown, white, pale, gray color. The presence of a dark mask on the muzzle is allowed.
The Character
The temperament of the Caucasian Sheepdog makes their owners always be careful. After all, the dog very faithfully performs its duties as a protector. No stranger has the opportunity to get into the territory, which is guarded by the dog Caucasian, and come close to the owner. Distrustful of strangers, it is ready, no matter what, to protect its family because it shows respect and love in the Caucasian Shepherd Dog from childhood.
The dog has a high level of intelligence and independence. Its owner must have a strong character to tame this strong-willed dog.
Caucasian Shepherd quickly finds common ground with children, ready to play with them and tolerate their antics. It is also enough to meet family friends once; she will remember them and not show aggression and bark at them.
They learn quickly, react instantly and make decisions. With other animals in the same territory, the Caucasian Shepherd will try to behave peacefully. But it is better if it will be a decorative dog or a regular cat. If there is another large dog in the common area, it may create competition.
Care
Despite its huge size, the Caucasian Shepherd can easily live in an apartment. It does not like to spend time actively, and the best place for it to rest in a warm place at the owner’s feet.
Comb the coat regularly, three times a week, with a special brush. Every year the dog molts, and during this period, the procedure should be performed daily, and the brush can be moistened with warm water to better comb out the dead hairs.
Even if the Caucasian Shepherd lives in an enclosure or a yard, you still need to walk it every day. This contributes to better socialization. However, it would help if you did not forget the leash.
Ears should be gently cleaned regularly with a cotton swab and checked in summer for mites. Pupils need frequent conversations with their owners. Don’t forget that they are brilliant and want to be appropriately treated as a family member.
Training
Early socialization is most important for this breed. From the first days of the appearance of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog in the house, it is necessary to introduce it to other people, walk-in public places, and accustom it to simple commands.
The Caucasian Shepherd should not be kept on a chain; it can generate aggression and anger. Choose a place for its frequent stay carefully. It is best if it will be a well-equipped enclosure.
Dogs are easy to train and eager to make contact, but sometimes healthy independence can be a problem following simple commands. If you can’t train your dog yourself, you should seek professional help, but you shouldn’t let it go.
The size of a dog can sometimes give the wrong impression. After all, up to three years old are still children, but their size can already be gigantic.
Common diseases
The Caucasian Shepherd has good health. Most often, it can have hip dysplasia. At an older age, you need to watch out for active exercise because the lack of movement can affect obesity and the development of diabetes.
Nutrition
The main food should be the meat of large animals – horse meat, beef, lamb. It is also worth adding fish, by-products, porridges, seasonal vegetables, and fruits to the diet.
