Between the Black and Caspian Seas stretches the Caucasus - a land of high mountains and winding valleys. Since ancient times, this region has been considered a place of special romance. But the ancients considered the Caucasus to be the end of the world, beyond which something unknown and mystical is located. It was in this ancient and mysterious place that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog appeared.
Brief description of the breed
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is suitable for those who want to have a reliable guard, but representatives of this breed can also be just great companions and pets. This Shepherd is very attached to the family, including children and other pets. Very often, Caucasians take on the role of guardian of the entire family. Such behavior is absolutely understandable, since at the genetic level of the animal there is a tendency to protect. The dog will constantly be on guard of your house and yard.
In relation to people whom the animal knows, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is very gentle and affectionate. But to strangers it can express suspicion and aggression, including in relation to other dogs. From early childhood, you should introduce your pet to all your friends or acquaintances. This will prevent in the future a distrustful attitude, as well as aggression towards the mentioned people. Be prepared for the fact that the Caucasian Shepherd is prone to barking at night. Thus, the animal warns of a possible danger.
For many, the protective nature of the Shepherd Dog is the reason for choosing breeds. However, it should be understood that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is not suitable for beginner dog breeders. This dog needs an experienced, confident dog breeder with a strong character and a lot of patience, which will be needed during training. Don't be led by your own desires. It is necessary to really weigh all the nuances in order to understand whether you can handle the upbringing of such a large dog with a peculiar character.
Caucasian Shepherd puppies are very curious. That is why very often they run away from home. Do not allow the animal to roam the yard unattended until it reaches a more mature age. And in general, from the very first day the puppy appears in the house, your yard should be securely fenced.
An adult shepherd of this breed is not very active, so it can be kept even in a small apartment. But, in truth, the pet will be much more comfortable in a spacious yard, with a reliable solid fence of sufficient height.
When the family is at home, the dog should be with her. It is also worth noting that keeping a Caucasian Shepherd Dog on a chain is unacceptable. The dog can become very aggressive. If you leave your pet alone, it is better to use an aviary for this purpose, but in no case a chain.
basic information
| Breed name: | Caucasian Shepherd Dog |
| Country of origin: | Caucasus |
| The time of the birth of the breed: | many centuries ago |
| Type of: | Molossians |
| The weight: | 40 - 45 kg |
| Height (height at the withers): | 64 - 68 cm |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 – 12 years old |
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ICF classification:
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Group 2, Section 2, Room 328 |
| Puppies price: | 220 – 1150 $ |
| Most popular nicknames: | list of nicknames for caucasian shepherd dog |
Assessment of breed characteristics
| Adaptability
(a definition meaning how easily a dog can adapt to changes in life) |
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| Shedding level
(Level and frequency of hair loss in the animal) |
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| Tenderness level
(The level and amount of tenderness and affection that the dog gives in return for attention to itself) |
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| Exercise needs
(Dog's daytime activity level) |
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| Social need
(The required number of contacts of the dog with other animals, as well as people) |
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| Apartment content
(A factor that determines the level of noise and other inconveniences that a dog can deliver to owners in relation to the size of the apartment to the size of the dog) |
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| Grooming
(The number of bathing, brushing, and the number of professional grooming sessions required for the dog) |
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| Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment
(Features of the behavior of a dog in a society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment) |
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| Tendency to bark
(Tendency to bark and its frequency and volume) |
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| Health issues
(Potential health status of the dog) |
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| Territoriality
(The dog's tendency to protect his home, yard, or even his owner's car) |
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| Friendliness to cats
(The tendency towards tolerance for cats and decreased manifestation of hunting instincts) |
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| Intelligence
(The ability of the dog to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning!) |
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| Education and training
(The level of difficulty in training the dog to perform certain actions) |
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| Friendliness to children
(A factor that determines how friendly a dog is to children, whether he likes to play with them and tolerate some childish pranks) |
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| Game activity
(The concept is determined by its very name, and, as a rule, is found in almost all dogs) |
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| Observation
(The ability of a dog to detect the presence of a stranger on its territory) |
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| Friendliness to other dogs
(The tendency of the dog to find common language with his other relatives) |
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Photo of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog:
The history of the origin of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog
There is no reliable written information about the origin of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Many researchers are inclined to believe that this shepherd dog was bred by crossing dogs of the Spitz type. This was done to breed an ideal shepherd dog that could feel comfortable in the mountains, in other words, have the following characteristics: endurance, ability to endure cold, sufficient size. However, Russian experts believe that the Caucasian Shepherd comes from a group of dogs that lived in Tibet more than two thousand years ago. This opinion was formed on the basis that the mentioned dogs always accompanied the nomadic peoples who settled in the Caucasus. Be that as it may, one thing is clear: the dog was bred in an isolated mountainous region many centuries ago.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is considered to be the indigenous breed of the Caucasus, which was able to retain its basic instincts, which are clearly manifested both in puppyhood and in adulthood. Due to the fact that shepherd dogs of this breed are trainable, attentive and always guard their territory, they are considered one of the best. guard dogs. That is why Caucasian Shepherd Dogs were used as guard dogs throughout the former USSR. In North America, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have also earned a reputation as an excellent guard dog, which is why they are popular with most dog breeders.
According to Russian researchers, 70-80 percent of all Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are hybrids of St. Bernards and dogs of other breeds. The results of such a study led to the fact that in 1990 the European Registration Committee decided to register dogs of this breed only with the participation of a panel of specialists.
The nature of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Maintenance and care
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a thick coat and undercoat. At the same time, the undercoat is thin and soft, but the hair of the outer part is long and coarse. The Caucasian Shepherd does not have a soft or wavy coat. The length of the coat, however, can vary from short to long. Long-haired dogs have a mane around the neck that looks thick and fluffy. But dogs with medium-length hair do not have such a mane. At the same time, short-haired Caucasian shepherd dogs are very rare.
In order for the coat of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog to be healthy and beautiful, it must be combed at least twice a week. Once a year, the shepherd has a heavy molt. During this period, frequent combing and washing in warm water will help to deal with excessive hair loss and, of course, will reduce the amount of hair spreading around the house and furniture.
Training and education
Socialization, training, education, control - these are four important factors that any dog owner who has acquired a Caucasian Shepherd must adhere to. Your pet must take part in all family activities. You should definitely walk your dog at least two or three times a week, even if it is just a trip to the store. This is necessary, first of all, for the socialization of the animal. The pet must get used to the fact that he lives in society.
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs must be kept in a well-fenced yard. However, do not leave your dog unattended. Shepherd is one of those breeds that should never be released without a leash and kept on a chain. Dogs accustomed to guarding their territory, so they can show aggression towards a stranger, perceiving him as a potential intruder.
The learning process must be systematic. The coach must show firmness of character and perseverance. Dogs of this breed, as a rule, willingly make contact and are amenable to training. However, the independent nature of the Caucasian Shepherd often causes a lot of problems during training.
The difficulty in training also lies in the fact that Caucasian Shepherd Dogs reach maturity at about the age of three years. Before that, they feel like children, which somewhat complicates the learning process itself.
It must also be remembered that Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are very inquisitive. Therefore, the training process should be varied, otherwise the training will quickly get tired of the pet and become uninteresting. Excessive curiosity of a Caucasian sometimes causes various troubles, as a puppy can get into where it is not needed.
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have very acute hearing, so they quickly react to any sounds. But the acuteness of hearing caused the shepherd to often bark at night. Any rustle can cause a feeling of anxiety in a pet, which he will definitely report with the help of barking. These features must be carefully weighed by the potential owner of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Due to the fact that a Caucasian is a livestock guard from predators, he will selflessly guard your yard too ... even from a neighbor's dogs or cats!
Well socialized Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are very kind and gentle. They are sweet and charming. Pets of this breed get along well with children, show real loyalty.
Health and disease of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Some interesting facts
- Caucasian Shepherd females can produce offspring only once a year.
- The coat of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be gray, cream, fawn, tan, brownish, white, white with patches of gray, or brindle.
- Solid black, black and tan, or solid brown coat is undesirable. Avoid those breeders who claim that these colors are very rare and therefore even more valuable.
- Caucasian Shepherds shed twice a year, with a heavy shedding once a year, but with proper care, the coat can be kept under control.
Nurseries and breeders
We borrowed material from the wonderful site of our partners DOGCATFAN.COM about cats and dogs, the author dogcatfan