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Caucasian Shepherd | Caucasian Shepherd Dog Breed Introduction
Caucasian Shepherd ( officially known as Caucasian Shepherd Dog ) is a large-sized livestock guardian dog bred from the Caucasus region, notably, Armkenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Russian republics Dagestan and North Ossetia. Other names for the Caucasian Shepherds include Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Mountain Dog, and Kavkazskaïa Ovtcharka. These are kind, soft, devoted, and endearing dogs to their families including family pets. However, when threat is present, Caucasian Shepherds are fearless, bold, fierce, and self-confident. Originally, they were used to guard livestock against large and small predators such as coyotes and wolves as well as protect properties from trespassers. Currently, they are used as watchdogs and companion pets. Typically, a Caucasian Shepherd is devoted to its family and wary of strangers
Caucasian Shepherd Origin
The Caucasian Shepherds originated from the countries native of the Caucasus region in Eastern Europe. The progenitors of this breed were used as livestock guardian dogs defending sheep from predators mainly human-sheep thieves, wolves, and coyotes. The evolution of the breed was influenced by the nations inhibiting the Caucasian region as well as natural selection. Therefore, there is a great variety of types among the Caucasian Shepherds depending on their home region.
For the last a hundred years, there have been two breed types and standards the Steppe type, has short coat and a lighter body mass and the mountain type has a heavier body mass and is long coated. Selective breeding of the Caucasian Shepherds began in the 1920s in the USSR. The qualities required for breeding included fearlessness, physical power, sharply developed hearing, self-confidence, good sight, as well as a dense and waterproof coat that have been cultivated in the process of selection. The endurance of the breed as well as the qualities allow people to use Caucasian Shepherd Dogs in all manner of climatic conditions. Caucasian Shepherds have been part of the AKC Foundation Stock Service since 1996.
Caucasian Shepherd Lifespan
The Caucasian Shepherds have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Caucasian Shepherd Grooming
The grooming needs of a Caucasian Shepherd depends on the coat types. Short-coated dogs need brushing once a week and daily brushing during the heavy shedding season in Spring. Whereas, long-coated Caucasian Shepherds need daily brushing to remove the loose hair and prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing helps to distribute the natural oils present on the skin to keep the coat glossy and healthy. Grooming also offers a great bonding time between the pet and the owner.
Caucasian Shepherds need a bath occasionally every 3 to 4 months unless they roll in something stinky. Owners should brush the coat between baths. Use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo and conditioner made for double-coated dogs. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the coat to avoid skin irritation. Use a damp washcloth to clean the eye corners. Trim the nails of a Caucasian Shepherd fortnightly using nail clippers and grinders to prevent overgrowth, cracking, and splitting.
Brush the teeth of Caucasian Shepherds at least twice a week if not daily to remove tartar build up using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess wax and debris. Wax buildup can result in an ear infection. While cleaning the ears, check out for signs of dog’s ear infection such as odor, redness, or debris.
Caucasian Shepherd Shedding
A Caucasian Shepherd sheds throughout the year at moderate levels and heavily once a year while experiencing seasonal change in Spring.
Caucasian Shepherd Coat
A Caucasian Shepherd has a coarse, straight, and stand-off coat with a well-developed undercoat. The longer coat forms a mane around the neck, brushes on the ears, and trousers on the back side of the thighs.
Caucasian Shepherd Hypoallergenic
A Caucasian Shepherd is not considered hypoallergenic. It has a moulting coat that sheds all-year round at moderate levels and heavily once a year. Shedding allows dander and fur to spread in the surroundings aggravating allergies. Apart from far and dander, Caucasian’s saliva. mucus, and urine also contain a protein allergen that triggers allergies.
Caucasian Shepherd Training
A Caucasian Shepherd is an intelligent dog. However, it has a stubborn streak that may make training difficult. They need a patient, firm, and consistent training. Owners should also assume pack leadership for a successful training. Caucasian Shepherds are able to reach their full potential since they know they are under the leadership of a respected, loving, and trusted leader who will do anything for the well-being of the entire pack.
Even though Caucasian Shepherds are kind, soft, and devoted with their family members, this is not the case with strangers. Therefore, owners should socialize the dogs from an early age to prevent unwanted shyness or aggression in public places. This training usually starts from an early age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the pup has already settled in its new home. However, it may a life long process with Caucasian Shepherds to ensure they mature to have a well-rounded temperament.
To socialize a Caucasian Shepherd, expose it to a wide variety of people, animals, situations, smell, surfaces, experiences, sight, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, washing machines, sirens, and whistles. Enrolling a Caucasian in a puppy class also serves as a form of socialization. These classes provides a controlled environment where puppies interact with each other. A puppy class is also beneficial to the Caucasian parent. It not only allows the pet parent to identify and correct bad habits such as resource guarding food and toys but also have access to training information and assistance.
Use positive reinforcements methods to encourage positive behaviors through the use of treats, toys, verbal praise, playtime, and petting. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as use of prong or choke collars, shoving, kicking, beating, and yelling. They are counterproductive. Keep the training sessions short, fun, and challenging for a span of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day to avoid boredom and distraction.
Start teaching basic command words like come, stay, wait, lie down, heel, drop it, etc. immediately a Caucasian joins your home. Proceed to the next command word once the pet is well-acquainted. Avoid issuing a command word while too excited or frustrated since it no longer sounds the same for your pet. Effectively housebreak Caucasian Shepherds by creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Temperament | Traits
- Self-confident.
- Fearless.
- Bold.
- Fierce.
- Kind.
- Soft.
- Intelligent.
- Devoted.
- Stubborn.
- Powerful.
- Alert.
- Wary of strangers.
- Dominant.
- Calm.
Caucasian Shepherd Exercise
This is a low-energy breed that should have a good endurance for hiking and walking. A Caucasian Shepherd is suitable for families that like daily walks and have a large yard. While exercising this breed, keep it contained such as on a leash while on walks and exercising in a secured yard.
Caucasian Shepherd Barking
A Caucasian Shepherd is not an overly vocal dog. However, it will alert the owner to any dangers with a loud bark in the middle of the night.
Caucasian Shepherd Height
A female Caucasian should have a height of 26.4 to 27.6 inches ( approx. 67 to 70 cm ) with a minimum height of 25.2 inches ( approx. 64 cm ) while the male Caucasians should have a height of 28.3 to 29.5 inches ( approx. 72 to 75 cm ) with a minimum height of 27 inches ( approx. 68 cm ).
Caucasian Shepherd Weight
A female Caucasian has a weight of 100 pounds ( approx. 45 kg ) while the male counterpart has a weight of 110 pounds ( approx. 50 kg ).
Caucasian Shepherd Size
A Caucasian Shepherd is a large-sized guard dog. However, a male Caucasian is slightly bigger than its female counterpart in terms of height and weight. A male Caucasian has a height of 28.3 to 29.5 inches ( approx. 72 to 75 cm ) and a weight of 110 pounds ( approx. 50 kg ) while a female Caucasian has a height of 26.4 to 27.6 inches ( approx. 67 to 70 cm ) and a weight of 100 pounds ( approx. 45 kg ).
Caucasian Shepherd Angry | Attack | Aggressive
A Caucasian Shepherd is a guard dog that is protective of its territory. They are also wary of strangers. When they perceive a threat they are fierce, bold, self-confident, and fearless which may easily turn into aggression. Socialization training is key to prevent aggressive behavior or shyness in new situations.
Caucasian Shepherd Bite Force
A Caucasian Shepherd has a bite force of between 550 to 700 PSI.
Caucasian Shepherd Health Issues
A Caucasian Shepherd is a relatively healthy breed. However, it may suffer from certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems like entropion and cataracts, obesity, and heart problems.
Apart from Caucasian Shepherds, other dog breeds include:
Caucasian Shepherd Names
A Caucasian owner may decide to get a name for the pet before it joins them home from the breeder or days after the pet settles home to ensure they understand the personality of a particular dog. Owners may get name inspirations from the Caucasus heritage of the breed, coat color and texture, personality, celebrity Caucasian Shepherds, movies, books, songs, historical figures, or nature.
Regardless of where the Caucasian owner sources the name, he or she should ensure the name freely rolls off the tongue and will not make them embarrassed if uttered out loud in the public places. Caucasian Shepherds and other dog breeds better understand names that have vowels. Avoid giving your pooch a name that rhymes with the command word to avoid confusion.
If the parent settles with a long name, he or she should ensure they find a cute nickname for the pooch. If a Caucasian Shepherd shares a name with any family member or guest who frequent the home it may cause chaos. Some of the names that Caucasian owners give to their pets include:
- Dylan.
- Oscar.
- Sadie.
- Scarlet.
- Maya.
- Bella.
- Rogue.
- Luna.
- Liev.
- Mate.
- Levan.
- Missy.
- Honey.
- Gizmo, etc.
Caucasian Shepherd Food
The amount of food that a Caucasian feeds on depends on its age, activity level, metabolism, size, and body build. Puppies tend to eat small portions of food 3 or 4 times a day due to high metabolism rates from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, Caucasian Shepherds should feed on a total two meals a day. Remember to watch weight level and calorie consumption to avoid overfeeding especially with treats.
Caucasian Shepherd may feed on dry food, wet food, home made, or a raw diet depending on the budget and time of the pet parent. Although, they should avoid kibbles with low-quality ingredients since they are not digestible. Regardless of the food type, parents should ensure that food is unique to the digestive needs throughout the various phases of life. If a Caucasian parent decides to feed the pet with the commercial dry or wet food, he or she should ensure the first three ingredients are proteins from a known source.
The commercial dog food should neither contain preservatives, chemicals, additives, meat by-products, generic meat products, nor fillers. The same goes to the snacks. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for extra large puppies, adults, and senior depending on the age of your Caucasian. Check the physique of your fur baby to tell whether it is overweight or underweight.
If you can see the ribs, chances are the dog is underweight. However, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, a Caucasian has an ideal weight. If the ribs can’t be felt, the pet is overweight and should be exercised. Pet owners who want to switch to another quality food should continue with the breeder’s food until the age of 6 months, unless they have a compelling reason to change before then. After the age of 6 months, gradually change the food type over a period of one month by mixing both new food and old food. As the weeks progresses, the amount of old food reduces as the new food increases until the Caucasian is only feeding on new food during the fourth week.
Caucasian Shepherd White | Colors
A Caucasian Shepherd can have any solid color, spotted, or piebald color except liver brown, solid black, black in any combination, diluted black, or genetic blue. Some of the colors that Caucasian Shepherds have include cream, white, rust, fawn, and grey.
Caucasian Shepherd Teeth
A Caucasian Shepherd has a total of 42 white, healthy, and strong teeth. Although, puppies have a total of 28 milk teeth that start falling out from the age of 12 weeks as the adult teeth erupts beneath them.
How Much Are Caucasian Shepherd
The cost of Caucasian Shepherd puppies is between $1000 to $3000.
Are Caucasian Shepherds Dangerous | Aggressive
When a Caucasian Shepherd perceives a threat it is bold, fierce, self-confident, and fearless which may easily turn into aggression.
Are Caucasian Shepherds Good Family Dogs
Yes. Caucasian Shepherds are kind, devoted, soft, and endearing to their families as well as other family pets.
Caucasian Shepherds Quick Facts
- Despite their imposing physical appearance, Caucasian Shepherds have low energy levels.
- It is wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs.
- They are independent and stubborn pets that need a firm, patient, and consistent training.
