Caucasian Shepherd DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog descends from the old dogs of the Caucasus. For centuries, similar dogs have helped shepherds in the Caucasus Mountains protect their sheep from wolves and thieves. The breed spread from the Caucasus to the steppes of southern Russia.

Wikipedia notes that the modern breed was selected in the Soviet Union from around 1920. The dogs vary a great deal from one region to another: those from Azerbaijan are tall and lean, those from Dagestan smaller, and those from Chechnya and Ingushetia very massive.

How the breed developed

• Centuries – The dogs protect the flocks of the Caucasus from wolves and thieves.
• Around 1920 – Selection of the breed begins in the Soviet Union.
• 1930s – The breed appears at a Western show for the first time, in Germany.
• 23 August 1984 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 13 October 2010 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a huge, powerful and massive dog, with a dense coat that makes it look even bigger. The AKC says there are two types: the mountain type, with a long coat and a heavier body, and the steppe type, with a shorter coat and a lighter body.

General appearance

The oval, brown eyes have a serious, alert and curious expression. The thick, triangular ears hang down. The very hairy tail is carried in a sickle or curled. The long coat forms tufts on the ears, a mane on the neck and “trousers” on the back of the thighs.

Any solid, piebald or spotted colour is accepted, except black in any combination, blue and liver brown.

The AKC says it is extremely independent and intelligent, and obedience training can be difficult, but not impossible. Outdoors it is active, and indoors it is usually calm.

It is a serious guard dog that must not be taken lightly. It is very protective of its family and home, so having guests can be difficult.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it intensively as a puppy. This is the most important step for such a protective dog.
• Be calm and consistent. An unsure owner cannot control a dog like this.
• Use the lead and the fence. The AKC recommends always keeping it fenced in or on a lead.
• Ask a trainer for help. With such a powerful breed, a specialist's advice helps a great deal.

The AKC describes it as a low-energy dog, but with good stamina on walks and hikes. It is happy in a large yard with daily walks.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be very solid and high.
• It is not suitable for inexperienced owners.
• In summer, its dense coat makes it suffer in the heat.

Coat and skin care

Long-coated dogs need daily brushing, and short-coated ones less often. The undercoat sheds heavily during moulting periods. The nails grow quickly and must be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says most Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are healthy. As with any very large dog, two conditions are worth watching:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Wipe its mouth: it drools quite a lot.

The AKC recommends a food for giant breeds, suited to each life stage. The puppy should be given the breeder's food until at least 6 months of age.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Puppies need growth food suited to very large breeds.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• Two types. The mountain type has a long coat and a heavy body, while the steppe type has a short coat and a lighter body.
• It varies from region to region. Dogs from Azerbaijan, Dagestan and Chechnya look quite different.
• Calm indoors. The AKC says that, although it is active outdoors, it is usually calm indoors.
• Gentle with “its own”. It is gentle and devoted to its family and the family's animals.
• Many names. It is also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka or the Caucasus Shepherd.

How big does a Caucasian Shepherd Dog get?

Males preferably measure 72–75 cm and weigh at least 50 kg; females 67–70 cm and at least 45 kg.

Is it suitable for a family?

It is gentle with the family, but very protective. It needs an experienced owner.

Is it easy to train?

No. It is very independent, and training requires patience and experience.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 10–12 years.