Caucasian Shepherd Dog Breed Characteristics, Health, Facts
The Caucasian Shepherd, also known as Caucasian Ovcharka, Kavkazskaïa Ovtcharka, or Caucasian Mountain Dog, is a fearless and intimidating dog breed that is sweet and loving towards its family. The Caucasian Shepherd is one of the breeds that doesn’t often come to the most dog owner’s minds when it comes to adoption. Due to their large size, with some individuals weighing up to 170 pounds, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is not a breed suitable for everyone.
However, if you have already made up your mind about it, keep reading this blog. Today, in this guide, I’ve explained everything about Caucasian Shepherd dogs. From Caucasian Shepherd size and grooming needs to their health issues and cost, you will learn so many things about this cute and fluffy dog breed.
Table of Contents
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Overview
Breed Group: Caucasian Shepherd (Caucasian Ovcharka)
Origin: Caucasus
Height: 23 to 30 inches
Weight: 99 to 170 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Coat: long, medium, short
Coat colors: Brown / chocolate / liver, cream, fawn, gray, red, and white
Temperament: Aloof, gentle, protective, and territorial
Needs for Grooming: High
Hypoallergenic: No
History
What is a Caucasian Shepherd?
To know this, we have to look into its origin.
- These canines were from the Caucasus Mountains of Eastern Europe, giving them the popular name Caucasian Shepherd Dog or Caucasian Ovcharka.
- Originally bred for protecting homes and herding hers, today, this breed is one of the favorite pets around the globe.
- The lineage of the Caucasian Shepherd can be easily traced back to the ancient Molosser breeds commonly found in the regions of the Caucasus Mountains.
- These dogs have robust physiques and fearless nature, making them unique from the other breeds.
- And over time, these canines evolved and adapted to various environmental challenges.
FUN FACT
Caucasian Shepherd dogs are sometimes also called “Russian bear dogs” or “giant bear dogs” ; they have a long history of helping people to hunt bears.
Appearance
How big is a Caucasian Shepherd?
- Caucasian Shepherd is a large dog breed, but they’re so lovable and friendly. So, don’t judge them by their enormous appearance.
- As you can see in the above picture, these canines have a muscular build with a large head and triangular ears.
- They have oval eyes in black and brown colors and a curled, high-set tail.
- When it comes to their height, males are obviously bigger than females.
How big does a Caucasian Shepherd get?
Here is the full grown Caucasian Shepherd dog weight and height table:
| Caucasian Shepherd Growth Chart | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Male Height | Male Weight | Female Height | Female Weight |
| 1 month | 9.4 to 10.3 inches | 8 to 15 pounds | 9 to 9.8 inches | 8 to 12 pounds |
| 2 months | 13.3 to 16.1 inches | 28 to 42 pounds | 12.5 to 15.7 inches | 25 to 37 pounds |
| 3 months | 17.7 to 19.7 inches | 39 to 71 pounds | 16.9 to 18.9 inches | 33 to 62 pounds |
| 4 months | 20.9 to 23.3 inches | 55 to 110 pounds | 20 to 22.8 inches | 43 to 88 pounds |
| 5 months | 22.8 to 25.2 inches | 77 to 125 pounds | 21.6 to 24 inches | 60 to 94 pounds |
| 6 months | 24.8 to 27.2 inches | 88 to 130 pounds | 23.6 to 25.6 inches | 63 to 99 pounds |
| 7 months | 25.9 to 28 inches | 93 to 133 pounds | 24.4 to 25.9 inches | 70 to 104 pounds |
| 8 months | 27.1 to 30 inches | 97 to 138 pounds | 24.8 to 26.7 inches | 72 to 107 pounds |
| 9 months | 27.5 to 29.9 inches | 99 to 141 pounds | 25.1 to 27.6 inches | 76 to 112 pounds |
| 10 months | 27.9 to 30.3 inches | 101 to 145 pounds | 25.5 to 28.4 inches | 80 to 120 pounds |
| 11 months | 28.3 to 30.7 inches | 105 to 150 pounds | 25.9 to 28.7 inches | 85 to 128 pounds |
| 12 months | 28.3 to 31.5 inches | 110 to 155 pounds | 26.3 to 29.5 inches | 88 to 133 pounds |
Coat Colors
The Caucasian Shepherd has a straight, coarse, double coat of any length. The outer coat is dense and weather-resistant, while the undercoat is soft and insulating.
These beautiful canines are available in various coat colors, including:
- Brown/Chocolate
- Gray
- Black
- Fawn
- Red
- White
- Cream
- Brindle, and combinations of these.
Characteristics and Temperament
- Caucasian Shepherd is a fearless dog known for its unwavering loyalty, courage, and independence.
- These dogs are intelligent and have territorial instincts, making them excellent guards and watchdogs.
- They will never leave their family in any dangerous condition and will try to protect them at any cost.
- However, they lack socialization and interaction with people and pets. This is why early socialization and proper training are essential.
- And once they get these two things, along with love, they become excellent family dogs.
- Caucasian Shepherd dog temperament is good and behaves well around kids and other pets, but supervision is still required.
| Caucasian Shepherd Characteristic Table | |
|---|---|
| Affection Level | Medium |
| Friendliness | Low |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | Low |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | Low |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Low |
| Amount of Shedding | High |
Health and Nutrition
As pet parents, we always worry about the health and well-being of our dogs, and the same thing goes for Caucasian Shepherd puppies. While generally considered a robust breed, Caucasian Shepherd dogs are susceptible to certain health issues, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems (entropion and ectropion)
These two are the major health concerns; otherwise, the Caucasian Shepherd is considered a healthy breed. This is why discussing these things with your breeder while purchasing is recommended.
This is why giving your pup a balanced diet tailored to their age, activity level, and overall health is vital.
So, how much should you feed a Caucasian Shepherd?
Here is how much nutrition a Caucasian Shepherd needs on a daily basis:
| Age | Daily Recommended Food Intake |
|---|---|
| Puppies (8-12 weeks old) | 1 cup of high-quality puppy food, divided into three meals |
| Puppies (12-16 weeks old) | 1.5 cups of high-quality puppy food, divided into three meals |
| Puppies (16-20 weeks old) | 2 cups of high-quality puppy food, divided into three meals |
| Junior Dogs (5-12 months old) | 2.5-3 cups of high-quality adult dog food, divided into two meals |
| Adult Dogs (1-7 years old) | 2.5-3 cups of high-quality adult dog food, divided into two meals |
| Senior Dogs (7+ years old) | 2-2.5 cups of high-quality senior dog food, divided into two meals |
Exercise and Training
- Even though Caucasian Mountain Dogs are large breeds, they still don’t need as many exercise requirements as other large canines.
- These canines require daily exercise routines like walking or hiking.
- These dogs are about 170 pounds, so these outdoor activities can keep them in shape.
- However, put your Caucasian dog on a leash and in a fenced area, as they can run behind other pets and moving vehicles.
How to train Caucasian Shepherd dog?
- The Caucasian Shepherd Dog usually stays calm and friendly, but due to their protective nature and high instincts, they sometimes become aggressive.
- Here comes the training for Caucasian Ovcharka.
- To get these fearless canines under control, work on early socialization and proper training is required.
- Always use positive reinforcement training methods and stay patient while giving them commands and instructions.
- These dogs are quite intelligent, so they will learn everything quickly.
Grooming Needs
- After reading about the gorgeous thick double coat and coat colors, you may have already guessed that the Caucasian Ovcharka dogs need high grooming.
- To prevent matting and tangles, you have to brush their coats on a regular basis, which is about at least 1–2 times a week.
- However, you need to brush them daily during their shedding period, which is only once a year (spring and fall).
- Remember only to use a mild shampoo while bathing your Caucasian Shepherd puppy.
- Also, visit professional groomers for teeth and ear cleaning to prevent infection and maintain hygiene.
Are Caucasian Shepherds hypoallergenic?
No, Caucasian Shepherd dogs are not hypoallergenic. These canines are heavy shedders throughout the year, which can trigger severe allergies. So, if you’re sensitive to dog fur, this breed is not suitable for you!
Price
How much is a Caucasian Shepherd?
On average, the Caucasian Shepherd dog price can range from $1,200 to $3,000. However, the cost mainly depends on the breeder’s reputation, location, and coat colors.
If you want a puppy at an affordable price, type ‘Caucasian Shepherd dog for sale’ on Google. This will provide you with options from the best breeders located near you. You can also get a Caucasian Shepherd puppy from rescue centers and adoption clubs.
Life Span
On average, the Caucasian Shepherd’s lifespan is about 10 to 12 years when provided with a healthy diet and a happy environment for living. These canines need proper care in their teenage years.
FAQs
Where are Caucasian Shepherds from?
Caucasian Shepherds, also known as Caucasian Ovcharka, are from the Caucasus Mountains, which span Eastern Europe and Western Asia. These canines were initially bred to guard homes and livestock from wolves, bears, and other predators.
When do Caucasian Shepherds stop growing?
Caucasian Ovcharka usually stops growing around 18-24 months old. However, their overall development, such as muscle mass and weight, typically continues until they’re 3 years old.
Is Caucasian Shepherd dog dangerous?
Caucasian Shepherds have an excellent temperament but are known for their territorial nature and protective instincts. These powerful canines are large and possess great strength, which can easily scare anyone. This is why early socialization and proper training are required; without them, the Caucasian Shepherd can be a dangerous breed.
Final Thoughts
The Caucasian Shepherd dog is known for its loyalty and independence. With their large size and fearless personalities, these canines are fantastic guard dogs. However, this breed isn’t for new pet parents who need early socialization and consistent training. So, if you’re an experienced dog owner who can understand their temperament and requirements, the Caucasian Ovcharka will be the perfect family dog for you.
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