| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Caucasian Shepherd is a breed worth knowing.
Some experts say that the Caucasian Shepherd has inherited two personalities: on one hand a calm and quiet personality and, on the other hand, an aggressive and fierce personality. The first one allows it to integrate perfectly into family life, although it will never be excessively affectionate. In addition, it will always need its own space. While the second one comes to light when intruders threaten it or its family circle.
The Caucasian Shepherd is a large, muscular, robust, and strong dog that fears nothing and no one.
Definitely, it is not a breed for everyone. It should always be trained carefully, without aggressiveness or violent ways, because the dog could react accordingly. The Caucasian Shepherd should not be treated as a submissive, but as a companion, a friend. The owner, with firmness and perseverance, must build a trusting and mutually respectful relationship with the dog. This is the only way to get a loyal dog that will care about your family.
The Caucasian Shepherd is truly a beautiful dog with many great qualities, but it needs someone who is eager to discover them.
Caucasian Shepherd: Origins
The history of the Caucasian Shepherd is uncertain and it is still the center of numerous debates. There is no written evidence of its origins.
The most established theory is that the Caucasian Shepherd derives from different dog breeds, which lived in a vast area of the Caucasus Mountains, a natural region located on the border between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. These breeds were used for the defense of livestock, against thieves and predators.
The selection of this breed started in the area of the former Soviet Union. The purpose was to obtain dogs suitable to be used as guards on the borders and in military structures. The selection reinforced characteristics of the breed such as physical strength, determination, great endurance and courage.
The Caucasian Shepherd was recognized as a breed in the mid-20th century, in Russia, and in 1984 by the FCI. The first specimens of this dog breed have been a valuable aid to the armies of the Tsar, because, thanks to the thick and waterproof coat, they were able to withstand very harsh climatic conditions.
The first official registration of the breed dates back to 1952. In that year, the states of the former Soviet Union met to make a list of the races present in the area, and to select those that would be recognized. A few years later, the first training school for the development of this breed was created.
In general, this breed has always kept its main characteristics since its creation. The Caucasian Shepherd became popular in Europe,especially in Germany and the Netherlands, at the end of the 20th century.
Caucasian Shepherd: Physical Characteristics
The Caucasian Shepherd belongs to the group of giant-sized dogs. Female Caucasian Shepherd Dogs stand at 26-28 inches (67-70cm) and weigh around 99 lb (45kg). Male Caucasian Shepherd Dogs stand at 28-30 inches (72-75 cm) and easily weigh more than 110 lb (50 kg).
This breed has a very robust build, with a well-developed and powerful bone structure. The back of the Caucasian Shepherd is broad and the limbs are straight, strong and agile. The head is large, massive, and broad in cheekbones.
The nose is dark and it does not proceed the muzzle outline. The eyes are small, oval in shape, dark, deep-set and expressive. The ears are high and wide set. They hang gracefully if they were not cropped. The tail hangs down and it is sickle-shaped.
Caucasian Shepherd: Types
The Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are double coated, with the undercoat being fine and soft, while the outer coat is coarse and longer. They can be gray, fawn, red, cream, tan, and even solid white. Coats may also be brindle or have large patches of two or more colors. They often have white markings on the body and a dark mask around the face. However, the Caucasian Shepherd coat is never black. There are three coat lengths seen in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs:
- Short
- Long with mane
- Long without mane
The short-haired variety needs basic grooming, while the other two varieties need more extensive grooming to avoid annoying matting.
Caucasian Shepherd: Health
The Caucasian Shepherd is a fairly robust dog breed that is in general in good health. However, it is important to protect it from Canine Cardiopulmonary Filariasis, a disease transmitted from one dog to another through mosquito bites. This causes the death of the animal.
Another deadly threat to these dogs, as well as to other breeds is the processionary caterpillar. The caterpillars are covered in poisonous hairs with a toxin that is devastating for dogs who put their noses near them. Eventually, the dog can’t breathe and dies. In most cases this doesn’t happen because they got to a vet in time, but the animal’s tongue where it has touched a caterpillar suffers necrosis.
It is not a breed suitable for apartment life, as the Caucasian Shepherd is a very active dog that needs open spaces to run, develop its muscles and burn its energy. Leaving it in small spaces would mean making it unhappy. Besides, it would become aggressive.
Caucasian Shepherd: Temperament
The Caucasian Shepherd is a wonderful but very particular dog. As we said before, this breed is not for everyone. Firstly, this dog is not easy to handle, and secondly, it is not suitable for apartment life.
It is a dog that needs large spaces. It needs to feel free. Spaces that are too small could frustrate and stress it. It may even become aggressive. It is a strong, brave and territorial dog breed.
The Caucasian Shepherd is one of the best guard dogs. In case of danger, it will not think twice about defending its people. A little thoughtful and reserved, it is a communicative dog with the people with whom it lives. It also likes to cuddle in its little bed and play with the children, but without overdoing it.
The Caucasian Shepherd is wary with strangers. This is a characteristic that is in its blood. Let’s remember that it is a guard dog that from its origins was used to protect livestock. This breed is always on alert. If someone doesn’t like it, it will show it by growling, demonstrating a state of restlessness and wagging its tail.
Caucasian Shepherd: Relationship With Other Animals
It is a proud and self-confident dog that independently evaluates the hazard. Generally it gets along well with other animals, unless they are of the same size and gender. If a smaller dog barks at it, it is very likely that our Caucasian Shepherd does not pay the slightest attention to it.
If it gets used to living with other animals, it will protect them fiercely as it will consider them as part of its family. The personality of the Caucasian Shepherd is transformed during the growing period.
As a puppy it is cute and playful. But you must train it from puppyhood, because as it gets older it will become more difficult to teach it what it needs to know. As early as 9 to 14 months of age, it quickly becomes a guard dog.
Caucasian Shepherd: Training And Relationship With Children
We already said that the Caucasian Shepherd is not a very easy dog to handle. It is certainly not suitable for everyone. Although it is a good playmate for children, it is important that they do not make it nervous.
It is better not to play with the dog too noisy or annoying games to avoid aggressive reactions. Due to its weight and physical strength, it may be an unintentionally dangerous playmate.
The Caucasian Shepherd is a dog with a very strong personality, so it is necessary to train it from a young age so that it respects family roles and hierarchies. Keep in mind, please, that training does not mean resorting to violence.
Caucasian Shepherd: The Ideal Owner
This breed needs a non-violent, determined, and firm owner who never shows weakness. Violence only nourishes its nature.
It should not be beaten when it misbehaves. It is good to know and remember that the Caucasian Shepherd does not fear man. Even during training, it could question the leadership of its owner. Therefore, the relationship between dog and master should be built on trust, not submission.
It is necessary to make sure that the dog sees its owner as a guide. The Caucasian Shepherd is also a dog that needs its own space, which must be respected.
It is important not to disturb it when it is eating or sleeping, as it may interpret these actions as an invasion of its space. However, if well-trained, the Caucasian Shepherd proves to be a loyal, good, and protective companion with its family.
Caucasian Shepherd: Price and Puppies For Sale
The Caucasian Shepherd’s price depends on its pedigree and physical characteristics. On average, a puppy of this breed costs 900-1300 dollars, about 800-1200 English pounds. However, you may find puppies at a lower or even a higher price. There are puppies that cost about 1700 dollars, or 1500 English pounds. And as always, we recommend you to go to a certified breeding establishment.
It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Sussex Spaniel
- Japanese Spitz
- Alabai
- Bullmastiff
- Newfoundland
- Irish Wolfhound
- Havanese
- English Mastiff
- Weimaraner
- Kai Ken
