About the breed
Faithful, strong and courageous, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a formidable family protector, raised to care for herds and defend the home of wild predators in the wild Caucasus Mountains.
Not every dog is able to withstand the wolf, the Caucasian shepherd is included in the list of daredevils, whose forces are to defeat the predator. No wonder the Caucasian shepherd is often called the Caucasian wolfhound.
Caucasian Shepherd
The size and weight of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are quite large, and due to their very thick and lush coat, these dogs sometimes seem really huge.
The minimum weight of a purebred male Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 50 kg. However, most dogs do not stop at such modest indicators, often exceeding the mark of 70, and sometimes even 100 kg with a height of 70-75 cm. Females are lower and thinner than males: the minimum permissible weight of a female is 45 kg, with a height of 67-70 cm or more. But, as in any rule, there are also exceptions.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Caucasus Mountains (Russia, Georgia, Armenia)
- Size: Large to Giant
- Weight: Males 110-220 lbs (50-100 kg), Females 100-180 lbs (45-82 kg)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat Type: Thick, dense, double coat (short, medium, or long)
- Colors: Various shades of gray, fawn, red, or brindle with possible white markings
- Temperament: Fearless, protective, independent, and loyal
- Grooming Needs: Moderate to high; regular brushing, especially during shedding
- Exercise Needs: Moderate; requires daily walks and space to roam
- Best For: Experienced dog owners, rural or spacious environments, families seeking a strong guardian
The standard of the breed
The size and weight of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are quite large, and due to their very thick and lush coat, these dogs sometimes seem really huge.
The minimum weight of a purebred male Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 50 kg. However, most dogs do not stop at such modest indicators, often exceeding the mark of 70, and sometimes even 100 kg with a height of 70-75 cm. Females are lower and thinner than males: the minimum permissible weight of a female is 45 kg, with a height of 67-70 cm or more. But, as in any rule, there are also exceptions.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog normally perceives children in its family, but nevertheless, given the size and specifics of the dog, it is better not to leave too small children alone with these pets.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog coexists peacefully with other pets, however, large dogs are often perceived as rivals for territory, so the relationship may not work out or he will try to gain control over them in every possible way.
However, he shows favor and patronage towards miniature dogs. He is extremely wary of strangers and strange animals.
Physical qualities
The skull is flat, triangular in shape. The muzzle is large, elongated. The stop is moderate.
Ears of medium size, set high, hanging with rounded tips, close to the cheekbones.
The eyes are rounded and widely spaced. The iris color ranges from golden amber to dark brown and harmonizes with the color of the coat.
The teeth are massive and strong. The jaws are powerful and strong. “Scissor” bite.
Body of graceful athletic build, slightly elongated. The neck is of medium length without dewlap, dense with strongly developed muscles. The back is straight, powerful and deep. The chest is strong and spacious. The ribs are slightly elastic, without noticeable rounding.
The hair root is short, dense with a glossy sheen. The color can be of different tones, from light brown to bright copper. Black is possible on the ears and muzzle, as well as white spots on the chest and legs.
The front legs are regular, rather bony. The hind limbs are stronger than the forelimbs, rather athletic build. The paws are small, similar to those of a cat with curved toes.
Les couleurs acceptables incluent tout uni (sauf le noir et le bleu), tout tacheté et tout pie. Le plus souvent, les « Caucasiens » sont de couleur rouge, gris, bringé et blanc. La présence d’un « masque » sombre sur le museau est acceptable, mais pas obligatoire.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
FCI
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs – Molossoids – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.2: Molossoids mountain type.
What to expect when taking care of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
Nature has rewarded the Caucasian Shepherd with good health, but the owner must constantly monitor the condition of the animal.
The following diseases are inherent in the Caucasian Shepherd breed:
- Cardiovascular diseases – often large males with high weight suffer from heart failure.
- Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease inherent in all representatives of large breeds. This is a pathology of the joints, which takes various forms during development. In critical cases, it leads to immobility.
- Obesity is one of the most common problems that this dog faces.
When caring for a Caucasian Shepherd, the thick and shaggy coat, which often gets tangled, requires increased attention. The rest of the grooming procedures are the same as for other dogs:
- The coat is combed 2-4 times a week, avoiding the formation of knots. During the shedding period, comb daily.
- The eyes are cleaned 2-4 times a week with a decoction of chamomile or special drops.
- The ears are examined and cleaned 1-2 times in 7-10 days, but in spring and summer, an examination is carried out every day for ear mites.
- Partial grooming is carried out on the legs and paws with periodic frequency.
- Teeth are brushed once a week.
- Nails are cut monthly.
- They bathe only with strong pollution or once a month.
To meet the Caucasian Shepherd’s physical and mental exercise needs, you should schedule time for 60 minutes of activity or 1.5 to 2 kilometers of walking during the day.
This is a family-friendly dog that enjoys daily walks. When its exercise needs are met regularly, the active Caucasian Shepherd, who loves to go for walks outside, will be docile, calm and quiet at home.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large dog and therefore its ideal environment is the yard and garden. Its thick coat provides excellent protection against heat and cold.
When kept outdoors, these dogs should have large and spacious kennels or enclosures. Apartment living conditions are not suitable for the comfortable existence of such a large dog in such a confined space. If there are no other conditions for keeping it, you should first take care of a decent and spacious sleeping place.
Character and behavior
Although it is believed that this breed is aggressive in nature, the truth is that the Caucasian Shepherd is a very balanced and generally calm dog. It is very loyal to its owner, but it will have to earn its trust and respect. This breed shows great bravery and security, so it is able to make good decisions in all situations.
His intelligence is another point to consider, because it helps him to discern whether or not to trust a stranger, although his natural tendency is to be wary. He can be territorial and aggressive within his property, which is why he needs a qualified person to treat him, understand him and educate him.
The Caucasian shepherd is a dog who will only accept as owner capable of showing leadership and balance, so it is very important to earn their respect from the first moment. It is a very protective dog, very attached to its family, which will defend all its members in the way it deems appropriate.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1931 and is the 8th most popular dog breed out of 194.
- Rottweilers are surprisingly sensitive and can experience feelings of separation.
- In the Middle Ages, some merchants traveled with a Rottweiler who carried gems and money in a purse tied around his neck.
- Rottweilers were one of the first guide dogs.
- A Rottweiler named Stinky was inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame in 2011 for saving the life of a former soldier by supporting him through PTSD.
- The Rottweiler breed was a popular police dog during World War I.
- Rottweilers tend to overeat (just like Labradors) and can become overweight if their food intake is not controlled.
Price and budget
Here’s an overview of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog prices and estimated annual maintenance costs across various countries:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €1,000 | €3,000 | €1,500 | €3,000 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500 | CAD 4,000 | CAD 1,800 | CAD 3,500 |
| Belgium | €1,200 | €3,500 | €1,600 | €3,200 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,500 | CHF 4,000 | CHF 2,000 | CHF 3,500 |
| USA | $1,500 | $4,500 | $1,800 | $3,500 |
| Germany | €1,200 | €3,500 | €1,400 | €3,000 |
Explanation:
- Purchase Price: The cost of acquiring a Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy from a reputable breeder. Prices depend on the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s pedigree, and location.
- Mini: The lower end of the price range, typically for standard-quality dogs.
- Maxi: The upper end, usually for show-quality or champion bloodline dogs.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: This includes food, grooming, veterinary care, insurance, and general upkeep.
- Mini: Basic care, assuming standard food, occasional vet visits, and general care.
- Maxi: High-end food, regular vet visits, insurance, and extra grooming or training costs.
Due to the large size and strong nature of the Caucasian Shepherd, maintenance costs are generally higher than for smaller breeds. These estimates can vary based on specific health needs and lifestyle choices.
History of the breed
The ancestors of this breed could have been the dogs that used the Roman legions to guide and protect their cattle when they crossed the Alps. In the Middle Ages, in Rottweil, Germany, these dogs crossed with local sheepdogs to create the “Rottweiler Metzgerhund”, that is to say the dog Rottweil of the butcher.
Butchers used these dogs to guide and protect their cattle when they wandered from city to city. In the. XIX, the transfer of cattle to Germany was prohibited and the Rottweilers suffered a sharp decline until 1914, when they were reused, this time for the war, where they could demonstrate their physical and mental capacities.