The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a great family defender because of its loyalty, strength, and courage. In the Caucasus Mountains, they were bred to protect their flocks and their homes from wild predators. In addition to CO, they're also known as Russian Bear Dogs, Baskhan (Karachay) Pariy, Caucasian Ovcharka Dogs or just CO.
Bears and wolves have little fear of this enormous breed, which is fiercely protective of its territory. It can be tough to teach Caucasian Shepherd Dogs because of their obstinate and independent temperament. If not controlled by a skilled teacher, their innate fear of strangers and other animals might lead to aggressive behaviour.
Despite the fact that Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are rather low-energy dogs, their large size makes them unsuitable for apartment life or families with small children. The good news is that a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be an excellent watchdog, family pet, and even therapy dog with the right amount of training and socialisation!
While Caucasian Shepherd Dogs may not appeal to first-time dog owners, experienced, patient, and consistent trainers will be rewarded with gentle love and affection that will make them wonderful lifelong family members. Caucasian Shepherd Dog traits are detailed below!
Highlights
- A variety of breeds were developed to meet the demands of shepherds in the Caucasus Mountains because the terrain is so large and varied. However, most kennel groups consider the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs from Georgia to be the breed standard.
- Every year, female Caucasian Shepherd Dogs give birth to a litter of puppies.
- Sheepdogs of the Caucasus However, despite their fierceness as protectors of their domain, dogs are rather low-energy animals. With adequate food and activity, weight increase is a high possibility.
- In the Soviet Union, this breed was used to guard prisoners and to breed new military breeds in military kennels.
- The Berlin Wall's border was guarded by dogs of the Caucasian Shepherd breed in East Germany. When the Berlin Wall came down, German families were given pets to live out the remainder of their lives with.
- Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are one of the oldest Molosser breeds still in existence. Archaeological evidence points to a Mesopotamian origin for them.
- Sheep of Caucasian Race In addition to three lengths, dog coats are available in a wide range of colours. Their thick coats shed a lot, but even in the coldest temperatures, they stay warm thanks to their thick coats.
- Even though Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are typically wary of strangers and don't get along with other animals, good training can make them friendly and affectionate, and some have even become therapy dogs.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
80 to 220 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
24 to 34 inches
History
Herding, guarding, and defending settlements and herds in Eastern Europe's Kavkaz (also known as the Caucasus) mountain region is the heritage of the old Caucasian Shepherd Dog breed. Studies show that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a distant descendant of the Balkan Sheepdog and the Asian Mastiff, two closely related breeds. It wasn't long before the Caucasian Shepherd Dog was bred for its powerful attributes such as confidence and courage as well as its ability to hear and see clearly. It has been recognised as a member of the Guardian Dog Group by the United Kennel Club since 1995 and as a member of the Foundation Stock Service by the American Kennel Club since 1996.
Personality & Temperament
Even-tempered, quiet, and confident are all characteristics of a well-trained Caucasian Shepherd. This breed is well-known for forming strong bonds with its owners and being fiercely protective of both. Long prized for their alertness and bravery in the field, these characteristics persist in the breed today. When provoked, they can be highly defensive while patrolling their territory and barking loudly at prospective threats. They are apprehensive of strangers and can be dangerous if not properly trained.
The barking of a Caucasian Shepherd may be deafening, especially at night, so if you live in close proximity to your neighbours, you should think twice before getting one. In spite of their dedication to protecting children and animals, the Caucasian Shepherd should never be trusted with little animals or children because of their immense strength and inability to recognise their own power.
Care
It's not necessary for Caucasian shepherds to have a lot of activity, but they do need to be properly trained and socialised from an early age. Due to their size, their grooming can take a long time, but it's not difficult.
Health
For a huge breed of dog, an average lifespan of 10-12 years, they tend to have a pretty good life expectancy. Dogs with these conditions are regarded to be more susceptible to them than other breeds.
Bloat
Large-breed dogs are more likely to suffer from GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus) or "Bloat," a potentially fatal ailment. If a veterinarian does not intervene quickly, a dog may succumb to its injuries within a matter of hours.
The resulting buildup of air in the stomach is what causes the abdomen to 'bloat' in an affected dog. Drooling and panting are warning signs, as is an obviously distended abdomen.
Cataracts
Opacity in the lens of the eye will result in various degrees of visual impairment. Is surgery a cure-all?
Hip Dysplasia
This is a long-term problem that affects the dog's hip joints. The dog's hips will develop arthritic if they are not formed appropriately. Animals with this condition will have movement issues and joint pain.
For this disease, weight loss and activity management, as well as the use of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, are usually prescribed as part of a multi-modal treatment plan. As a medical condition, fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that will never be cured. Some applicants may be a good candidate for total hip replacement or other orthopaedic surgery.
Recommended Health Test
- Hip X-Rays
- Eye Examination
Nutrition
Keep your dog's water supply clean at all times. Also, make sure your dog is eating a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet. It's common to feed two meals a day to large breeds, and a large-breed feeder is excellent. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to the food your pet is eating. To avoid overeating, keep a close eye on snacks and other pleasures.
Grooming
The Caucasian shepherd's coat length can vary. For dogs with shorter hair, brushing only needs to be done once or twice a week. For dogs with longer coats, brushing may be necessary as often as once per day to remove loose hairs and avoid mats and tangles. You'll need to brush your dog more frequently during times of heavier shedding, usually in the spring and fall.
Depending on how dirty your dog gets, you should plan to bathe him or her around once a month. Also, be sure to cut your pet's nails on a monthly basis. Look for wax buildup, debris, and any other abnormalities in its ears at least once each week. And don't forget to brush its teeth daily.
In addition, this breed is known for its excessive drooling. If your dog drools on the floor, furniture, or anything else, you'll want to have a towel on hand to wipe it up.
Exercise
You should aim to give your dog at least an hour of activity a day in the form of walks, romping about a yard or playing fetch, hiking, and so on. Playing with puzzles and other mental stimuli can also be beneficial.
Although this isn't a high-energy breed, it still has a reasonable amount of stamina if you enjoy lengthy walks or hiking trips. It is imperative that you keep your Caucasian shepherd under control at all times because of its protective attitude and the potential for violence toward strangers and other dogs.
Training
When it comes to training, the Caucasian shepherd is intelligent, but it can also be stubborn and strong-willed. Dogs should be started on both training and socialisation at an early age, as soon as they are small enough.
Training should always be done in a way that promotes good behaviour. It's also important to be consistent and firm in your commands, so your dog learns that it can't break the rules. Professional dog trainers and behaviourists may help new dog owners learn how to properly educate and socialise their new pets and calm the breed's protective instinct, which can lead to aggression if left unchecked, in the process.
Children and Other Pets
If Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are properly socialised from an early age, they can be wonderful pets for families and even children. They are naturally wary of strangers, even to the point of hostility, and do not get along with other dogs unless they have been properly socialised. Visits from little children will necessitate a slow and careful introduction with a trusted adult present. In addition, unless reared with other dogs, Caucasian Shepherds tend to be possessive and aggressive toward them.
These animals have a tendency to become aggressive toward children because of their innate herding instincts, which might lead them to view any rough play as an attack on their human family members and behave accordingly. A Caucasian Shepherd Dog will not hesitate to defend their family and house from perceived threats because of their breed's imposing nature. To avoid problems, children should be closely monitored while playing with the dog and given instruction on how to properly interact with animals.
Caucasian Shepherds can be dangerous even if they are well-trained, so it's necessary to keep an eye on them to avoid damage. This breed may be best suited for families with older children and no other pets.
Puppies
Your puppy will develop quickly, so be prepared for that. To accommodate your pup's growth, you may need to have larger crates, beds, and collars accessible. This includes making sure your home has a safe, puppy-proof area for your pet. Anything that could pose a danger to the puppy or anything you don't want to see damaged should be removed.
Dogs similar to Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are closely related to the Tibetan Mastiff, the Irish Wolfhound, and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Tibetan Mastiff
In terms of size, Tibetan mastiffs and Russian bear dogs are similar. In addition, both breeds were designed to be protective and difficult to train. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are better suited to homes with older children and adults.
Irish Wolfhound
Another large dog breed is the Irish Wolfhound. They can get as heavy as 100 pounds, just like the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The average height of an Irish Wolfhound is 31.5 inches, while the average height of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 26.5 inches. Both breeds have a low to moderate shedding pattern and are relatively easy to groom. The Irish Wolfhound, unlike the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, is not extremely territorial and does not make a good watchdog.
Bernese mountain dog
A good watchdog can be bred from a breed like a Bernese mountain dog or a Caucasian Shepherd Dog. In comparison to the 150-pound average weight of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog males are also huge, but their average weight is only 97.5 pounds. It is also easier to teach Bernese Mountain Dogs than Russian Bear Dogs.