The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a formidable family protector who is loyal, strong, and fearless. In the harsh Caucasus Mountain area, they were raised to look after herds and protect the house against wild predators.
Even against bears or wolves, this large breed is fiercely territorial and will not back down from a confrontation.
Although Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are bright, they can be tough to teach due to their obstinate, independent personality.
If an expert trainer does not keep them in control, their innate suspicion of outsiders and other animals might develop into violent behaviors.
The Caucasian Shepherd is a serious guarding dog that should never be underestimated.
When a threat is present, the Caucasian is brave, fearless, self-assured, and fierce, yet he is gentle, loving, compassionate, and charming to his family, including other household pets.
For generations, Caucasian Shepherd dogs have been employed to deter trespassers, defend cattle from large and small carnivores like wolves and coyotes, and perform a variety of other tasks.
What Is the History of Caucasian Shepherd Dog?
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest and most ancient Molasser breeds, with the origins of these massive, protecting canines unknown.
They’ve been present for more than 2,000 years and come from the Caucasus Mountain area. Some say they are descended from domesticated wolves, while others claim Mastiffs and other breeds are among their ancestors.
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Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have been a vital companion to shepherds in the Caucasus area for ages, regardless of where they originated.
They aggressively protected sheep flocks and their owners against predators like wolves, jackals, and bears.
They had to be brave, powerful, and menacing, as well as able to withstand the cold and hard surroundings. Because the Caucasus Mountain region is so large, several distinct breed variations occurred, yet the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs that originated in Georgia became the breed standard that is recognized by most kennel associations today.
The communist USSR began employing Caucasian Shepherds as prison guard dogs in the early 1900s and utilized them to produce other breeds in army kennels.
East Germany used the breed as border police dogs along the Berlin Wall in the 1960s. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, 7,000 patrol dogs were distributed, with many being donated to German families to live out their days.
Although shepherds still employ Caucasian Shepherd Dogs to care for flocks, they are largely utilized as household pets, watchdogs, and house protectors nowadays. They’ve kept a lot of their cautious, standoffish, and even aggressive characteristics, so they’ll require early socialization and strength training to avoid mishaps.
How Big Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?
The size of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is enormous. Males are somewhat bigger than females, weighing 110 to 220 pounds on average, compared to 100 to 180 pounds for females.
Certain dogs may weigh more or less depending on where they were born or what breed they are. Mountain dogs have higher muscle mass, whereas plain dogs have a slimmer build.
Males stand between 27 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder, while females stand about 25 and 28 inches tall.
How Is Their Temperament?
- The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is not for those who are new to owning a dog. While they have the potential of becoming affectionate, devoted family dogs as well as powerful guards, they are naturally suspicious of outsiders and do not get along with other dogs or animals.
- They are low-energy and laid-back in general, yet they are fiercely territorial and would never back down from a battle, even if it meant fighting a bear or wolf. Though Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are bright, they may be obstinate, making training challenging. Firm limits, patience, and consistency are required.
- This training should start as early as possible after birth, and socializing is a requirement. To combat the breed’s fear of different people and animals, which can lead to aggressiveness, proper socialization training is required.
- However, when it comes to humans they are acquainted with, the Caucasian Shepherd is a caring and faithful companion that will serve as a lifetime defender and guardian.
What Are the Health Issues That Caucasian Shepherds Face?
Although the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is generally regarded as a healthy breed, it is susceptible to hip dysplasia, as are many big breeds. Cataracts are also a possibility.
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Obesity is one of the most prevalent issues they confront. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs must be fed a giant-breed diet, although they do not have excessively high energy levels, which should be taken into account.
They’ll need to be exercising, and vets should keep an eye on their weight. Consult your veterinarian or a nutritionist about developing a suitable diet and exercise routine for your Caucasian Shepherd Dog to avoid obesity. To minimize bloat, your veterinarian may advise you to feed them smaller, more regular meals throughout the day rather than larger ones.
What Do I Keep in Mind While Taking Care of It?
- Weight management with proper nutrition and exercise is the most important aspect of treatment for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. You should talk to your veterinarian or a nutritionist about them.
- Beyond that, your Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s teeth should be brushed twice a week and thoroughly cleaned as prescribed by your veterinarian. Ears should be examined at least once a week for signs of dirt or wax buildup and cleaned as needed. Ear infections may occur if this is not done.
- To avoid breakage and harm, nails should be cut as needed. You may also have to keep an eye out for slobber and clean it away as needed to avoid drooling all over your house.
What Is the Feeding Pattern?
Shepherd, Caucasian Dogs should be fed a steady diet designed for a large breed with a low amount of energy. You should consult your veterinarian or a professional nutritionist to determine the type of food and quantity that is best for your dog.
From puppyhood through adulthood, the ideal diet will fluctuate and may be modified according to medical needs.
To prevent dogs from acquiring bloat, a life-threatening disease, lighter, more often meals may be advised.
What Is the Colour of the Coat and How Do I Do the Grooming?
- Caucasian Shepherd Dogs come in three coat lengths: long, medium, and short. The mane around their necks and the trimming around their hind legs and tails become more apparent as their hair becomes longer. The coats are thick in all three lengths.
- They have a double coat, with a fine and soft undercoat and a rougher and longer outside coat. Grey, fawn, red, cream, tan, and even complete white are all possible colors for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
- Bridle coats are also possible, as coats with big portions of two or more colors. White marks on the torso and a black “mask” around the face are common.
- Brushing the thick coat at least twice a week is recommended to eliminate loose or damaged hairs and avoid matting. Once a year, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs go through a major shed.
- Bathing and additional brushing might help speed up the shedding process.
Are Children and Other Pets Safe Around Caucasians?
- Shepherd, Caucasian Dogs may be affectionate family pets who are devoted to their owners, even to kids, but it is critical to begin socialization training early.
- It’s in their tendency to be wary of strangers, often to the point of violence, and they don’t get along with other dogs until they’ve been properly socialized.
- Visiting youngsters will require a calm, correct introduction with recognized humans present, and Caucasian Shepherds are territorial and hostile to other dogs unless reared with them.
- Their innate herding tendencies can make them forceful with youngsters, and they may misinterpret rough play from new children as an attack on a human family member and react accordingly.
- Understand that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog was meant to be fearsome, and they will not hesitate to defend their house and family if they feel a threat. To avoid an occurrence, children should be watched when playing with dogs and instructed on how to handle them.
- Even with a well-trained Caucasian Shepherd, their enormity can be a hazard, so keep an eye on them so that the game doesn’t get out of hand and cause damage.
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