Caucasian Shepherd Dog - Breed Profile, Temperament, and Price

Caucasian Shepherd Dog History - How Did these Dogs Originate?

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the ancient breeds and it originated in the Caucasus mountain region of Eastern Europe. The dog is quite ancient in its history and these canines are the closest relatives of the mastiffs of Asia and sheepdogs of the Balkans.

Besides the Caucasus mountains, the dog is believed to be a native of a number of regions including Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Daghestan, Ossetia, Turkey, Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Iran.

These large dogs were bred and used to safeguard and herding the flock and livestock. The army of Armenian Tsar Tigran, II, used a large dog that originated from the family of molossers canines.

These qualities include fearlessness, self-confidence, immense physical strength, sharpened senses, endurance, and a dense and water-resistant coat. Due to this, these dogs could survive in harsh climates also.

These canines are excellent companions for the shepherds and protect their owners and flocks from dangerous predators like wolves, bears, and jackals.

The shepherds cultivated their required qualities in their dog and since the Caucasus Mountain is a wide and massive region, there are a number of variants of the dog. However, the one developed in Georgia is considered and recognized as standard breeds by several kennel clubs, including the United Kennel Club. It is also included in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service list.

In the 1960s, East Germany used the dogs as border patrol dogs for the Berlin Wall and after the wall’s collapse in 1989, thousands of these dogs were given to the German families. These dogs’ first show ring appearance was in the 1930s, in Germany.

Now, these canines are used as watchdogs, property guards, and family dogs. They still have some of their aggressive, reserved, and cautious traits.

Early socialization and training help in toning down these traits and making him a more amiable house animal.

Size and Structure - What is the Recognized Structure and Size of the Breed?

These dogs are big and massive. They have a heavy bone structure and the males are a bit bigger than the female dogs. The males could reach the height of 27 to 30 inches and they could weigh anywhere between 110 to 220 pounds. The females could reach 25 to 28 inches and could weigh between 100 to 180 pounds.

These dogs are well-muscled, powerfully built, and well-proportioned. Their structure is a bit rectangular and the differences between the males and females are quite prominent and pronounced.

The males have bigger heads and more developed withers than the females. The length of the body is 3 to 8 percent more than the height and the length of the forelegs is 50 to 52 percent of the height at the withers.

According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), below is the standard structure of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a big, powerful and imposing dog that is considered one of the best guard dogs. They are a bit standoffish, a trait they retain through the centuries, and they make excellent and loyal family pets and emotional support animals.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Temperament and Personality Traits

‘Are Caucasian Shepherds good family dogs?’

While these massive dogs can make excellent family pets and ESAs, they need a firm and equally strong-willed handler and owner. They make loving and protective family dogs but they do not like strangers and other animals that did not grow up with them.

At home, they love to be couch potatoes that like to spend their days staying indoors and with family members. However, they are very territorial and anyone, including your guests and intruders, will have to reconsider their decision to enter your household.

They are very affectionate and loving with their family members. They may seem aloof but they are one of the most affectionate dog breeds that secretly crave hugs and cuddles.

These canines are very intelligent, a quality that makes them quite stubborn and difficult to handle also. They will need firm handling, discipline, lots of time, and a patient handler and trainer to make the training successful.

The training should start as soon as you bring the puppy home because early training and socialization will help in making them better and well-rounded adult dogs.

Ample and timely socialization will help in minimizing the bred’s natural distrust for strangers. Exposure to different people, experiences, and people will help him get familiar with different humans and control their aggressive traits.

Proper socialization and training will make him a loving and loyal guardian that you will be proud to have in your home.

Health, Care, and Grooming Needs - Are they Healthy Dogs?

Yes, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are generally healthy and there are no known health problems that are specifically associated with this breed. However, like other giant breeds, these dogs are also prone to hip dysplasia, heart issues, and obesity. Besides, they could develop cataracts also.

Reputable breeders do not breed dogs with hip and elbow dysplasia that could be hereditary in nature.

Obesity is one of the most common health issues in this breed and this is why they must be fed carefully. They are not excessively high energy and when getting food for them, their energy levels must be considered.

Because they can put on weight quite easily, their weight must be monitored by veterinarians. Usually they are given low protein dog food to maintain their weight.

For grooming. You can take the dog to a professional dog groomer to learn how to groom a dog at home for your ease. You should brush and clean your dog’s teeth two to three times a week and clean them as per the vet’s instructions.

To avoid weight gain, it is important that you consult a veterinarian and a dog nutritionist to formulate the right kind of food for them. Besides, make an easy-to-follow and effective exercise plan also to keep them healthy and active.

As per the vets, these dogs should not be fed large meals but frequent small meals throughout the day.

The ears must be checked properly for anything that is not natural or looks dirty like debris, wax, and unpleasant odor. Clean them once a week. Their nails grow rather quickly and they are quite strong.

These dogs have a heavy and dense coat that needs sufficient and timely brushing and grooming. If your dog has long hair then daily brushing is suggested but if the coat is short then weekly brushing will also do well.

Their fur could tangle and matt easily due to which it is important that you brush them regularly and keep the hair free from any tangles.

Clip the nails to prevent nail breaking, injuries, and difficulties in walking. Use good quality dog nail clippers to do it at home or take him to a professional dog groomer. These dogs are notorious for their drooling and you should clean it when needed.

‘What is the best food for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?’

Large dog breeds need nutritionally dense food that provides all the essential nutrients to them. The food designed for such dogs is usually rich in protein but the amount must be adjusted as per the dog’s activity level.

Below are some good dog food options for the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

For Puppies

• American Journey Large Breed Puppy
• Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy
• Wellness Core Large Breed Puppy
• Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy
• Taste of the Wild Puppy

For Adult Dogs

• American Journey Large Breed Formula
• Purina Pro Plan Giant Breed Adult
• Wellness Core Large Breed Formula
• Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed
• Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult

For Senior Dogs

• American Journey Senior Formula
• Blue Buffalo Large Breed Seniors
• Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind
• Merrick Grain-Free Senior Recipe
• Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed

All of these food options are best for large breed dogs but you must not give anything to your canine without consulting the veterinarian and nutritionist. You can check low protein dog food options to manage your dog’s diet and to keep him healthy.

Do they make good emotional support animals? If properly trained and socialized then yes, these dogs could be a perfect combination of a guard and emotional support dog. However, they will need a firm and dominating person to lead and control him.

If you think you could handle the strong and imposing personality of this dog then fill the questionnaire to see if you qualify to get one as an ESA.

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