Affection Level
Medium
Friendliness
Low
Kid-Friendly
Medium
Pet-Friendly
Low
Exercise Needs
Medium
Playfulness
Low
Energy Level
Medium
Trainability
Medium
Intelligence
High
Tendency to Bark
Low
Amount of Shedding
High
History of the Caucasian Shepherd
Dogs resembling the Caucasian shepherd have existed in the mountainous Caucasus region of Europe and Asia for centuries. They historically were used to guard property and livestock against trespassers and predators, such as wolves and bears.
The look of these dogs varied depending on the exact region they were from. And there are still two varieties within the breed: the mountain type (heavier body and longer coat) and the steppe type (lighter body and shorter coat).
Soviet breeders began selective breeding among these dogs in the early 1900s. Some of the qualities they wanted to breed for included strength, confidence, good hearing and eyesight, and a weather-proof coat.
The breed still remains relatively rare, especially in North America. It’s part of the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service, which keeps breeding records of purebred development.
Caucasian Shepherd Care
Caucasian shepherds don’t need an excessive amount of exercise, but they do require early and consistent training and socialization. Their grooming is fairly straightforward but can be a time commitment due to their large size.
Exercise
Aim to provide your dog with at least an hour of exercise per day via walks, romping around a yard, hikes, playing fetch, and other activities. Puzzle toys can help to burn some mental energy as well.
While this isn’t a high-energy breed, these dogs tend to have good endurance if you like taking long walks or hikes. Be sure always to keep your Caucasian shepherd on a leash or in a securely fenced area due to their protective nature and consequent potential for aggression toward strangers and even other dogs.
Grooming
Coat length can vary for the Caucasian shepherd. If your dog has a shorter coat, you’ll likely only have to brush them once or twice a week. But longer coats might require up to daily brushing to keep up with the loose fur and prevent tangles and mats.
Expect seasonal periods of higher shedding, often in the spring and fall, during which you’ll have to increase your brushing.
Plan on a bath roughly every month, depending on how dirty your dog gets. And check their nails monthly to see whether they need a trim. Also, look in their ears at least weekly for wax buildup, debris, and other abnormalities. And brush their teeth every day.
Furthermore, this breed has a fairly high drooling level, so you’ll likely need to keep a towel handy to clean up drool on your dog’s fur, the floor, furniture, and other spots where it might drip.
Training
The Caucasian shepherd is intelligent, but can also be stubborn and strong-willed when it comes to training. Start both training and socialization from as young of an age as possible when the dog is at a more manageable size.
Always use positive training methods. And be consistent in your commands so your dog learns they can’t get away with bad behavior.
Those who are new to the breed often will benefit from consulting with professional dog trainers and behaviorists to help with training, socialization, and quelling the breed’s protective instinct that can lead to aggression when unchecked.
Common Health Problems
Overall, the Caucasian shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but it is prone to some hereditary health issues, including:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are orthopedic problems that affect the development of the hips and elbows. Pain, limping, and trouble moving are some of the symptoms associated with these conditions, which require veterinary attention.
Heart problems: Veterinary exams can detect heart problems that might develop in your dog with age. Also, this breed can be at risk of pulmonic stenosis, a congenital heart defect.
Entropion: This condition causes the eyelids to roll inward. This causes irritation to the eye and other symptoms like swelling, squinting, and tearing.
Obesity: Feed your dog the right diet in the right portions to prevent excessive weight gain. Obesity can increase the risk of various diseases, from arthritis to diabetes, so work with your vet to come up with a safe weight loss plan if necessary.
Bloat: Also called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), bloat happens when a dog’s stomach expands and twists. Symptoms include hypersalivation, restlessness, and lethargy. This serious problem needs to be addressed promptly by a vet because it can be fatal.
The Spruce / Kelly Miller
Diet and Nutrition
These big dogs can eat around 5 cups of food daily, split into multiple meals. Feed a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. One made for large breeds can be ideal, and it’s typical to feed two measured meals per day.
You should always discuss both the type of food and the amount with your vet. Also, monitor treats and other extra food to prevent overeating. And always provide your dog with fresh water.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian shepherds are rare but not impossible to find in North America. So, it’s worth checking local animal shelters and rescue groups to find a dog in need of a home. If possible, get your name on a breed wait list at these organizations.
For a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $1,000 to $3,000, though this can vary widely.
For more information to help connect you with a Caucasian shepherd, check out:
Caucasian Shepherd Overview
If you’re looking for a loyal dog who will protect you, the Caucasian shepherd might be perfect. Just be sure you have enough room for this big dog that also needs to be trained and socialized properly from a young age.
Pros of Caucasian Shepherds
Loyal to familyTypically not a problem barkerExcellent guard dog
Cons of Caucasian Shepherds
Can become aggressive if not properly trainedNeeds a lot of spaceHigh shedder and drooler
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
Before bringing home a Caucasian shepherd, make sure to do plenty of research to ensure that the breed is right for your lifestyle. Talk to breed owners, rescue groups, reputable breeders, and veterinarians.
If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:
FAQ
Are Caucasian shepherds legal in the U.S.?
Yes, Caucasian shepherds are legal in the United States. But if you think your community might have restrictions on large breeds, check your local laws to determine if you can own one of these dogs.
Are Caucasian shepherds good family dogs?
Caucasian shepherds with proper training and socialization can be suitable for a home with older children, as they are typically quite devoted to their family. However, due to their giant size and potential for aggression, they aren’t the best choice if you have young children.
Are Caucasian shepherds aggressive?
The highly protective nature of Caucasian shepherds can turn into aggression if they perceive a threat. Training and socialization are critical for this breed, but it still can be difficult to quell their protective instinct.
