The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large, powerfully built dog with a thick, weather-resistant coat that can be short, medium, or long.

Giant; males typically stand 27.5-30 inches tall, females 25.5-27.5 inches, with weight proportionate to size (often exceeding 100 pounds).

Double coat; a dense undercoat and a coarser outer coat.

Varies; short, medium, and long-haired varieties exist.

Wide range of colors; including agouti grey, fawn, red, cream, and brindle, often with a black mask. White markings are also common.

Massive and wedge-shaped, with a broad skull and strong jaws.

Typically cropped close to the head in their native regions (though this practice is increasingly controversial and banned in some countries). Naturally, they are high-set and pendant.

Thick and heavily feathered, carried low or in a sickle curve.

The Caucasian Shepherd is known for its unwavering loyalty and protectiveness towards its family, coupled with a natural suspicion of strangers.

Innately territorial and possess a strong guarding instinct.

Deeply devoted to their family and form strong bonds.

Strong-willed and can be challenging to manage for inexperienced owners.

Naturally wary of strangers and require careful socialization.

Fearless and will not hesitate to defend their family or territory.

Generally calm and composed when not alerted to a perceived threat.

Caucasian Shepherds are best suited for experienced dog owners who have a large, securely fenced property and can provide consistent leadership and training.

Generally healthy breed.

Prone to certain health issues.

The ideal owner for a Caucasian Shepherd is someone with extensive experience handling large, dominant breeds, who can provide a structured environment, consistent training, and plenty of space. They are not a good choice for families with small children or those unfamiliar with guardian breeds.

Caring for a Caucasian Shepherd involves regular grooming, a balanced diet, and providing a suitable living environment that accommodates their size and temperament.

Regular brushing, several times a week, is needed to manage their thick coat, especially during shedding seasons. Bathing can be infrequent.

High-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Portion control is important to prevent obesity.

A spacious home with a securely fenced yard is ideal. They are not suited to apartment living.

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are essential.

Their thick coat makes them tolerant of cold weather, but they can be susceptible to overheating in hot climates.

Training a Caucasian Shepherd requires a firm, experienced hand and consistent leadership. Their exercise needs are moderate, but regular activity is crucial for their well-being.

Caucasian Shepherds are intelligent but independent, making training challenging. Early socialization and obedience training are absolutely essential. Positive reinforcement methods work best, but consistency and firmness are key. They respond best to confident, experienced handlers who can establish themselves as the pack leader.

While not a hyperactive breed, Caucasian Shepherds need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Daily walks, playtime in a securely fenced yard, and opportunities to engage their minds are important. They are not suited to apartment living due to their size and exercise requirements.

Expose your Caucasian Shepherd puppy to a wide variety of people, dogs, and situations from a young age to mitigate their natural suspicion of strangers.

Maintain a consistent training routine and set clear boundaries.

Use positive reinforcement methods like praise and treats, avoiding harsh punishments.

Establish yourself as the clear leader from the start.

A securely fenced yard is essential due to their size and guarding instincts.

Provide puzzle toys and activities to keep their minds engaged.

Caucasian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but like all large breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness.

A similar condition to hip dysplasia, but affecting the elbow joint.

A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, trapping gas and cutting off blood supply.

Inward rolling of the eyelid, causing irritation to the cornea.

Clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to impaired vision.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog's history is deeply rooted in the rugged Caucasus Mountain region, spanning across countries like Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. For centuries, these dogs served as livestock guardians, protecting flocks from predators such as wolves and bears. Their development was largely shaped by natural selection, resulting in a hardy, resilient, and fiercely independent breed. Different regions produced slight variations in type, but the core characteristics of courage, strength, and protectiveness remained consistent. The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995, and is gaining recognition slowly, but steadily, worldwide. There is not a specific date when the FCI or AKC recognized the breed, as it is still in the process, but they are part of the foundation stock service.

Caucasian Shepherds can be good with children they are raised with, but they require careful supervision and early socialization. Their large size and protective instincts mean they may not be suitable for families with very young children.

They are not excessive barkers, but they will bark to alert their owners to anything they perceive as a threat. Their bark is deep and loud.

They need moderate exercise, including daily walks and playtime in a securely fenced yard. Mental stimulation is also important.

They are not inherently aggressive, but they are naturally protective and suspicious of strangers. Early socialization and training are crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted and well-behaved.

Their average lifespan is 10-12 years.

Yes, they have a thick double coat and shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes.

No, they are not suited to apartment living due to their size, exercise needs, and guarding instincts.

No, they are intelligent but independent, making training challenging. They require a firm, experienced handler.

Start socializing them from a very young age, exposing them to a wide variety of people, dogs, and situations in a positive and controlled manner.

Look into Caucasian Shepherd Dog breed-specific rescues. Shelters sometimes have them, but it is less common. Be sure you are prepared to handle this breed before committing, as they require an experienced owner.