The Caucasian shepherd is a giant working dog breed from the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia, with a thick, medium-length coat and a big-boned, muscular build. This breed originated to protect property and livestock, and these dogs tend to be quite loyal to their family. They also can be strong-willed and independent. As such, they're often not the best choice for a first-time dog owner, as well as someone who doesn’t have a home with ample space.

Learn more about the Caucasian shepherd, including the breed’s history, care needs, and characteristics.

Characteristics of the Caucasian Shepherd

Caucasian shepherds generally have a very watchful and protective personality. Their breeding as a guardian plays a huge role in their temperament, and this may make them unsuitable for first-time dog owners. They are typically wary of strangers but are devoted to their family.

Also, due to this breed’s large size, these dogs do best in homes with lots of indoor and outdoor space, including a yard with a high fence. They aren’t suitable for apartment dwellers.

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. 

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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 it 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. Owners who are new to the breed often will benefit from consulting with professional dog trainers and behaviorists to help with training and socialization and quell 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 because it can be fatal.

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:

• AKC Marketplace
• Adopt a Pet
  

Caucasian Shepherd Overview

If you’re looking for a loyal dog that 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 family
• Typically not a problem barker
• Excellent guard dog
  

Cons of Caucasian Shepherds

• Can become aggressive if not properly trained
• Needs a lot of space
• High 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:

• Mastiff
• Saint Bernard
• Bullmastiff