Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Also known as Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Ovtcharka, Caucasian
- Height at the withers
- 64 to 75 cm
- Weight
- 45 to 77 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Russia
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
A massive, powerful livestock guardian dog with a thick, weatherproof double coat. Imposing and formidable, it was bred to defend flocks against wolves, bears and thieves in the Caucasus Mountains.
History and origins
An ancient breed from the Caucasus Mountains, selected by shepherds for its courage, size and stamina. Standardized in the Soviet Union in the 20th century, it also served as a guard dog in the army and in prisons.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Entropion / ectropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very hard, 1 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Caucasian Shepherd Dog FAQ
How big does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog get?
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog stands 64 to 75 cm at the withers and weighs 45 to 77 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Caucasian Shepherd Dog live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog good with children?
It is not advised with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as obesity.
