History of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog breed

Breed characteristics

Short description
Origin:Caucasus
Conditions of detention:In a separate enclosure/in the courtyard of a private house
Purpose:Herd (herding)/guard
Color:Grey, red, white, brindle, piebald, fawn, spotted, light and reddish shades are allowed
Wool length:Long (10-12 cm) or short (6-7 cm) depending on the variety
Adult dog size:Male: height (withers) – from 68 cm, weight – from 50 kg.
Bitches: height (withers) – from 62 cm, weight – from 45 kg.
Average life expectancy:10 – 12 years
Walk:Required twice a day, minimum duration of at least an hour, preferably free movement throughout the habitat
Physical activity needs:Requires long-term, moderate-intensity daily exercise
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FIC) classification:Recognized by the FCI in 1990
Group 2/Section 2. Molossians (2.2. Mountain dogs)
Puppy price:From 30 to 50 thousand rubles.

Description and characteristics

The character of the Caucasian Shepherd was formed in the difficult conditions of mountain pastures. Like all herding dogs, “Caucasians” are smart and capable of making independent decisions: they often had to take care of the herd away from the owner or in his absence. One of the most important characteristics of the Caucasian Shepherd dog breed is its guard instinct.

Such a dog is completely devoted to the owner and his family, but treats strangers with distrust. Because of this, there are often scary rumors about the breed; many consider it to be overly aggressive. However, unreasonable anger is inherent only in improperly raised animals, and only the owners can be blamed for it. Nevertheless, any “Caucasian” poses a serious threat to uninvited guests who accidentally or maliciously enter the entrusted territory.

Similar article: How to keep a Mongolian Shepherd Dog

Are you afraid that thieves will break into your home? Not if your dog is a Caucasian Shepherd. The goal of this dog is not to scare the stranger or notify the owners of his presence, but to cause maximum harm. Thanks to its impressive size and physical strength, a six-month-old puppy can cope with an adult man; Having knocked a person to the ground, this dog is capable of breaking his ribs. It is important to remember: a guard shepherd dog like the Caucasian attacks instantly and silently, while instinctively knowing how to cause the greatest damage. The force of her bite is 14 atmospheres, she easily jumps over high barriers, and in an effort to get to the intruder, she sometimes breaks the metal chain-link of her enclosure.

Capable of acting unerringly in dangerous conditions, it is difficult to frighten her even by the sounds of gunfire. Frequently asked question: to what age does a puppy of this breed grow? Intensive growth usually continues up to 6 months, but the dog can be considered fully formed at the age of 2–2.5 years. For people interested in the breed, it is also important how long Caucasian Shepherd dogs live. Answer: about 10–12 years. However, with proper care, some individuals can live up to 16 years.

History of the origin of the species

The history of the origin of the Caucasian Shepherd goes back at least 2 thousand years. But, despite such an “impressive age,” there are few reliable facts about the pedigree of this breed. Most researchers are based on the external similarity with the Tibetan Great Dane, which is considered the most likely ancestor of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

What is known for certain is that over a long period of living near humans, the formation of this breed occurred in two main directions . The Caucasian Shepherd became widespread in the vast territories of the Transcaucasian region, the geographical features of which influenced the emergence of the following types.

In conditions of high-altitude rarefied air and low temperatures, representatives of the “mountain” species appeared, which look larger and more massive, have a wide chest, long hair and short limbs.

Dogs guarding herds on foothill plateaus do not need such exterior features and are of the so-called “steppe” type. Individuals of this subspecies are lighter and taller, with short hair.

External differences did not have a significant impact on the “working characteristics” and character of both types of dogs. Whatever type they belong to, they are distinguished by exceptional endurance, unpretentiousness in conditions of detention and a high degree of distrust of strangers . It is these characteristics that allow us to call the Caucasian Shepherd the best watchman and security guard of its kind.

Since the end of the 19th century, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have been actively involved in guard duty. However, given the relative ethnic isolation of the peoples living in the territories located beyond the Greater Caucasus Range, the breed practically did not migrate beyond its borders and did not interbreed with other dogs. In this way, the uniqueness of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog was preserved, which gained worldwide fame and was recognized by the FCI in 1990.

Distinctive features

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is recognized by the FCI and is included in group 2/section 2. Molossians (2.2. Mountain dogs). Large dogs with a powerful, muscular croup are perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of the region. They are ideal assistants to shepherds on pastures and are famous for their unsurpassed guard qualities.

Basic exterior data:

  • The head is massive, heavy, wedge-shaped.
  • The skull is wide, the frontal part is flat, there is a fold.
  • The ears are hanging, short, set above the eye line, triangular in shape, often cropped.
  • The eyes are small, oval in shape, dark in color, most often brown.
  • The eyelids are dry and black.
  • The cheekbones are large.
  • The stop is not pronounced, the transition is smooth.
  • The muzzle is shorter than the forehead, not pointed.
  • The nose is wide. The nose is voluminous and black; in light-colored dogs it can be brown.
  • The lips are thick, dry, and fit tightly.
  • bite . The jaws are strong. The teeth are white, very large, strong, a complete set of 42 teeth - 22 on the lower jaw and 20 on the upper jaw.
  • The croup creates an almost horizontal line, wide and muscular.
  • The bones are large.
  • The skin is thick and elastic.
  • The neck is short, wide, powerful.
  • The chest is wide.
  • The withers are well visualized and wide.
  • The back is clearly muscled, straight and wide.
  • The loin is slightly convex.
  • Limbs straight, parallel; The hind limbs have significant fur.
  • The hock joints are strong and wide.
  • The paws are compressed, massive, oval in shape.
  • The gait is a slow trot.
  • The tail is long, set high, and completely covered with hair. In its natural state - in the form of a sickle, hook or ring. Cupping is allowed.
  • Color: gray, red, white, brindle, piebald, fawn, spotted, light and reddish shades are allowed.
  • The coat is straight, thick, coarse, with a light-colored undercoat; The length of the coat is 6-7 cm for short-haired dogs and 10-12 cm for long-haired dogs, slightly shorter on the head and limbs, and fits tightly to parts of the body.

Breed standard

Now let's find out what a Caucasian Shepherd looks like, according to breed standards. The sizes of the Caucasian Shepherd vary between 72–75 cm (male) and 66–69 cm (female). The average weight of Caucasian Shepherd dogs is 50 kg and 45 kg, respectively. The standard description of the breed is as follows: a coarse build, with massive bones and well-developed muscles.

The chest is wide, the back is straight and strong, the withers are muscular. The paws are massive, round in girth, parallel. The tail is set high. The head is large, the forehead is wide. The ears are cropped.

The eyes are small and deep-set. Scissor bite. The coat, depending on the type, can be long (up to 12 cm), with a characteristic mane, feathering and pants, or short (up to 7 cm). Colors with dominance of white, red and gray are allowed. The gray color can be dark, almost black, or light. Brindle color from brown to fawn is allowed. For solid colors, white spots and a black mask are acceptable. Dark rims around the lips and eyelids are required.

Similar article: Peculiarities of ear cropping in a shepherd dog

Photo of an adult dog

Photos of puppies

Features of character and behavior

  • The Caucasian Shepherd has a balanced, calm type of nervous system .
  • The stable psyche of these animals allows them to dispassionately and independently make decisions when carrying out their guard duties.
  • Possessing great strength and power, the dog does not look active . However, this impression is deceptive. The Caucasian Shepherd has a high level of self-organization and is capable of not taking action for a long time, assessing the situation.
  • The dog is able to analyze the degree of threat and make one precise and lightning-fast jump to protect the protected herd or human property.
  • Bold and fearless, they are, however, not considered reckless. The reaction of the Caucasian Shepherd is usually unmistakable and corresponds to the level of danger.

The movements of the representative of the breed are slow, the gait is leisurely, and the trot is calm. Outwardly, the dogs look intimidating, which gives them an advantage over other “guard” breeds.

The owner of a Caucasian Shepherd dog must take into account the characteristics of its character and not use forceful methods of education . A self-confident dog is able to fight back and will not tolerate physical pressure. A Caucasian Shepherd dog should not be owned by people with a soft, compliant character.

When communicating with a dog, manifestations of internal fear are unacceptable . Commands must be given in a stern, confident, low voice that does not tolerate objections. In this case, the owner will acquire a reliable protector in the person of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

An attentive and serious attitude towards the dog will be rewarded on its part with exceptional devotion and willingness to give its life for the owner, his family members and his property.

Advantages

Considering the main purpose of the breed, the undoubted advantages of the Caucasian Shepherd include innate malice and wariness towards strangers. These dogs will never run towards guests, but will watch what is happening from afar. It is not recommended to initiate contact with a Caucasian Shepherd. Representatives of this breed need time to evaluate the possibility of “social communication”, even in the presence of the owner.

Among other advantages of the Caucasian Shepherd, it is worth mentioning separately the following:

  1. Calm, balanced character, self-control.
  2. Stable mentality, confidence.
  3. Intelligence, intelligence.
  4. Observation, excellent vision.
  5. Loyalty to the owner.
  6. Ability to interact and get along with all family members.
  7. Patronizing attitude towards children.
  8. Unpretentious, can be kept in any climatic conditions, does not require special care.
  9. Independent regulation of diet, rest and activity.
  10. Undemanding to food, the ability to go without water for a long time.
  11. Exceptional expression of security qualities.
  12. Neutral attitude towards other pets.

Flaws

Born to guard and protect, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not among the breeds that are capable of having fun playing, frolicking and cuddling with their owners. Unlike hunting or hound dogs, “Caucasians” will not require increased attention from the owner. However, disinterest in physical contact is only an external feature of the breed.

It must be remembered that the Caucasian Shepherd, due to the specifics of its service, is strongly attached to one owner . The Caucasian Shepherd is unlikely to be able to survive even a short separation from him without damage to his psyche and performance characteristics. A person’s decision to adopt such a puppy must be extremely balanced and deliberate.

If there are doubts about the ability to control an adult, preference should be given to other guard breeds with a softer character.

Problematic points in the behavior of the Caucasian Shepherd are also considered:

  • wayward, stubborn character;
  • the need for constant training, starting from puppyhood;
  • expressed distrust of strangers;
  • aggressiveness, natural anger.

Average weight and height

average weight of a Caucasian Shepherd The minimum height for males is 68 cm, for females - 64 cm.

Table of height and weight by month:

Dog age1 month3 months6 months8 months2 years
Average weight, kg4-518-2750-6050-8050-120
Height at withers, cm24-2645-4963-6865-7070-80

Care and maintenance

The conditions for keeping the Caucasian Shepherd are simple. An ideal option would be an open-air enclosure in the courtyard of a private house.

It is not recommended to keep a dog in an apartment.

  • Despite the unpretentiousness of Caucasian Shepherds, the place to sleep should be spacious and comfortable.
  • The enclosure should be located on a hill and be protected from moisture.
  • Also, you should not place the enclosure in close proximity to garages and storage areas. Strong odors and gasoline exhaust reduce the sensitivity of the sense of smell.

Keeping the dog on a leash or in dark, confined spaces is prohibited. Lack of sufficient lighting can weaken vision, which will lead to a significant deterioration in guarding qualities.

A Caucasian Shepherd puppy should not be allowed to go down stairs on its own until it reaches 3 months of age. Given the large, heavy bones, jumping can cause joint strain.

Caring for a Caucasian Shepherd Dog does not require special skills of the owner, but it requires considerable time.

  • Bathing a puppy is not recommended.
  • Bathing an adult dog, especially a long-haired one, must be done once every 2-3 months (does not apply to show dogs, which are bathed once every 2-3 weeks or more often). Soaping should be carried out in one direction - from the withers to the tail. This way you will avoid tangling the fur.
  • To wash the Caucasian Shepherd, it is better to use high-quality moisturizing pet shampoos, and in the absence of such, shampoos and conditioners for dry hair.
  • Caring for your dog's ears should be regular. It is necessary to pay special attention to the ears of the Caucasian Shepherd in spring and summer, during the period of high tick activity. At this time of year, daily pest inspections are a must. Signs of the presence of ticks can be increased nervousness, restlessness of the pet, frequent shaking and scratching. It is best to remove ticks in a veterinary hospital. Additionally, it is necessary to clean the ears of dirt and wax. This procedure can be carried out independently once a week.
  • The eyelids of the Caucasian Shepherd are dry and fit tightly to the mucous membrane of the eyeball, so the eyes themselves do not require special care. It is enough to remove secretions that accumulate in the corners of the eyes every day with a damp swab . If abundant, purulent mucus appears, the dog must be immediately shown to a veterinarian, who will select the appropriate treatment.
  • The teeth of dogs of this breed are usually strong and do not require the use of special powders. Monthly examinations are carried out for preventive purposes.
  • paws daily; injury to the pads is a common occurrence.
  • nails must be trimmed once a month using special scissors. It is not recommended to cut it too short, as you may accidentally touch the living core of the claw. In addition to the fact that it is very painful, the dog may subsequently begin to resist this procedure. If a delamination of the claw is detected, it must be filed until the even and smooth structure is restored.

Nutrition

It is recommended to feed the Caucasian Shepherd with natural products. In this case, ¾ of the diet should be:

  1. Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir);
  2. Raw meat (beef);
  3. By-products (heart, ventricles, liver);
  4. Raw fish (sea).

The rest of the menu consists of eggs, cereals (buckwheat, rice) and vegetables (with the exception of legumes and the cabbage family).

Reusable puppy food:

  • up to 2 months – 5-6 times a day;
  • up to 4 months – 4-5 times a day;
  • up to 6 months – 3 times a day;
  • up to 10 months – 2-3 times a day;
  • up to 12 months – 2 times a day.

By 12 months, a Caucasian Shepherd puppy usually gains the required weight and can be transferred to 1 feeding per day.

The use of dry food for the Caucasian Shepherd is undesirable.

Health

Caucasian Shepherds are in excellent health and do not require regular monitoring by a veterinarian.

Dense, hard wool protects them from any bad weather - wind, rain and snow.

The only necessary condition for maintaining a healthy dog ​​is long-term daily exercise of moderate intensity, as well as the possibility of free walking.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an essential part of caring for the Caucasian Shepherd.

  1. The first combined vaccination against distemper, hepatitis and other viral infections (enteritis, coronavirus) is usually carried out when the puppy reaches the age of 4-6 weeks , after the introduction of complementary foods.
  2. Revaccination is carried out 4 weeks after the first vaccination, with preliminary deworming 7-10 days in . Puppies are quarantined and kept indoors during the period of both vaccinations. The third vaccination is carried out at 3 months , before the change of baby teeth ( 5-6 months ).
  3. The dog is then revaccinated annually .
  4. Rabies vaccination is recommended starting at 6 months of age. However, if the timing of the combined revaccination has been delayed and the puppy is in quarantine, the first rabies vaccination can be carried out at 8-9 months .

Diseases

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to a disease characteristic of large dogs - hip dysplasia . The disease can manifest itself as an unsteady gait and refusal to move. Diagnosed using x-rays at a veterinary clinic. If the problem is identified in puppyhood, the prognosis is favorable.

In addition, inappropriate living conditions for the breed can lead to the following diseases:

  • optic nerve atrophy;
  • allergy;
  • cardiac rhythm disturbances;
  • neurotic conditions;
  • muscle convulsions.

Walk

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog's need for walking is high; the minimum duration of each walk should be at least an hour. Intensity – medium . Free movement within the habitat is preferable.

Walking a puppy has its own characteristics. During the period of formation of the skeletal system, in order to avoid traumatic injuries to the joints, it is necessary to exclude active jumps using various types of heights (chairs, stairs).

Given the fairly high level of aggression, the puppy needs to be accustomed to a muzzle using play techniques and treats.

Grooming

Grooming the Caucasian Shepherd's coat requires daily care. This is especially true for the long-haired subspecies.

  • Typically, a standard massage comb is used for daily care.
  • During periods of shedding, which is very intense in Caucasian Shepherds, the coat must be combed 2 times a day using a slicker - a small comb with sharp teeth.
  • The groin and armpits of the animal require additional care and attention, where, due to the characteristics of the breed, “tangles” often form.

Many dogs don't like being brushed. And the Caucasian Shepherd is no exception. To avoid problems with carrying out this procedure on an adult dog, it must be trained from the moment it gets into the house. The dog should not show anxiety or twitch when brushing.

Caucasian Shepherd (15 photos)

Author: ZheKa

16 May 2021 18:07

Community: Animals

Tags: animals Caucasus Caucasian Shepherd Caucasians dogs guard dogs  

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The Caucasian Shepherd is a breed of dog whose homeland is the Caucasus. People needed watchdogs that could independently guard their flocks of sheep while the shepherd was away. A person needed an independent, self-sufficient and intelligent dog that knows its territory, can quickly make decisions and process information.

There is a version that Caucasian Shepherd Dogs originate from the Tibetan Great Dane breed - these dogs are considered by some to be the ancestors of all dog breeds in the world. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are very similar to Tibetan Great Danes, so at least crossing with them is a completely possible circumstance.


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See all photos in the gallery

The dog is above average height. At the withers, its height reaches 75 cm. The weight of an adult male is 50-70 kg, but can reach up to 110 kg or more. This is one of the largest dog breeds. The coat of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is quite thick, they can easily withstand severe frosts and look even more massive due to their thick undercoat, especially in winter. Based on the length of their coat, there are three types of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs: short-haired, intermediate-haired and long-haired. The first type is the least common, the most popular is the third. The color is wolf-gray, brown, white, fawn, with and without a mask, red and motley.


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According to breed standards, the ears of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog must be cropped, since the vocation of this breed is to protect a flock of sheep from attacks by wolves, and when entering into a fight with a predator, the dog instinctively protects the ears, as the most painful part. That is why, for a long time, shepherds deprived dogs of ear cartilage at a very early age, so that in adulthood there would be no problems when meeting predators. Currently, ear cropping is not mandatory.


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The Caucasian Shepherd has a persistent, courageous and decisive character. Distrustful of strangers. With sufficient persistence of the owner, it undergoes a general training course and a general course of protective guard service, like any other service breed. The distinctive features of this breed are the absence of fear and anger, which were initially necessary for it to protect livestock from wild animals. It is very important to show a dog of this breed that the owner is the main person in its life; it is also necessary to promptly stop even the slightest signs of aggression. It is necessary to raise a puppy from a very young age, because if you do not do this, then after two years of life the dog’s character will be almost impossible to correct.


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The Caucasian Shepherd dog breed has long been considered very aggressive and vicious. This is partly true, because Caucasians were bred exclusively to protect the territory. Among these dogs, only those that showed aggression towards people and animals that did not attack them were rejected. In all other respects, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are ideal guardians of the territory.


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The main character traits of these dogs are fearlessness, determination, exceptional dedication and absolute independence. There is even a joke among breeders: tie a Caucasian Shepherd to a stick in the field, and it will guard it. Caucasians do not bark for no reason and completely control the territory entrusted to them.


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They are stubborn, persistent and require competent education. With proper training, you can raise a friendly dog ​​that will be responsible for protection and understand which people are yours and which are strangers. For example, if a dog remains guarding an object, it does not rush at new people who come to work at this object, because it understands that this is their territory too. But at the same time, the Caucasian Shepherd understands what kind of people are strangers, and they need to be driven away. That's why Caucasians are called very thinking dogs.


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In fact, Caucasians respond well to training, but you need to use soft methods if the trainer has a tough character. Adult dogs are calm, sedate and do not like to make noise. They are wary of everyone outside their family, but do not attack people without reason. Therefore, Caucasians get along well with children: they are aware of their responsibility for them and are even ready to act as nannies.


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The advantages of the breed include the following: Flexible intelligence. Dogs make decisions independently, are easy to train, know their job and are ready to cooperate with various people; Excellent security qualities. Caucasians are the best guard dogs of all existing breeds; Absolute fearlessness. When danger approaches, the dog is ready to rush at any moment. These animals are even ready to die for the sake of their owners; Endurance and adaptability to various living conditions. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are unpretentious, live calmly in an enclosure, and can easily withstand frosts. Living conditions on the street are much more convenient for them than in an apartment; Dogs are unquestioningly loyal to their owner and family. They are ready to tinker with children, guard the house, and play. If the owners of a well-mannered Caucasian leave for a short time, they can leave the dog in the care of another person, and the Caucasian will treat him calmly until the owners return.


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The disadvantages of Caucasian Shepherds include: Aggressiveness. Even with proper training, dogs are wary of anyone who is not their family. Although they are difficult to provoke, when aggression occurs, the Caucasian Shepherd is difficult to stop; Strict education is necessary. In the wrong hands, the Caucasian Shepherd becomes a dangerous dog; The dog needs regular exercise. This once again proves that putting a dog on a chain for life means ruining its psyche and making it an aggressive animal.


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It is highly not recommended to have Caucasian Shepherds in an apartment, even a very large one. These dogs value personal space, they need constant physical activity, and, in addition, they do not tolerate heat well.


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The coat of Caucasian Shepherds is very thick and dense, so you will have to brush the dog often. It is best to scratch your Caucasian every day, but sometimes you can limit yourself to three days a week. When shedding, you need to scratch your dog several times a day. It is worth trimming your Caucasian Shepherd dog from time to time. They do not tolerate heat well, so in the summer it is worth trimming the hair from the body and paws. Nails can be trimmed every 3-4 weeks, especially if the dog does not walk on hard surfaces such as asphalt and floors.


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Caucasian Shepherds are unpretentious in food, but if you want to raise a healthy and strong dog, then you should adhere to the rules of nutrition. The serving size depends on age, physical activity and feed composition. You shouldn't feed your dog too often as they have a slow metabolism. Many breeders feed their adult dogs just once a day, and this portion is enough for an active and healthy lifestyle. But if the dog sits in an enclosure in winter, then it is worth feeding it twice. Meat and offal should form the basis of the diet of an adult Caucasian. In general, a dog should eat at least a kilogram of meat per day. Almost any meat is suitable, as long as it is not fatty. It is best to give it raw, although slightly boiled is also suitable. Do not give dogs small bones - they can get stuck in the throat. It is also worth abandoning tubular fragile bones. But a thick beef bone may appeal to your pet.


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In winter, dogs can be given boiled pork and a little lard. At any time of the year, they willingly eat tripe, liver, kidneys, lungs, veal heads and tails. By-products are not very high in calories, so the diet should be balanced with the required amount of calories. In addition to meat, you can give low-fat boiled sea fish. It is better to grind it in a meat grinder, after removing the bones. To this porridge you can add wheat, buckwheat or oatmeal, and less often rice. It is recommended to cook porridge in vegetable broth, and in general give the dogs some greens - zucchini, cabbage, dill. Dogs also do not refuse vegetables and fruits.


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Varieties of Shepherd Dogs Numerous peoples living in the Caucasus, according to centuries-old traditions, tamed Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. Currently, there are several varieties in the world, depending on their habitat: Georgian type. Such Caucasians are massive, tall dogs with a slightly elongated body and long hair of a single gray color. Armenian type. These dogs, like individuals of the Georgian type, have long, monochromatic hair, but in size they are not so tall and massive. Dagestan type. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs of this variety are the largest. They have a square body and a variety of coat colors and lengths. Azerbaijani type. The latter, in turn, are divided into 2 subspecies: mountain (reminiscent of Georgian-type Caucasians); steppe (short-haired dogs of dark fawn and sometimes red color with a square body, long limbs and short hair).


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Mating

Puberty occurs slowly in large breeds.

  1. The first heat in a Caucasian Shepherd bitch is recorded at the age of 5-6 months , after the appearance of molars, sometimes accompanied by molting. It often goes unnoticed, so owners need to carefully monitor the dog’s behavior. The main sign of heat is aggression towards male dogs.
  2. It is recommended to note the dates of the first and subsequent heats in a separate notebook, since females are ready for mating after the third heat. This usually occurs towards the end of the dog's second year of life. It is not advisable to carry out mating earlier. This can negatively affect both the health of the dog itself and the health of its offspring.
  3. Sex hormones in Caucasian Shepherd dogs begin to be produced by 6 months. However, knitting them before 2 years is also not recommended.
  4. Mating takes place on the 10th day after the start of estrus and takes place in the male dog’s territory. When making a pair, it is necessary to observe the hierarchical principle and take into account the sign of dominance. This is especially important during the first mating. The rule is that the “experienced” partner should dominate the “inexperienced” one.

Given the aggressive nature of the Caucasian Shepherd, a muzzle is often put on the bitch when mating. In any case, the mating site should be deserted, the possibility of strangers appearing should be minimized.

Key points in training

The stubborn, self-sufficient nature of the Caucasian Shepherd dictates the peculiarities of its training. The main qualities that a dog owner must have are willpower, perseverance, inflexibility and strong character. The dog obeys only unconditional authority and leader.

Training a Caucasian Shepherd should begin from the moment it appears in the house. Key points of training:

  • establish rules of behavior and clear prohibitions;
  • do not use physical force;
  • do not raise your voice;
  • do not rush the dog in the process of teaching commands;
  • take a course of OKD and subsequently CS;
  • accustom to a muzzle.

In the absence of experience, it is not recommended to train yourself. Caucasian Shepherds are intelligent and have a high level of intelligence. Learning and consolidation of skills occurs quite quickly. Therefore, an inexperienced owner may unknowingly “teach” the dog unwanted behavior.

It must be remembered that the most important period in the development of the psyche and physiology of an animal is the age of up to 9 months. The pet must complete basic training courses at this stage. Correcting mistakes made in raising a puppy is often beyond the power of even experienced dog handlers.

Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”

How to choose a puppy

When choosing a Caucasian Shepherd puppy, the future owner needs to answer several questions:

  1. For what purpose is it intended to purchase a puppy of this particular breed ? If the main duties of the dog will include guarding the house or territory, it is necessary to choose a puppy from parents who have diplomas from CS courses at various levels. If you plan to participate in exhibitions, you should give preference to a litter of champions and prize-winners.
  2. The second point you need to decide is the gender of the puppy. If there are small children in the family, the choice should be made in favor of a female dog. They are calmer, have less pronounced aggressive qualities, and are easier to train. Males should be chosen by dog ​​breeders with experience interacting with guard and guard breeds. An indispensable condition for an obedient dog that can be trained and controlled is a strong and powerful owner. Otherwise, the dog can pose a real threat to the inhabitants of the house and random passers-by on the street.

Regardless of the purpose of purchasing a puppy and choosing its gender, it is necessary to evaluate the psyche of the future guard. This can be done in the nursery, observing the parents. It is also worth paying attention to the dog’s attitude towards its owner, level of obedience, and reaction to strangers. The combination of these signs will help you make the right choice.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is the standard of fearlessness, courage and courage. Despite their impressive size and unfriendly appearance, dogs of this breed are able to provide delightful moments in communication with them. Their devotion to "family" makes them popular and desirable.

The largest Caucasian Shepherd in the world

The largest shepherd dog registered at the moment is a ten-year-old male named Grizzly. He weighs just under 100 kg and has a height at the withers of 75 centimeters. Despite its size and formidable name, the dog is very “family friendly” and has an extremely calm disposition. But there is no information about whether there is a small one. A photo of the largest shepherd can be seen below.

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