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Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka): Pictures, Info, Facts & Traits

Jeff Weishaupt

By Jeff Weishaupt

Caucasian Shepherd

Known for their fierce stance and self-confidence, the Caucasian Shepherd is a guardian breed dog who keeps your family safe from threats. At the same time, they are also kind, soft, and devoted furry friends around family and fellow pets.

Some other names for the Caucasian Shepherd are Caucasian Sheepdog, Ovcharka, Kaukasische Schäferhund, and Kawkasky Owtscharka.

Height: 23–30 inches
Weight: 100–170 pounds
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Colors: Cream, fawn, gray, red, white, rust, sable, black and gray, agouti and white
Suitable for: Families looking for a watchdog
Temperament: Bold and protective with moderate mental stimulation needs and trainability level

Hailing from the Kavkaz (Caucasian) mountains in Eastern Europe, the Caucasian Shepherd has been used by people for centuries to protect their livestock from predators like coyotes and their homes from trespassers. Today, Caucasian Shepherds serve as watchdogs and companions in most families.

There are two widely known types of Caucasian Shepherds: the Steppe and the Mountain. The former is lighter in weight and has a shorter coat. Meanwhile, the latter is heavier with a longer coat.

What makes the Caucasian Shepherd so suitable for their watchdog role is the low barking level combined with high alertness and strong protective instinct. Their temperament is best described as bold yet caring—just what a family home needs.

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Caucasian Shepherd Breed Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Caucasian Shepherd Puppies

caucasian shepherd dog puppies sitting on grass
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock

Before you decide to bring a Caucasian Shepherd puppy home, remember that they are big dogs that eat significantly. You should be able to afford quality dog food along with other provisions, like a dog bed, crate, and toys.

Although a quality breed, Caucasian Shepherd dogs are not as readily available as some other common breeds. Backyard practices are also common in some areas, with puppies of dubious quality being sold at lower prices. It’s important that you only buy a Caucasian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder. Otherwise, you might bring a pup home with a wide range of genetic disorders or with a predisposition to common ailments.

Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing for their stock to rule out these problems. If you’re having trouble finding a pup in your area, check out American Kennel Club’s marketplace to find certified Caucasian Shepherd sellers.

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Temperature & Intelligence of the Caucasian Shepherd 🧠

Compared to many other breeds, the Caucasian Shepherd is not as adaptable. These dogs do not adapt well to living in apartments and have a high sensitivity level. They can tolerate separation anxiety quite well. While they won’t do well in hot weather, they can survive harsh cold temperatures easily. They’re moderately affectionate with family and kids. However, they take some time to warm up to other dogs, especially new buddies.

The Caucasian Shepherd ranks quite low on the social scale due to their limited playfulness and openness to strangers. But when it comes to protectiveness, they’re hard to match in their skill. Consistent training can do wonders for molding a Caucasian Shepherd to become a good house dog. The breed has a high energy level that you must satisfy with daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Due to their high intelligence levels, Caucasian Shepherds are relatively easier to train. A higher intelligence also comes with an elevated mental stimulation requirement since the dog was bred for their concentration and ability to understand complex commands.

Caucasian Shepherd dog
Image Credit: Jagodka, Shutterstock

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Although Caucasian Shepherds are good for families, first-time owners will find them to be a handful. The breed is trainable, but their sheer size can make it difficult for a novice owner to handle and care for them. Similarly, their size makes it difficult for them to live in small apartments. Families living in larger spaces, such as single-family homes, are better suited to own Caucasian Shepherds.

The breed is also poorly suited for families with small children. While the breed is protective, it’s also assertive. You cannot leave your young child unattended with a Caucasian Shepherd. An unusual noise or activity could set off the dog, resulting in potential injuries and damage.

Families who have already owned dogs in the past are best suited to care for Caucasian Shepherds. Even then, the breed will need consistent socialization and obedience training to become an affectionate family member.

Note that Caucasian Shepherds shed and drool a lot. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re exceptionally fond of your upholstery or dread cleaning.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Caucasian Shepherd doesn’t get along with other pets too well, even other dogs. That’s often common in dogs bred to hunt or protect. These dogs have an innate instinct to chase or kill other animals.

Often, small movements like the whizzing of insects or the scurrying of a mouse nearby can trigger them. With proper training and socialization, you can expect your Caucasian Shepherd to get along with other dogs or pets in the house. However, it’s still good to keep an eye on them when they’re playing with other dogs to ensure no one gets hurt. Do not get a Caucasian Shepherd if you have small pets, like hamsters, at home.

young chihuahua dog with caucasian shepherd
Image Credit: anetapics, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a Caucasian Shepherd

Owning a dog, especially a big breed like the Caucasian Shepherd, comes with a ton of responsibility. Since your dog depends on you for proper nutrition and care, you should know the following:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

According to PetMD, you should account for the following factors to determine how much to feed your dog:

  • Type of food
  • Body weight
  • Metabolic rate
  • Exercise habits
  • Number of meals

Dog food labels have a feeding guide for dogs of different ages and sizes. You can check how much dog food you need to give your pet of a certain weight and age in a 24-hour period. Then, you can divide this amount into two or three feedings, depending on the number of meals you offer to your pet.

Caucasian Shepherds need specific dog food formulas that cater to their digestive needs in different phases of their life. For the first 6 months, only feed your dog breeder-recommended food. After that, look for breed-specific food. Since the Caucasian Shepherd falls into the large to extra-large breed category, buy dog food for them accordingly. Avoid buying kibble with poor-quality ingredients, as your dog won’t be able to digest them.

As for treats, there’s no standard on how many of them you can feed your furry friend. But it should not be more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

When counting your dog’s calories, do not forget the table scraps. These are the little pieces of food you might share with your pet at dinner. Keep these bites the size of your pinky fingernail so that your canine buddy doesn’t get too many ‘’off-record’’ calories.

caucasian shepherd puppy dog eating food from a metal bowl
Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock

Exercise 🐕

Caucasian Shepherds prefer playing in a yard since they like open spaces. Make sure your yard is fenced to keep your pet from following every passing car or stray animal. Alternatively, you can take a Caucasian Shepherd for daily walks to meet their exercise needs.

Always keep your Caucasian Shepherd on a leash since they are an independent breed that can easily wander away if they suddenly spot something interesting. Without proper exercise, the Caucasian Shepherd can quickly put on weight. They may also use the pent-up energy on destructive tasks, such as chewing your belongings or digging in the yard.

You can add toys to the mix to keep your pet active inside the home. However, Caucasian Shepherds don’t care much for little trinkets, nor do they like to play a lot with other dogs. Instead, they prefer doing physical activities with their handlers.

Training 🎾

The Caucasian Shepherd requires sufficient socialization training to keep them friendly towards other dogs and humans. Obedience training can be difficult due to the breed’s independent nature, but it’s not impossible.

Since Caucasian Shepherds are very protective of their owners and families, you might have a hard time bringing friends and new faces over. Most experts recommend starting puppy socialization training as early as 2 months old. Most vets recommend getting a round of vaccines at least a week before you start socialization training.

After the initial 14 weeks, it’s important to introduce your dog to new environments. For example, you can take them to the park, pet store, and other public places.

caucasian shepherd dog being trained
Image Credit: Sergiy1975, Shutterstock

Grooming ✂️

Caucasian Shepherds don’t enjoy being touched. Husbandry training can help get your dog used to your hands so that you can groom them without any resistance from their side. The first step is to get your Caucasian Shepherd comfortable with your touch. Handle different parts of their body, such as their tail, ears, and toes. The younger your dog is, the easier it will be to train them.

Once your dog gets used to being touched, you can groom them at home. The coat type of your Caucasian Shepherd depends on their type. Some dogs have longer coats that require daily grooming sessions, while others are short-coated and do not shed as much.

The breed’s nails also grow quite fast, so you need to trim them regularly to avoid cracking and splitting. Also, check your dog’s ears regularly for wax and debris buildup. Brush their teeth regularly too.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Regardless of the breed, it’s important to take your dog for a wellness examination every year.

The vet will likely recommend the following tests:
  • Complete blood count
  • Urinalysis
  • Thyroid hormone testing
  • Biochemistry profile

The vet will advise about the extent of testing in every category. Besides these tests, take your dog for their vaccination, as recommended by the veterinarian.

Caucasian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, as responsible breeders screen them for diseases before breeding. However, they may be susceptible to the following conditions that affect large-breed dogs.

Minor Conditions
  • Ear Infections
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
Serious Conditions

Being a giant breed, the Caucasian Shepherd is prone to the following serious health conditions.

  • Cataracts
  • Obesity
  • Dental Disease

Male vs. Female

Male Caucasian Shepherds are bigger and heavier with larger heads. Meanwhile, female Caucasian Shepherds are less muscular and have smaller heads. Males weigh anywhere from 110 to 220 pounds, while females average about 100 to 180 pounds. Females are also smaller in size, with an average of 26.5 inches. Meanwhile, males are about an inch taller and have wedge-shaped heads.

As compared to females, male Caucasian Shepherds have a more pronounced mane. Their coats are also longer and showier.

Besides height and weight, there are some temperament differences between both sexes too. Ashley Valm, an expert at Humane Rescue Alliance, explains that unneutered male dogs are more likely to mark their territory through urination. These dogs are also prone to wandering off to find a mate for themselves.

If you’re looking for a Caucasian Shepherd that you can train easily, it might help to opt for a female. They are often easier to train since they pay more attention to your commands than their male counterparts. However, female dogs go in “heat,” during which they may become more aggressive and protective of their territory.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Caucasian Shepherd

1. Caucasian Shepherds May Be Related to Asian Mastiffs

Caucasian Shepherds come from mountainous territories, including Armenia, Georgia, Dagestan, Azerbaijan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Ossetia, Turkey, Chechnya, Iran, and Ingushetia. The breed’s characteristics have been introduced into many other dog breeds originating from these regions for centuries. Researchers believe that Caucasian dogs are closely related to Asian mastiffs and Balkan sheepdogs.


2. Caucasian Shepherds Are in the Working Group

The American Kennel Club categorizes dogs into seven groups, namely terrier, non-sporting, sporting, hound, herding, toy, and working. Caucasian Shepherd falls in the working group. These are ”blue-collar” workers of the canine community and include some of the oldest breeds in the world. Dogs in the working group were bred to help humans in some way, like pulling carts, guarding flocks, or protecting territories.


3. The Caucasian Shepherd Is a Part of the Foundation Stock Service

The Foundation Stock Service Program from the AKC allows dogs with purebred heritage to gain recognition and provides records of their lineage. Since 1996, the Caucasian Shepherd has been in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Image Credit: DragoNika, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Caucasian Shepherds are protective watchdogs ideal for homes without small children. It might take some time and effort to house-train your Caucasian Shepherd, but once the dog gets comfortable around family, you can expect nothing short of loyalty and protection. These dogs also need regular socialization from an early age to get accustomed to other people and animals in the house.

Fortunately, Caucasian Shepherds aren’t susceptible to many lifelong or life-threatening health conditions. If you buy your dog from a reputable breeder, you usually won’t have to worry about genetic disorders.

Some breeds closely related to the Caucasian Shepherd are the Pyrenean mastiff, the Central Asian shepherd dog, and the Anatolian shepherd dog. You can consider these breeds if you want a dog somewhat similar to the Caucasian Shepherd but with different size, grooming requirements, trainability levels, and temperament.


Featured Image Credit: Aleksandra Saveljeva, Shutterstock

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