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Caucasian shepherd dog

The Caucasian Shepherd, or Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, is a livestock guardian from the Caucasus mountains, used for centuries across Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and southern Russia to defend flocks from wolves and bears.

It was also used as a working guard dog along the Berlin Wall.

It stands 64 to 75 centimetres and more, weighs 45 to 100 kilograms and lives ten to twelve years, with a thick double coat. It is among the most formidable guardian breeds in existence: territorial, independent, physically overwhelming, and bred to make its own decisions about threats. It is restricted in some countries, and it is emphatically not a breed for general ownership.

Origin
Caucasus mountains; a livestock guardian
Size
64–75+ cm; 45–100 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Very thick double coat; enormous seasonal moult
Temperament
Independent, territorial and formidable; not a general pet
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, entropion

Related: Anatolian shepherd dog · Australian shepherd · Bohemian shepherd · Bucovina shepherd dog · Central Asian shepherd dog

2 caucasian shepherd dog photos, newest first

  • Basil, a caucasian shepherd dog

    Basil

    Basil was promoted to weather forecaster surprised by its own forecast; unfortunately, a feather duster gets stuck in a tiny chandelier.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Basil, a caucasian shepherd dog

    Basil

    The exact moment Basil heard the fridge open.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a caucasian shepherd dog

Be realistic about what this is. A Caucasian Shepherd is bred to confront wolves without instruction, and it applies the same judgement to visitors, delivery drivers and other dogs. It requires an owner with genuine guardian-breed experience, and it is restricted or discouraged in several countries.

Containment must be absolute: high, solid fencing, and a plan for anyone entering the property.

Socialisation from the earliest weeks is essential and never finished.

They are slow to mature — three years or more — and giant-breed puppies must be grown slowly to protect the joints.

Ask for hip and elbow scores. Learn the signs of bloat. Expect a coat moult that produces bin bags of undercoat twice a year.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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