Caucasian Shepherd Dog: character, prices, photos and reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

"Cute fluffy", "bear cub" - these are the first words of people who came across a small Caucasian shepherd dog. Puppies are really adorable, but even little ones have strong personalities. Before buying, be sure to think about it, you get a bright personality, a reliable friend and bodyguard who cannot be humiliated and beaten, only in harmonious relationships will he reveal to you all the depths of his love and selfless devotion.

Origin of the breed

The country that gave us this wonderful beast is, of course, Russia. After all, it is not for nothing that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is in such harmony with the harsh Russian winter and dense forests full of wild bears. This is not the result of artificial selection, but a natural breed, the roots of which lie in the Caucasus. It was here, on the land of severe beauty and majestic mountains, that her ancestors landed 2000 years ago. Since then, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has been used as an excellent shepherd. Their main purpose was to scare away the wolves. With their appearance and serious character, they inspired awe in gray vagrants.

Since the Caucasus became part of Russia, the breed has spread widely throughout its vastterritory. She was used by the military to guard convoys and even in battle, and she also won love among the general population. In the 90s, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog experienced a real surge in popularity, it was officially recognized all over the world, special nurseries appeared to maintain and develop the breed.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog, characteristics of the breed

These are massively built dogs, bright and charming. They cannot be confused with any other dog, they are giants with a wide skeleton and well-developed muscles. They do not care about long jogs and walks, moreover, they need movement all the time, so life in an apartment is not easy for them. These are self-confident, balanced and calm dogs, their truly regal appearance causes admiration and even some reverence for a giant who is much stronger than a man and could easily kill him, but agreed to be friends. This is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, the characteristics of the breed will be disclosed below so that you have a better idea.

Constitution and breed standards

As already mentioned, they are distinguished by a massive skeleton and magnificent muscles. Even Caucasian Shepherd puppies possess these qualities. A photo of fluffy one-month-old babies shows real cubs, large and clumsy. Of these, then stately handsome men will grow, 69-75 cm at the withers, with straight, coarse hair and thick undercoat. You can easily distinguish them by gender, males are much larger and more massive, with a heavy head and a pronounced mane. Real lions, always ready to defend theirrights to the territory in case of encroachment of strangers.

Breed standards are evaluated already in adulthood, so Caucasian Shepherd puppies do not participate in the breeding selection. Photos of charming kids performing at the exhibition in the "baby" class can only serve as an opportunity to take the first step on the "career ladder". In fact, each of them has a chance to get a title in the future.

The head should be massive, with a voluminous and wide cranial part. The forehead is wide, slightly convex. The nose is large, black. The ears of the Caucasians hanging on the cartilage, small, set high, short cropped according to the old standards, today dogs in their natural form are allowed to show. The eyes are small, oval, set wide apart. The eyelids are dry, tight-fitting, the presence of a drooping eyelid is undesirable. The neck is powerful, somewhat shorter than the length of the head. Teeth complete, white, powerful, well developed and close fitting. Definitely a scissor bite.

Movement is free, unhurried and graceful, such a non-spreading lynx. When accelerating, it goes into a somewhat heavy gallop.

Dog care

A Caucasian Shepherd has appeared in your house. The price that you paid for her is quite small, very soon you will be convinced that with her love and devotion she will pay her a hundredfold. These are very unpretentious dogs that can live in any weather and climatic conditions. Since they are dressed like real bears in a thick fur coat, you need to keep it in good condition. There are two types of dogs - short haired andlonghaired. If with the former care comes down to rare combing, then the latter should be given more time. Luxurious, long hair falls off quickly and all that remains is to cut out the tangles and wait for the dog to grow back. About 3 times a week it needs to be combed out with a fine comb. Twice a year there is a natural molt, since these dogs usually live on the street, such a natural process practically does not cause trouble for the owners. Be sure to comb your shepherd every day during these periods.

Bathing a big bear should only be necessary. If you are preparing for a show in the ring or your pet has been very dazed, then you can arrange a bath for him. Prepare in advance a shallow pan in which the dog can enter and a warm water irrigation system. Separately, it is necessary to mention the care of the eyes, ears, nails and paws. Periodically examine the pet, you should be alerted by any inflammation, suppuration. In any case, it does not hurt to consult a veterinarian.

Food

This is the key to the he alth and long life of your pet, so be responsible in choosing feed. There is no doubt that nutrition should be balanced, complete and varied, include the necessary vitamins and minerals. The easiest way is to turn to professionals for help and choose high-quality ready-made food for your pet, preferably premium. They are of high quality and balanced composition. In addition, they do not contain artificial flavors and colors. ita necessary condition for you to grow up a beautiful and he althy Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Photos shown on the pages of famous catteries will tell you what to strive for.

You can raise your pet using natural food. Meat must be present in the diet, it is 75% of the total food volume. For puppies, you can grind it, give adults in pieces. Most often it should be boiled, but sometimes it can be given raw. Once a week, you can replace meat with offal and once with sea fish (boiled and raw). The remaining 25% is raw vegetables and fruits, eggs, milk and cottage cheese. Cereals are acceptable in very small quantities, because the body of Caucasians does not absorb cereals well. Avoid citrus fruits and legumes.

Bran is a useful addition. It is not bad to introduce germinated wheat, raw tomatoes and cucumbers into the diet. Supplement fish oil in small amounts.

Breeding

Today, the desired species of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is well defined, so any expert at the exhibition will easily evaluate your pet. If he meets the standards, then you can get an assessment and participate in breeding activities. Then you will need to register with a kennel club where you will be matched with a mate. When the pet reaches a certain age, you will be invited to mating. This will be your contribution to the development of such a wonderful breed as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Photos of both parents should be posted on the website in advance in order to slowly select the owners for future babies.

Do not forget that the expectant mother requires care,attention and nutrition. When the babies appear, you will also have to join in taking care of them, and from about the 15th day of life, provide them with four meals a day.

Shepherd Dog Diseases

Despite their outward fearless appearance, these dogs are also susceptible to many diseases. Puppies have a rather weak gastrointestinal tract, they are often affected by enteritis. Adults can live in all climates, but are very sensitive to drafts and can catch pneumonia. Like any large dog, they are prone to joint diseases such as dysplasia. This is due to the heavy load on this system. Another weak point is the eyes. There is a predisposition to conjunctivitis, cataracts, eversion and inversion of the eyelid. Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat, so be sure to visit the veterinarian for any warning signs.

Vaccinations

Today there are nurseries that completely refuse vaccinations, preferring natural selection. Perhaps this is justified for conducting breeding activities, but hardly anyone wants to lose their only and expensive pet, then take another one and again hope for good luck. It is better to choose a good doctor, a quality vaccine, and immunization according to an individual schedule drawn up especially for you.

Basic rules for raising caucasian shepherd puppies

From the first day a puppy appears in the house, you must remember the basic rules, and strictly follow themto follow. This is the only way you can bring them to your proud pet. This breed is very common in Russia and many have already had a Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The owner's reviews confirm that with good contact and upbringing, this is the most devoted and loving creature in the world.

So, get used to feeding your dog strictly at the allotted hours. No handouts from the table, a treat should be given only for the executed command. Training should be carried out by one member of the family, it is better if he takes a leading position, the dogs feel this. Immediately prohibit pampering, such as jumping on the owner, climbing on the sofa and gently biting the legs. It touches only when you have a puppy in front of you, but tomorrow he will grow up, but the habits will remain. Even a baby should be treated with respect, not beaten or humiliated. If he committed a misdemeanor, the punishment should come immediately, be tangible, but not too painful. For example, shake the withers and change the intonation.

Social Adjustment

The sooner you start bringing your pet into the "light", the less problems will arise in the future. It would be a mistake to keep him in isolation, because in this case he may begin to perceive all guests as potentially dangerous. Find out where amateur dog breeders work. These are not very serious courses, but still they give the dog the opportunity to get to know other people and pets, run in the fresh air, and also gain some skills. This is the development of simple commands: “to me”, “sit”, “next”. Working with a young shepherd is a pleasure,she is smart, quick-witted and obedient. But don't be reassured by this simple assimilation of knowledge, there is a more difficult stage ahead of you.

Puberty

This is a period of change, reconsideration of one's attitude to the world. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog itself is also changing. Reviews of the owners always note a sharp contrast: a good-natured puppy suddenly became distrustful and wary. But this behavior is a sign of poor socialization. On the contrary, excessive trust in the world and the people around during this period can be regarded as the norm. After all, this is not an adult dog, but only a maturing puppy. This is the time of formation of your relationship with him. No longer maternal care, as it was before, but a partner, friendly union. The training of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog should continue, in no case should you leave it due to temporary difficulties in the behavior of the pet.

Training

Don't rush into this challenging course until your dog is mature. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a late breed that matures late. Pets with a fully formed nervous system should be trained in protective guard duty. Otherwise, the consequences may be too sad. To do this, you must definitely find a professional trainer and assistant who will imitate an attack on a beloved owner. It should be noted that it is necessary to fully observe the realism of what is happening. After the attack is over and the dog has worked out the defense, it is not worth it to have fun talking with the assistants who portrayed the bandit. It is better to calm the pet and go home. Keep in mind that the weight of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can reach 80 kg, the trainer must withstand the attack of such a colossus.

How much do Caucasian Shepherd puppies cost

You have decided that you need an excellent guard, and your choice is a Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The price of puppies today is quite diverse, on average from 4 to 35 thousand rubles. It happens that dogs are given away cheaper due to an emergency move, but in this case, you should think carefully about whether you can get along with such a serious friend, and even suffering from the owner who left him.

Exhibitions

Caucasian Shepherd Shows are a fascinating spectacle that must be visited. Adorable babies, awkward teenagers and majestic adults, each of them is beautiful in his own way. If by visiting such an event you only strengthened your desire to make a true friend, then choose a breeder and start a wonderful journey through life together.