Comprehensive Caucasian Shepherd Dog Breed Guide

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s ancestors for several generations were the high mountains of the Soviet Union. The mountains were over 4000 meters high. Their tough weather created their brave, independent and death-defying characters. That’s how they spent over 600 years perfecting their skills in guarding sheep.

I.Advantages of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

1. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is extremely capable of guarding and even more so, it is naturally loyal to its owner and territory. Their alertness is beyond that of normal breeds; even the faintest of unfamiliar sounds or movements are immediately detected and reacted to.

2. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is capable of adaptation to any kind of surroundings. It is a long life in the cold mountainous regions that has made them resist extreme cold. Because of the strong body that was developed through their natural environment, they are now able to face severe weather and difficult ground without any problem.

3. The Caucasian Shepherds perform their duties such as patrolling their territory effectively even if they are not always accompanied by a human. When they are left alone, they do not get stressed like some breeds, and they do not show any types of uncontrolled behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

4. The Caucasian Shepherds are inherently equipped with an idea of following the owner’s instructions. When they undergo a phase of discipline, they are able to understand and carry out the given directions. Even if very noisy or unfamiliar places, they still concentrate and use the skills they have previously been taught for a long time.

5. Through their strong and solid skeletal system as well as well-arranged, powerful are made of a few muscles, Caucasian Shepherds are, by nature, very unlikely to suffer from hereditary diseases. If they are given the necessary daily care, they are seldom ill and thus, the number of visits to the vet and the use of medicine are minimal.

II Disadvantages of the Caucasian Shepherd

1. Their big size which makes their weight range is from 70 to 100 kg (154-220 lbs) and their height is more than 1.5 meters (5 ft 10 in) necessitates having a large living space. A family living in a small apartment may find it uncomfortable to live together with a dog of such a kind.

2. Caucasian Shepherds are naturally cautious and hostile to strangers as well as other animals. This hostility, if not socialization training is done at the right stage, may turn into aggressive behavior.

3. Caucasian Shepherds has endless energy, and this energy can only be used through 1-2 hours of moderate to high-intensity exercise daily. If they are not given enough exercise during a certain period, the energy which has been accumulated will be released through the performance of the destructive behaviors like chewing the furniture or excessive barking.

4. Caucasian Shepherds eat very much. They’re roughly 3-4 times the food of normal breeds. The cost of dog food alone is quite considerable, and it becomes a little more when you add the costs of regular deworming, vaccinations, and other expenses, making long-term ownership very expensive.

5. The thick, dense double layer of the Caucasian Shepherd is the feature with which they are most known, however, this causes the dog to have grooming problems. Shedding gets a lot more during the transition from spring and fall, thus there is a need to frequently brush to avoid matting.

III. Raising the Caucasian Shepherd

1. The food should be rich in protein and low in fat. In the case of adult dogs meat should make up 40%-50% of the daily food intake, with 30% of grains and 20% of fruits/vegetables added to provide balanced nutrition. The number of feeding is very important: puppies that are still growing should be fed 3-4 times a day, while adults should be given only 2 meals a day. Both puppies and adults need controlling their food portions – each meal should be about 70% of fullness.

2. The area where they live has to be more than 15 square meters for their size. Not enough space is very bad for their physical and mental health. Use waterproof and chew-resistant materials for the bed which is comfortable, easy to keep and durable. Dry the bedding in the sun and disinfect it every week to get rid of bacteria.

3. Mature dogs should be taken for a walk twice a day for 40-60 minutes. Just walking is not enough; sometimes you may add a ball game to satisfy their need for physical exercise better. The skeleton of the puppies is still in the process of development, so the time allotted for exercising should be reduced by half.

4. Care should be taken to their grooming work. One or two times a week is normally enough for brushing, but during the shedding seasons of spring and fall one should brush 3-4 times. Bathing should not be done too often; 1-2 times a month is enough. The skin becomes vulnerable when its natural oil layer is removed by excessive bathing.

5. Vaccinations and deworming must be followed strict to maintain good health. The first vaccine is given to a puppy 45 days after it was born, and then shots are given every 21 days until the 3-dose core series plus 1 rabies vaccine is completed. After that, annual booster shots are needed. Internal deworming should be done monthly while external flea and tick prevention should be done monthly.

6. The time from 3 to 6 months is the best time for learning the basics of obedience skills. Use positive methods such as giving treats and praising to get the results you want- never use violence or scold. Concentrate the most on training that involves behavior leading to danger, like “no jumping on people” and “refusing treats.”

7. Always check up on their condition thinking about their daily feeding and also regularly checking their stool condition and weighing them monthly (adult males: 45-70 kg; females: 40-65 ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌kg).

IV. Foods Prohibited for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

1. Chocolate is strictly forbidden. Dogs cannot metabolize theobromine, and smaller breeds are more sensitive to chocolate, with a lower lethal dose. Dark chocolate is significantly more harmful than milk chocolate. Any concentration of chocolate or chocolate products must be completely avoided. If ingested accidentally, induce vomiting immediately and seek veterinary care.
2. Grapes and raisins are also off-limits. Fresh or dried, even a few pieces can cause acute kidney failure. Symptoms of poisoning include lethargy, vomiting, and anuria. The specific toxic component remains unclear, and no safe consumption level has been established.
3. Onions and garlic are toxic to them in any form—raw, cooked, or processed. Chronic low-dose exposure or single large ingestion damages red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Symptoms include pale gums, lethargy, and bloody urine.
4. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Dogs have a particularly weak ability to metabolize alcohol. Even large breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd cannot tolerate its effects. All alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol must be completely avoided.
5. Sharp bones pose a significant risk, easily lacerating the esophagus and digestive tract, leading to internal bleeding, blockages, and symptoms like refusal to eat, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. Cooked bones are more brittle than raw ones, breaking into sharp fragments that increase the danger. For chewing, opt for dog-safe chew sticks or large, blunt bones like beef bones.
6. Avoid high-salt and high-fat foods. Long-term consumption burdens the kidneys and heart, leading to obesity, pancreatitis, hair loss, and skin itching. Human diets contain far more salt than dogs need—fried foods, cured meats, and sausages pose significant risks.
7. Xylitol, commonly found in sugar-free gum, cakes, and toothpaste, is extremely toxic to dogs. It causes rapid blood sugar drops and liver damage, leading to poisoning symptoms like drowsiness, seizures, and vomiting. Even small amounts can have severe consequences.

V. Selecting a Caucasian Shepherd Dog

1. Observe the Eyes: A healthy dog has pink conjunctiva, bright and alert eyes without tearing or discharge buildup in the corners. Cloudy eyes, persistent tearing, or discharge likely indicate poor health.
2. Check the Nose: Normally, a dog’s nose tip should be cool and moist, free of mucus or thick discharge. A dry, cracked nose or thick mucus indicates poor health and should be avoided.
3. Inspect the Mouth: A healthy dog’s mouth should have pink gums, no foul odor, a bright red tongue without coating, clean and intact teeth, and a bite where the canine teeth interlock properly. Avoid dogs with an open bite or excessive drooling.
4. Feel the coat: Touch the fur—a healthy dog’s coat should be moderately warm, fluffy, and neat, with a bright, glossy sheen. The skin should be supple without sagging, neither too dry nor too wet, and show no signs of hair loss. Check beneath the fur to ensure no fleas or parasites are present.
5. Observe the Anus: A healthy dog’s anus should be tight and closed. The surrounding skin should be clean and neat, free of foreign objects, redness, swelling, or unusual odors.

VI. Grooming Care for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

1. Daily brushing: 2-3 times per week is sufficient. Use a combination of a pin brush and a wide-tooth comb. Start with the wide-tooth comb to detangle the outer coat, working from the neck toward the tail. Pay special attention to prone-to-mat areas like the armpits, belly, and base of the tail. If you encounter mats, gently separate them with your fingers instead of pulling forcefully to avoid skin damage. Follow with the slicker brush to remove dust and loose hair from the undercoat, effectively reducing shedding.
2. Bathing should be infrequent—once every 1-2 months is sufficient. Only bathe when the dog is visibly dirty or has an odor. Always use dog-specific shampoo. Maintain water temperature between 38-40°C (98.6-104°F), ideally close to the dog’s body temperature. Thoroughly wet the entire coat, apply shampoo evenly, and gently massage. Pay special attention to cleaning areas prone to dirt buildup like paw pads and around the anus. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no shampoo residue remains. Immediately dry with an absorbent towel after washing.
3. After drying, promptly use a pet-specific hairdryer on a low-to-medium heat setting. Hold the dryer 15-20 cm away from the dog’s skin and comb the fur while drying. Start by drying the undercoat, then move to the outer coat. Ensure the entire coat is completely dry, especially hidden areas like the belly and armpits, as dampness can foster bacterial growth.
4. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks using dog-specific clippers. Cut only the transparent tip of the nail, avoiding the quick. If accidentally cut, immediately apply styptic powder and apply pressure to stop bleeding. After trimming, gently file the nail edges with a nail file.
5. Clean ear canals 1-2 times monthly. Dip a cotton swab in dog-specific ear cleaner and gently wipe the outer ear canal walls to remove wax and debris. Avoid inserting swabs too deeply to prevent eardrum damage.
6. Eye Care Once a week, moisten a cotton ball with sterile saline solution and gently wipe away secretions around the eyes, focusing on tear stains at the corners. Avoid direct contact with the eyeball. If you notice increased tearing or abnormal discharge, check for ingrown eyelashes or eye inflammation.
7. Trim paw pad hair monthly using small scissors or clippers. Remove excess hair, especially between the claws, as wet hair can cause slipping and harbor bacteria. Exercise extreme caution to avoid cutting the dog’s paw pads.

VII. Training the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

During the puppy stage (3-6 months), the focus is on building foundational obedience. Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to training, teaching only one command at a time—such as “Sit”—and avoid overloading. Hold a treat above the dog’s head during training. When it naturally sits down, clearly say “Sit” the moment its hindquarters touch the ground, then immediately reward it with the treat. Repeat 20-30 times daily, avoiding times when the dog is full or overly excited. Gradually establish the association between “command – action – reward.”
2. Establish activity boundaries in advance. Use fencing to separate areas like the kennel and living room, so your Caucasian Shepherd knows where it can and cannot go. If it attempts to scratch or climb over barriers, stop it with a low, firm voice, then gently guide it back to the designated area. Reward compliance by petting its head and verbally praising it, reinforcing this 3-5 times daily.
3. Leash training is crucial. Use a P-chain or anti-pull harness when outdoors, keeping the leash naturally slack. If the Caucasian Shepherd suddenly surges forward, immediately stop in place, gently pull the leash backward while saying “Heel.” Only resume walking once it voluntarily returns to your side. Train for 15 minutes daily to gradually correct leash-pulling habits and improve human-dog coordination during outings.
4.6-8 months is the critical period for socialization. During this time, expose it frequently to strangers and gentle other dogs, keeping it on a leash throughout. If it remains calm without signs of anxiety or aggression, promptly reward the Caucasian Shepherd with treats. Never force it to interact with unfamiliar subjects, as this can backfire. The key is to let it gradually adapt to different environments.
5. Training results require consistent reinforcement—don’t be inconsistent. Spend 5 minutes daily reviewing the core commands “Sit,” “Stay,” and “No.” Gradually reduce rewards as your dog becomes more proficient. Ensure all household members use consistent commands—for example, avoid one person saying ‘Sit’ while another says “Stay,” as this will confuse your dog.
6. The “Down” command can be trained after mastering “Sit.” Hold a treat and slowly move it downward from its nose. It will follow the treat’s path, lowering its head until its front paws touch the ground and its body lies flat. Immediately say “Down” and reward with the treat. Train for 10 minutes twice daily, repeating multiple times to stabilize the action.
7. To regulate excessive barking, issue the “Quiet” command with a raised hand gesture when barking occurs without justification. Reward only after 3 seconds of silence. If persistent, turn away and ignore it to reinforce that unwanted barking receives no attention. Conduct targeted training 4-5 times daily, correcting disruptive barking while preserving its alert barking.
8. Meal etiquette training builds patience. After preparing food, first give the “wait” command. Have the Caucasian Shepherd sit quietly for 3-5 seconds before allowing it to eat. If it lunges for food, immediately remove the bowl and repeat the command until it complies. Do this twice daily consistently to effectively eliminate food guarding and snatching.
9. Recall training is crucial for outdoor safety and should be conducted in open, distraction-free areas. Hold a treat it loves, call “Come” loudly, and reward it immediately upon reaching you. Start at 5 meters, gradually increasing to 10-15 meters. Train for 10 minutes daily.
10. Many dogs are sensitive to touch, requiring regular desensitization training. Daily, gently touch sensitive areas like ears, paws, and mouth for 1-2 seconds before rewarding with treats. If the dog struggles, pause until calm before resuming. Practice once daily to gradually acclimate it to human touch.

VIII. Common Health Issues in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

1. Eye diseases are prevalent in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, including entropion, cataracts, and ectropion. Symptoms include excessive tearing, increased eye discharge, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. These conditions may stem from genetics, foreign body irritation, or aging. Maintain consistent eye care routines. Avoid rubbing its eyes with your hands. Trim ingrown eyelashes promptly upon detection; severe cases may require surgical correction. Senior dogs should undergo biannual eye examinations. Early-stage cataracts can be managed with medication to slow progression.
2. Ear infections are common in Caucasian Shepherds, presenting as frequent head shaking, ear scratching, redness, swelling, foul odor, and sometimes pus discharge. This occurs mainly due to moist ear canals and long hair obstructing ventilation, leading to wax buildup and bacterial growth. Therefore, clean the ear canals strictly according to the recommended frequency. Avoid getting water in the ears during baths, and thoroughly dry the hair around the ears afterward. If an infection has already developed, use canine-specific ear anti-inflammatory medication; do not use human medications indiscriminately.
3. Skin issues are also common in Caucasian Shepherds, such as eczema and fungal dermatitis, manifesting as itching, hair loss, red patches, or dandruff. These are often caused by damp living environments, matted fur trapping dirt, or exposure to allergens. Maintain clean, dry fur through regular brushing to prevent tangles, and ensure thorough drying after baths. If allergies are suspected, investigate potential triggers in food or the environment. Seek veterinary care promptly for skin abnormalities, including skin scraping tests, to identify the cause before treatment.
4. Obesity is another critical concern for Caucasian Shepherds. Signs include excessive weight, sagging abdomen, and reduced exercise tolerance. Obesity can lead to complications like heart disease and diabetes. Primary causes include overfeeding, lack of exercise, or excessive snack consumption. Calculate daily food portions based on body weight, choose low-fat dog food, reduce high-fat/high-sugar treats, and ensure at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily to manage weight.
5. Heart Disease in Caucasian Shepherds Though uncommon, heart disease poses significant risks, manifesting as rapid breathing, coughing, lethargy, and limb swelling. Genetic predisposition, obesity, and hypertension can all trigger heart conditions. Schedule regular cardiac ultrasounds, maintain a healthy weight, avoid strenuous exercise, and administer heart medications as prescribed by your veterinarian.

IX. Caucasian Shepherd Dog Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog is approximately 9-12 years, closely tied to its living conditions. With proper care and attentive management, life expectancy can extend to 13-14 years; however, genetic defects or inadequate care may shorten it to 7-8 years.

X. Caucasian Shepherd Dog Pricing

Pet-quality Caucasian Shepherd puppies range from $211.35 to $422.70, while adult dogs cost between $281.80 and $704.50. Single pedigree puppies range from $563.60 to $1,127.20, dual pedigree puppies from $1,127.20 to $2,818.00, and show-quality puppies from $1,409.00 to $2,113.50. Adult dogs start at no less than $2,818.00. Scientifically bred premium show dogs can command prices between $7,045.00 and $21,135.00.