Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Also called Caucasian Mountain Dog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Kaukasische Schäferhund and Kavkazskaya Ovcharka
- Needs space
- Sheds a lot
- Barks a lot
- Hard to train
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed of dog from the Caucasus Mountains region. These dogs are large in size, with a thick double coat to protect them from the cold. They have a regal bearing, with a proud and confident demeanor. They are highly intelligent and loyal, making them excellent guard dogs. They are courageous and alert, with an instinct to protect their family and property. They are highly trainable, but require firm and consistent training.
- Weight
- 99–220 lb (45–100 kg)
- Height at the shoulder
- 25–30 in (64–75 cm)
- Life span
- 15–20 years
- Exercise
- About 60 minutes a day
- Coat
- Medium, Double
- Origin
- Caucasus Mountains, Russia (ancient/19th century)
Traits
Family and friends
- Children: OK with children
- Other dogs: Wary of other dogs
- Strangers: Very wary of strangers
Home and activity
- Energy: Moderately active
- Apartment living: Not suited to apartments
- Barking: Barks often
- Training: Hard to train
Care
- Grooming: Regular brushing
- Shedding: Sheds a lot
- Drooling: Drools a little
Temperament
Calm
Confident
Fearless
Independent
Protective
Territorial
Coat colours
Brindle, fawn, grey, piebald, reddish-brown and white
Males and females
| Measure | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 110–220 lb (50–100 kg) | 99–154 lb (45–70 kg) |
| Height | 27–30 in (68–75 cm) | 25–28 in (64–70 cm) |
Recognized by
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and United Kennel Club (UKC)
Caring for a Caucasian Shepherd Dog
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Breeds of a similar size
All giant breeds
Giant
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:99–198 lb (45–90 kg)
- Life span:12–14 years
Giant
Estrela Mountain Dog
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:77–132 lb (35–60 kg)
- Life span:12–14 years
Giant
Perro de Presa Canario
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:77–126 lb (35–57 kg)
- Life span:10–12 years
Sources
- Caucasian Shepherd FCI Standard - Molosser Dogs (opens in a new tab)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog Breed Info & Characteristics (opens in a new tab)
- Caucasian Owcharka - Complete Breed Guide (opens in a new tab)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog Dimensions & Drawings (opens in a new tab)
Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).