Energy, dignity, the Aristocracy, intelligence, magnificence — and that’s not even a whole listing of the Caucasian Shepherd canine and its benefits. For those who’re searching for a shiny and severe canine that may carry out a spread of duties on the farm and be a loyal member of the family, this can be the proper breed for you.
However earlier than you get a Caucasian Shepherd canine, that you must think about just a few info about this lovely large. Let’s uncover this charming breed and decide whether or not it suits you.
We’ll reply all of your questions on this lovely canine, together with:
- What Is a Caucasian Shepherd?
- The place Does It Come From?
- Bodily Look
- Dietary Wants
- Coaching and Train
- Well being and Life Expectancy
- Do Caucasian Shepherds Shed?
- The place to Get One?
What Is a Caucasian Shepherd?
The canine’s historical past and title have roots within the Caucasian mountains, the place these canines seemingly developed. Individuals bred them to assist with a spread of duties, together with herding livestock and serving as watchdogs.
The Caucasian Shepherd has many nicknames, which isn’t any shock because it’s existed for over 2000 years. You would possibly discover it as Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Mountain canine, Caucasian Ovcharka, Russian Bear canine, Bashkhan, or simply CO.
Let’s dig deeper into the historical past behind these mountain canines.
Origin
The Caucasian Shepherd canines are an historic breed from the Caucasus area. The canines appeared concurrently in a number of locations directly: in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Dagestan. So that you’ll discover Caucasian Shepherd canines of assorted sorts, relying on their origin area.
For nearly a century, there have been two breed sorts and requirements: the mountain one, which is heavy and has an extended coat, and the steppe sort, which is lighter and with shorter hair. The Tibetan Nice Dane is probably going an ancestor of this breed.
Although they’re extra like normal herding canines, they may also be livestock guardians. They will watch over flocks of sheep, cattle herds, or different animals and shield them from doable threats.
An image of the Caucasian Mountain canine even embellished the coats of arms of Georgian grand dukes. They gained worldwide recognition after an exhibition in Germany (Nuremberg), the place the breed was first launched to the European public within the 1930’s. Main kennel organizations accepted the breed, together with the AKC, FCI, and UKC.
These days, these canines are extra prevalent in Russia and the CIS international locations. If you need a strong canine like this one, you have to be prepared to offer loads of train and meals for big breeds.
Bodily Look
The AKC added the Caucasian Shepherd canine to its listing of acknowledged breeds in 1931. The membership described it as a robust canine with huge paws, a big head, small ears, widely-set eyes, and a fluffy tail.
Sometimes, the minimal Caucasian Shepherd canine weight for males is 110 kilos, whereas the females attain at the least 99 kilos. The breed has a top of round 27–30 inches, and feminine representatives normally develop as much as 25–28 inches. You’ll be able to see why these canines aren’t a sensible choice for small homes — they want satisfactory house for his or her our bodies.
The Caucasian Shepherd canine has a dense and thick coat which helps it deal with the cruel local weather. It may be long-, medium-, or short-haired. The commonest colour is grey and strongly resembles a wolf coat. They will are available in purple, fawn, brown, and white colours.
Persona
The Caucasian Shepherd canine temperament exudes endurance, intelligence, and loyalty. Total, this breed could be very light and caring in direction of its household, however it may be cautious of strangers. Nonetheless, that’s what makes them excellent guard canines. They’re aggressive in protection and fearlessly shield every little thing inside their territory.
Caucasians get alongside nicely with different pets. Their inside qualities, corresponding to the Aristocracy and intelligence, stop them from attacking defenseless animals or offending a toddler. These canines can keep fortunately with little children if raised with them from childhood.
The Caucasian Shepherd canine pet ought to begin socializing with different puppies and people at an early age to really feel snug round them.
Dietary Wants
The breed wants particular bone improvement help. Because it’s associated to the wolf, its weight loss program ought to present loads of meat and animal merchandise. For starters, we suggest pet meals for big canines with balanced power ranges, protein, calcium, and phosphorus to help regular progress.
The grownup Caucasian Shepherd canine ought to obtain top-quality meals. Word that the breed positive factors weight shortly, so watch out with the every day quantity. One other strategy to stop indigestion is to purchase a canine bowl for sluggish feeding.
Coaching and Train
The Caucasian Ovcharka wants at the least 10 to fifteen minutes of coaching and workout routines a day to remain wholesome. They like out of doors actions and make glorious companions for lengthy walks or hikes. Additionally, they are often cussed at occasions, making their coaching a problem for impatient or inexperienced house owners.
You’ll be able to apply fundamental obedience coaching, however you also needs to embrace enjoyable video games to maintain the canine and engaged. That’s the way you’ll construct a powerful bond together with your furry companion. Making coaching periods brief and entertaining is important that can assist you get the very best outcomes.
Well being and Life Expectancy
Whereas taking good care of this breed isn’t as overwhelming as you would possibly assume, there’s nonetheless a bit of labor to make sure your mountain canine stays wholesome. The Caucasian Shepherd canine lifespan is 10–12 years, however the breed is vulnerable to a number of issues we’ll cowl beneath.
Earlier than getting a canine it’s important to acknowledge the early indicators and signs of typical well being points. They will influence these canines irrespective of their age. Caucasian well being issues can embrace:
- Weight problems: They prefer to eat every little thing and have a tendency to do it very quick. To forestall extra well being points, that you must management the Caucasian Shepherd canine weight. Ask your vet for recommendation in case you have any considerations about your pet’s meals consumption.
- Hip Dysplasia: The breed might inherit canine hip dysplasia — a continual skeletal situation that impacts canines of all ages. The illness is mostly seen in giant breeds, which is why it is best to preserve your Caucasian Shepherd canine pet at a median, lean weight.
- Eye Points: These canines are vulnerable to quite a few eye points — from small eyes (microphthalmia) to cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. We suggest getting some canine eye nutritional vitamins to help your pet’s imaginative and prescient.
- Coronary heart Issues: Some Caucasian Mountain Canines inherit a coronary heart situation named pulmonic stenosis. The illness causes a narrowing of blood outflow from the center to the lungs, and the center should work tougher to pump sufficient blood.
Do Caucasian Shepherds Shed?
The breed has a outstanding weather-resistant double-coat that retains it heat in winter and funky in summer season. It consists of a rough overcoat and a gentle undercoat. The shedding course of happens every year and normally lasts for 3 weeks, throughout which the fur colour and texture change.
Caring for the coat of a Caucasian Mountain canine entails half-hour of brushing as soon as or twice every week. Through the shedding interval, you’ll must comb it each day. For greatest outcomes, you’ll want a brush, slicker, and steel comb.
These canines love water however don’t bathe them greater than as soon as each two months. Frequent bathing causes coat issues like tangling and extreme shedding. Additionally, take note of the nails, ears, and eyes.
The place to Get One?
Put together to spend extra money for a dependable breeder. The typical Caucasian Shepherd canine value is between $1,500 and $3,000. It is likely to be much more, relying in your area and the mother and father. Watch out for unqualified breeders or uncertified on-line sellers, which you’ll be able to normally spot by the large low cost. Additionally, at all times ask for paperwork proving pedigree and well being.
The most effective methods to discover a canine of this breed is thru adoption or rescue. Plus, it’s extremely rewarding. For the reason that breed is exclusive, you’ll be pleased to be taught that many rescues and shelters supply wholesome Caucasian canines.
Conclusion
The Caucasian Shepherd canine has a giant physique and a fair larger character. They possess many good qualities, which is why individuals discover them to be glorious companions. However, similar to hound canines, this breed isn’t appropriate for all individuals.
They’ll really feel greatest in houses with a number of house the place they will transfer round freely. For those who’re able to spend your time, power, house, and endurance on a Caucasian Shepherd canine, it’s possible you’ll discover that this breed provides every little thing you is likely to be searching for and extra.
