Caucasian Shepherd Dog: character, prices, photos and reviews

"Sweet Fuzzy", "bear cub" - these are the first words of people who caught a small Caucasian sheep dog. Puppies are really adorable, but even small ones have a strong character. Before buying, be sure to think about it, you acquire a bright personality, a reliable friend and bodyguard, which can not be humiliated and beaten, only in harmonious relations 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. It's not for nothing that the Caucasian shepherd harmonizes with the harsh Russian winter and dense forests full of wild bears. This is not the result of artificial breeding, but a natural breed, whose roots lie in the Caucasus. It was here, on the land of harsh beauty and majestic mountains, 2000 years ago, her ancestors came. Since then, the Caucasian Shepherd was used as an excellent shepherd. Their main goal was to scare off the wolves. With their appearance and serious character, they aroused awe at the gray vagrants.

Since the Caucasus became part of Russia, the breed has spread widely throughout its vast territory. It was used by the military to guard the caravans and even in combat, and it also won love among the ordinary population. In the 90s the Caucasian sheep-dog experienced a real surge in popularity, it was officially recognized all over the world, there were special nurseries for the maintenance and development of the breed.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog, characteristics of the breed

These are massively built dogs, bright and charming. They can not be confused with any other dog, they are giants with a wide skeleton and well developed musculature. They do not care about long runs and walks, moreover, they need to move constantly, that's why life in the apartment is not easy for them. These self-assured, balanced and calm dogs, their truly regal kind, cause 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, the breed's characteristics will be revealed below so that you have a more complete idea.

Constitution and breed standards

As already mentioned, they are distinguished by a massive skeleton and magnificent musculature. These qualities are even the puppies of the Caucasian sheepdog. Photo of fluffy toddlers of monthly age shows real cubs, large and clumsy. Of these, then handsome handsome men will grow, 69-75 cm at the withers, with straight, coarse wool and a thick undercoat. You easily distinguish them by sex, the males are much larger and more massive, with a heavy head and pronounced mane. Real lions, always ready to defend their rights to the territory in the encroachment of strangers.

The breed standards are evaluated already in the adult state, therefore the Caucasian shepherd puppies do not participate in the breeding selection. The photos of charming kids performing at the baby show can only serve as an opportunity for the first step along 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 volumetric and wide cranial part. Forehead broad, slightly convex. The nose of the nose is large, black. The ears of the Caucasus hanging on the cartilage, small, high sitting, according to the old standards, are shortened, today dogs are admitted to the exhibitions in their natural form. Eyes small, oval, widely planted. Eyelids dry, close fitting, unwanted presence of the sagging eyelid. The neck is powerful, somewhat shorter than the length of the head. Teeth in full set, white, powerful, well developed and closely fitting to each other. Mandatory scissor bite.

Movements are free, unhurried and graceful, such an undeveloped trot. At acceleration it passes into a somewhat heavy canter.

Dog Care

A Caucasian shepherd appeared in your house. The price you paid for it is very 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 all weather and climate conditions. Since they are dressed like real bears in a thick coat, you need to maintain it in a normal way. There are two types of dogs - short-haired and long-haired. If the first care is reduced to a rare scratching, then the second should be given more time. Luxurious, long hair quickly falls down and will only cut out the coils and wait for the dog to regenerate. Approximately 3 times a week it should be combed with a frequent comb. Twice a year there is a natural molt, as these dogs usually live on the street, the owners of such a natural process do not practically bother the owners. Be sure to comb the shepherd every day in these periods.

To bathe a big bear follows only if necessary. If you are preparing for a performance in the ring or your pet is very fat, then you can arrange a bath for him. Prepare a shallow pallet in advance in which the dog can go and the irrigation system with warm water. Separately, it is necessary to mention the care for the eyes, ears, nails and paws. Periodically inspect the pet, you should be alerted to any inflammation, suppuration. In any case, consultation of the veterinarian will not hurt.

Food

This is the guarantee of the health and long life of your pet, so take it responsibly to the choice of feed. There is no doubt that nutrition should be balanced, full and varied, include the necessary vitamins and minerals. The easiest way is to turn to the professionals for help and choose a quality ready-made feed for your pet, preferably a premium class. They are distinguished by high quality and balanced composition. In addition, they do not contain artificial flavors and colorants. This is a necessary condition for you to grow a beautiful and healthy Caucasian Shepherd. Photos shown on the pages of famous nurseries, will prompt you to what you should strive for.

You can grow your pet by using natural fodder. In the diet must be present meat, this is 75% of the total volume of food. For puppies, you can grind it, give it to adults. Most often it should be boiled, but sometimes you can give raw. Once a week, you can substitute meat for offal and once for sea fish (cooked and raw). The remaining 25% are raw vegetables and fruits, eggs, milk and cottage cheese. Cereals are allowed in very small quantities, because the body of Caucasians poorly absorbs porridge. Avoid citrus and legumes.

A useful additive is bran. It is not bad to introduce in the diet sprouted wheat, uncooked tomatoes and cucumbers. In small amounts, add fish oil to your food.

Breeding

Today the desired kind of the Caucasian sheep-dog is well defined, therefore any expert at an exhibition will easily estimate your favorite. If it meets the standards, then you can get an assessment and participate in breeding activities. Then you will need to register at the dog breeding club, where you will pick up a pair. When the pet reaches a certain age you will be invited to knit. This will be your contribution to the development of such a wonderful breed as the Caucasian Shepherd. Photos of both parents should be posted on the site in advance, so as not to hurry to pick up the owners of future babies.

Do not forget that the future mother requires care, attention and nutrition. When the babies will appear you will also have to get involved in caring for them, and from about the 15th day of life they will need to provide them with four meals a day.

Diseases of Shepherds

Despite their external fearless appearance, these dogs are also prone to many diseases. Puppies have a fairly weak gastrointestinal tract, they are often affected by enteritis. Adult individuals can live in any climatic conditions, but are very sensitive to drafts and can catch pneumonia. Like any large dog, they are prone to joint diseases, for example, dysplasia. This is explained by the heavy workload on this system. Another weak point is the eyes. There is a predisposition to conjunctivitis, cataract, eyelid and eyelid twist. Any disease is easier to prevent than treat, so be sure to visit the vet for any alarming symptoms.

Inoculations

Today there are kennels that completely refuse vaccinations, preferring natural selection. Perhaps this is justified for conducting breeding activities, but it is unlikely that someone wants to lose a single and expensive pet, then take another one and again hope for luck. It is better to choose a good doctor, a quality vaccine and carry out immunization on an individual schedule, compiled specifically for you.

The basic rules of education of puppies of the Caucasian sheepdog

From the first day of the appearance in the house of the puppy, you must remember the basic rules, and follow them unswervingly. Only so you can bring them to your proud pet. This breed is very common in Russia and many have already had a Caucasian shepherd. The owner's testimonies confirm that with good contact and education, this is the most loyal and loving being in the world.

So, get used to feeding the dog strictly in the allotted hours. No handouts from the table, the delicacy should be given only for the executed command. Training should lead one member of the family, it is better if he will occupy a leading position, the dogs feel it. Immediately forbid pampering, like jumping on the owner, climbing on the couch and gentle biting of the feet. It touches you only when you are a puppy, but tomorrow it will grow, and habits will remain. Even to the kid it is necessary to be treated with respect, not to beat or humiliate. If he committed a misdemeanor, punishment should come immediately, be tangible, but not too painful. For example, shake the withers and change the intonation.

Social adaptation

The sooner you start to bring your pet to "light", the less problems there will be in the future. It would be a mistake to keep him in isolation, because in that case he can start to perceive all the guests as potentially dangerous. Find out where do dog lovers. These are not too serious courses, but still they allow the dog to get acquainted with other people and pets, to run outdoors, and also to get some skills. This is the development of simple commands: "to me", "sit", "close". It is a pleasure to work with a young shepherd, she is smart, smart and obedient. But do not be encouraged by such a simple assimilation of knowledge, ahead of you is a more difficult stage.

Period of puberty

This is a period of change, a revision of its attitude towards the world. The Caucasian shepherd is also changing. Responses of the owners always note a sharp contrast: the 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 surrounding people during this period can be regarded as the norm. It's not an adult dog, it's just an adult puppy. This is the time of becoming your relationship with him. It is no longer maternal care, as it was before, but a partnership, a friendly union. Training of the Caucasian sheep-dog should continue, in any case do not throw it in connection with the temporary difficulties in the behavior of the pet.

Training

Do not rush to begin this difficult course until your dog ripens. Caucasian Shepherd is a late breed that grows late. The guard-guard service should train pets with a fully formed nervous system. Otherwise, the consequences can be too sad. To do this, it is necessary to find a professional trainer and assistant, who will simulate an attack on his beloved host. It should be noted that you need to adhere to the reality of what is happening. It is not necessary after the completion of the attack and working off the dog's defense fun to communicate with assistants who portrayed the bandit. It is better to calm the pet and go home. Consider that the weight of the Caucasian Shepherd can reach 80 kg, the coach must withstand the attack of such a machine.

How much are the Caucasian Shepherd puppies?

You decided that you need an excellent guard, and your choice is the Caucasian Shepherd. The price of puppies today is quite diverse, on average from 4 to 35 thousand rubles. It happens that dogs are given cheaper in connection with an emergency move, but in this case it is worthwhile to think whether you can get along with such a serious comrade, and even sufferers, after throwing his master.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions of Caucasian Shepherds are a fascinating sight, which must be visited. Charming kids, awkward teenagers and majestic adults, each of them is beautiful in its own way. If, having visited such an event, you have only strengthened your desire to acquire a true friend - then choose a breeder and start a wonderful joint journey through life.