Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the largest livestock guardians in the world — a massive, heavy-coated flock dog from the Caucasus mountains.

History

It comes from the mountain regions between the Black and Caspian seas, where it guarded flocks against wolves and bears for centuries. Soviet breeding programmes later standardised it and put it to work as a guard dog, which produced a heavier show type alongside the working mountain dogs.

Temperament

The breed is known for being fearless, territorial and self-directed. A livestock guardian is bred to make decisions alone at night, and that is exactly what it does; it is affectionate with its own people and unwelcoming to everyone else.

Care and training

It needs space, secure fencing, early and sustained socialising and an experienced owner — this is not a beginner's dog and is restricted in some countries. The dense coat sheds heavily and needs regular brushing.

Health

Known tendencies include hip and elbow dysplasia and, as in most giant breeds, a shorter average life and a risk of bloat. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.