Caucasian Shepherd Dog — breed guide
An enormous Russian mountain guardian bred to fight off wolves. Genuinely dangerous in inexperienced hands and banned or restricted in several countries.
At a glance
- Group
- working
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 45–82 kg (99–181 lb)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Very heavy long double coat with a mane
Living with a Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Constant heavy shedding.
- Can be stubborn.
- Barks readily.
- Better in a home without young children.
- Not always easy with other dogs — introduce carefully.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
- Built for cold weather.
Temperament
Fearless · Serious · Territorial · Unyielding
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Obesity
- Entropion
- Heart conditions
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Caucasian Shepherd Dog good with kids?
Usually not the first pick for a home with small children. Older, calmer households suit this breed better.
Is a Caucasian Shepherd Dog good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Caucasian Shepherd Dog need?
A gentle daily walk.
Can a Caucasian Shepherd Dog handle hot weather?
It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.
Leash Life keeps a Caucasian Shepherd Dog's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.