Does anyone own a Caucasian Shepherd?

Spartan Mike K: Does anyone own a Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd)?
I'm just curious to hear about this breed from people who actually own one. Are they like Mastiff breeds and follow you from room to room and get very atttached to there owners or are they more independent? How is the shedding, pretty heavy? How much does your dog weigh? Do you have a male or female and do you own another dog with your Caucasian? If so, what sex is that dog and how do they get along? Any other interesting info or stories?
Thanks
Other spelling Caucasian Ovtcharka.

I spent 11 years of training specializing in dogs with behavior problems. I have owned 2 (one male one female) standard schnauzers, 2 giant schnauzers (one male one female), a male APBT, a male German Shepherd, and I currently own a female Bullmastiff and a male Boerboel. I have seen a 105lbs woman take a 140lbs Tosa Inu rescue that was a very aggressive dog and within 6 months be able to control that dog in any and all situations so I think physical strength has very little to do with your ability to control a dog if you establish yourself as a firm consistent alpha member to your dog. I am 5'10'' 225lbs firefighter with a 365lbs bench press and over a 1100lbs leg press, so physical strength is never an issue for me. I am well aware of what it takes to own a large breed dominant dog. I am more looking for peoples opinions on the other things I asked then I am looking for information on what is needed to own a large breed dominant dog.
I'm also interested in how long your Caucasian lived, if it had any health problems, and how much it weighed. I have read there life span is between 10-12 years, do you think this is accurate? They are a large breed so they obviously will have some dysplasia problems, what health problems have you guys experienced? I have read a huge variety on their weight ranges, some sources say 100-156lbs some say 120-180lbs some say 100-200lbs some say 150-220lbs. How big was your dog and if you have seen others, what weight range do you feel the breed fits into?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Life is the Bullies
This breed is only for people who are EXTREMELY experienced with large dominant dogs. They are not for the average dog owners as they are very powerful and have a very strong and high defensive drive.

The problem with this breed is that they should not be owned by a majority of people. Believe me, they are not like a Rottweiler or Doberman, they are much more dominant and need someone who can control it. A few years ago, NGC did a segment on this breed, showed a guy who was skinny and barely had the dog under control. He claimed he had owned a Doberman, Shepherd, Rottweiler and a Pit. But apparently, the dog was literally dragging him to the ground and chasing after cars. So socialization is not optional...

What makes this breed different from other breeds, as I said, they have a very high defensive drive. Unless you have a wide amount of experience with large powerful and very dominant breeds, I would not recommend it.

I like this breed as much as the next person, but a majority as I said, cannot handle a little 40 to 50lb dog, much less go and get this breed. And it would be a shame if somebody was attacked by one of these dogs because they couldn't properly handle them or train them correctly. They don't need protection training as it is already in there drive to be defensive.

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