Caucasian Shepherd is one of the most dangerous and dominant dog breeds in the world. However, this powerful dog can become a reliable protector and a good family member.
The strength and dedication of this dog have made it a popular working, police, and guard dog in Russia and in Europe.
The breed is recognized in most countries, including the United States (AKC) where they often call it the Russian Bear Dog. In Russia, its usual name is Caucasian Ovcharka which means Caucasian sheepdog in Russian.
Brief Characteristics:
Height: 26-29 inches (67-75 cm) Weight: 88-180 lbs (40-82 kg) Lifespan: 9-11 years
ON THIS PAGE:
- Appearance
- History of the breed
- Personality and temperament
- Size
- Health
- Ownership and training
- General FAQ
- Books and movies
- Breed names
Russian Bear Dog
Caucasian Shepherd is called the Russian Bear Dog mostly due to its appearance. It is a large, even-tempered dog with a powerful and muscular body, bear-look face, deeply set oval dark eyes, round-shaped ears and low carried long tail. The ears are usually cropped. (click for video)
It has a thick and water-resistant double coat in shades of gray, brindle, yellow, rust, red, or white. The coat may be longer or shorter depending on the region the dog comes from.
Why is Caucasian Ovcharkas Called the Russian Prison Dogs?
During the Soviet communist era, the severe Caucasian Ovcharka guarded prisoners of the Soviet Gulag camps and served as a border patrol dog along the Berlin wall. It was widely used by the Russian army's kennels to develop new Soviet dog breeds (Black Russian Terrier, Moscow Watchdog, Moscow Waterdog).
Being a fearless fighting dog, the Caucasian Shepherd is still employed in some former Soviet republics for dogfighting, alongside the Central Asian dog. In Europe and America, this big Russian dog is mostly a companion and a family protector.
Not only being prison dogs, these loyal and courageous Caucasian Shepherds were also trained to be military service dogs. Just like other service dogs such as German shepherds, the Caucasian Shepherd dogs would patrol borders and carry out other high-risk jobs. So having them printed on military and police challenge coins would be a cute way to reward service members. If you want to learn more about challenge coins, please visit GS-JJ.com.
History of the Breed
The Caucasian Shepherd, known also as the Caucasian Mountain Dog, is one of the oldest mastiff-type breeds, originating from the Caucasus Mountains between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and southern Russia). It was used for centuries to guard flocks, kill wolves, hunt bears, and protect properties against trespassers and thieves. Its type differs a little from region to region.
The modern show class Caucasian Shepherd is a hybrid of established Caucasian types, selected and bred by Soviet Russian breeding kennels. The official standard of this dog breed is fundamentally based on the Georgian shepherd dogs (Nagazi) which are the largest, muscularly built dogs with attractive long hair.
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What is the Personality and Temperament of a Caucasian Shepherd?
Softness and timidity are considered as serious faults for this working dog breed (FCI). The Russian Bear Dog is suspicious and aggressive towards any strangers including dog show referees. If not properly trained and socialized this vicious dog may demonstrate fierce and uncontrollable reactions (click for video).
Photo Credit: RebaSpike/Flickr CC
On the other hand, this dog can be extremely loyal to its owner and will stand by and defend him to the very end in any situation.
Caucasian Shepherd's temperament suits well a reliable guard dog. Their main temperament features are:
- Alert
- Strong
- Powerful
- Quick
- Calm
- Dominant
Size
Height (at the withers):
Males: 28 - 29 inches (72-75 cm), minimum 26.5 inches (68 cm).
Females: 26 - 27 inches (67-70 cm), minimum 25 inches (64 cm).
Weight:
Males: Minimum: 110 pounds (50 kg);
Females: Minimum: 99 pounds (45 kg).
Is Caucasian Shepherd healthy?
The Caucasian Ovcharka can live as long as 12 years with just a few health risks, though sometimes may suffer from large-dog problems like hip dysplasia and heart conditions.
Its heavy shedding coat needs occasional brushing.
Should I Own a Caucasian Shepherd?
Forming a strong protective bond with its owner, the Caucasian Ovcharka would not raise other family members to the same level. It mostly suits active singles, experienced handlers as well as farmers and ranchers.
Caucasian Shepherd Owner's Experience
Kathryn Nissen: My husband and I have a female Caucasian Mountain Dog and she is the most amazing dog we have ever had. She was rescued from Romania and was fully grown and huge when we homed her. After being extremely wary of us for about the first month and flinching when I tried throwing a stick for her she is now a confident family member who trusts us absolutely.
She is very steady, kind, and loving. She moves forward and center to stand between me and other dogs when they bound towards us. She stands calmly waiting for them to reach her and then plays like any other dog-friendly dog. She barks very little. She accepts attention from strangers calmly though never effusively. Children adore her and she is gentle with them and careful never to knock them over.
She immediately recognizes when a stranger means no harm and returns no harm. Her first action to keep us safe is to firmly push someone back away from us with her nose. Her second action is to grasp clothes and pull them away from us, never growling or showing aggression but simply using the minimum force necessary to keep us safe. I have no doubt that if we were truly threatened she would employ whatever means necessary to protect us.
She always remains calm and placid and totally in control of herself. She ignores dogs who bark at her, She never chases or lunges at any animals, birds, or person. She has never pulled on the leash. With dogs who bark at her from fear, she sits calmly and waits for them to realize she is no threat… she calmly ignores dogs who growl or bark at her and never retaliates. She adjusts her demeanor in accord with other dogs' willingness to play or to their fear of her. Romping with the former and being still and calm with the latter.
She is truly amazing and wise and impresses me every day. We feel privileged to share our lives with her.
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General FAQ
Are Caucasian Shepherds good with children?
Caucasian Shepherd is a one-owner dog that respects only the “leader of the pack”. It will love and protect its master’s children but it will not obey “puppies” and may try to teach them to behave.
Are Russian Bear Dogs aggressive?
Caucasian Shepherd is naturally territorial and aggressive towards strangers and intruders. To escape problems, the Russian Bear Dog needs early socialization and proper training.
Do Caucasian Shepherds shed a lot?
Caucasian Shepherd is a heavy shedder, particularly in spring and fall when it blows its thick undercoat.
Why are their ears traditionally cropped short?
Caucasian Ovcharkas are livestock guardian dogs that were also used in dog fighting. Their ears were cropped short to prevent predators or rivals from grabbing onto them.
Caucasian Shepherd Books and Movies
There are many good books and a few movies dedicated to Caucasian Shepherds.
“Stormheart”, a movie. The father of a Finnish family brings home a cute puppy, whose parents had served as guard dogs at the Berlin Wall. Pearl, his 7-year-old daughter, takes the puppy under her wing, and Stormheart, who grows up to the size of a bear, undertakes the task of removing all dangers, threats, and obstacles from the path of Pearl.
"Caucasian Mountain Dog (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) " is a great book written by one of the best Caucasian Shepherd breeders in the U.S.
Stacy Kubyn shares her insight into this remarkable breed and offers a candid view of Caucasian Shepherd's temperament, including her sound advice about owning this powerful and demanding working dog.
Breed Names:
Caucasian Shepherd, Caucasian Ovcharka, CO, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Russian Mountain dog, Russian Bear Dog, Caucasian dog, Russian Caucasian dog, Caucasian Mountain Shepherd, Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, Caucasian Volkodav, Caucasian sheepdog, Caucasian Ovtcharka.
Say it in Russian:
View the Caucasian Shepherd Breed Standard.
Find a Russian name for your Caucasian Ovcharka Dog!
Learn some Russian dog commands!
jatinder singh bassi says
Hi
I think Caucasian Shepherd is the best breed in the world so intelligent best family pet ever. We didn’t give him much training but he already knows a lot very good with children and he is good with any child even he doesn’t know. My dog only 10 months old he is extremely protective of my family he is ok with elderly people with women’s and children but he is very alert when Youngman walking near my family and he thinks some danger here and very quickly he stands front of my family and watches very carefully watch every move. If anybody wants the real deal then Caucasian Shepherd is the dog. This breed is the best in the whole word. I can see and feel he will give his life for my family.
Thank you
Singh
Celeste Moser says
i am writing a paper on Caucasian Ovcharka and i was wondering if i could ask you simple question?
John Dunne says
Hi Ms C. Moser;
In writing you all finds you well!
I would be honored to answer any questions you have, but for a more accurate answer from a person who has been Breeding these special animals for a very long time (30 plus years – and the passion for this was after his platoon was ambushed by Taliban fighters a C.O. Dragged his platoon to safety – This was the reason why he dedicated his life to the C.O.) – His name is Vasili Platunov of Est Alpha Kennels in Nevada – Las Vagus.
Celeste Moser says
Thanks for getting back to me. I was just wondering if you would by chance know how my would be ask guard dogs? Vasilli Pluinov would you a way to contact him? Thanks
John Dunne says
Hi Celeste Moser;
How are you?
Thank you for your email, These dogs are one of the best in the world – How they have become such good Guard dogs is through they primitive Active Defense Drive – The C.O.’s is considered one of the most primal and – when you observe old breeds all dogs in a pack will literally die to protect their pack, their property and themselves – because in the wild the pack servived this way against predators. Now you add this to a Modern family – the C.O. will adopt the family as it’s own pack and then it will guard everything in the same manner. The main approach to this Breed is to be a competent handler – not a novice or even allow a ego to enter the fray. Let the Breeder know your circumstance and let them decide which dog is best suited for you – this sounds a little excessive – but this allows everybody to have a more mutually and enjoy life with their puppies and gets to have the maximum benefit of a great relationship. Before you interview Vasilli read his website – and his Bio on Vasilli himself – this will show his passion and his seriousness to protect this Breed – and I wholeheartedly support him and his efforts.Hope this helps, please feel free to ask if you have No luck with Vasilli
Contact Us
Est-Alfa Kennel established in 1982,
register by FCI in 1993.
Breeding
CAUCASIAN OVCHARKA
for over 30 years.
Location:
2790 E.Camellia St
Pahrump, NV 89048
[email protected]
(702) 513 – 9583
John Dunne says
The Name of his Kennel was the name of the Caucasian Ovcharka that saved his life and many others in his Platoon, after they were ambushed by the Taliban in Afghanistan
draven says
thank you
Sukita says
Please send any info on how to buti a Russian bear dog. Do you have info on Tamara Follett. If so please send any contact info for her.
RussianDog says
Please view our Caucasian Shepherd for Sale page.
You can also find Tamara Follett’s contacts on this page.
Mrs Kathryn Coluzzi c/o Botkin says
After thinking this over I am worried if I have this amazing animal people would be inclined to persecute my dog. People might try to ride my dog, I might have to attack people who tormented my dog. My last dog never really liked having my husband in our room. My husband never really liked the dog. They ignored each other.I loved my husband, when he died the dog grieved terribly, while the three of us were together the dog never approached him, just a wag of the tail. My husband never would pet the dog, but he could command him, to a certain point.
John Dunne says
Hi Kathryn,
How are you?
In your circumstance if you are not certain and experienced with such a Beautiful animal like the Caucasian Ovcharka, and the requirements around a primitive pack guardian dog of old, then it would be best not to attempt to own one,; as this breed of dog needs full attention and above all a life commitment of a family, this is were the Breed excels – I have 10 full adult caucasians and I was lucky to have been mentored in how to train and own this wonderful breed, by a person who was selected to breed and train this dog breed for Russian Governments and Royals. I can say that mentoring gave me a great insight but there was so much more to the Breed, So please consider if you need one of these beautiful animals or do you want one, as if you stay true to this question then this wonderful Breed will survive unhindered and enjoy the future.
This breed is very unique, and the key is to find a breeder that knows and understands the breed and they will choose a pup for you and your personality, Please do not take offence to this they have a lot of knowledge when it comes to the Breed and they are doing this to protect the Breed and you, The key to a C.O. is in the first 15 months of their life they are studying you and how you react to everyone so when that 15 – 16 month age comes along if you have not trained the dog then, they will act the way you did in that circumstance and they will do so with the intention to purely protect their owner/s – family and property to the death, literally, and when you have a dog that has as much power as a C.O.
Mike Wassilyn SR says
we have a female 12 months of age fixed,but finding she wants to bite visitors,do you have any methods that will help us?
John Dunne says
HI Mike;
In writing you akk finds you well!
This is the puppy entering teenage years equivalent – so she will test you and your resolve – I took my girls out on regular public visits and allowed random persons to approach her – and I awarded them respectfully with a reward for good behaviour and then re affirmed this with continued reinforcement – If you do not do this then they will think the way they are doing things. I also found that when sitting watching television if the puppies were misbehaving and getting to rough – I had a water pistol close and gave them a quick squit from it – this quick flash was enough to overt their attentions and gives you enough time to take over and control things before it got out of control. Hope this helps. The main thing is how you act around strangers as well – the C.O. will respond as you would and it is very protective of it’s owners and it’s own property – they will die to protect it
john Patete says
How are these with 4 kids???…..I have had Akitas in the past, and just lost my Bernese Mt dog.
RussianDog says
Well, it’s not a dog for kids. CO is very dominant and obeys only its master. In its opinion kids are the less important members of the pack. The CO may defend them from strangers and even play with them but it may also try to put them “in their place” with a short bite. If you like the appearance of Caucasian Ovcharka you may want to consider the Leonberger that looks quite alike but is friendly and close to Bernese Mountain dog.
John Dunne says
In your circumstance if you are not certain and experienced with such a Beautiful animal like the Caucasian Ovcharka, and the requirements around a primitive pack guardian dog of old, then it would be best not to attempt to own one,; as this breed of dog needs full attention and above all a life commitment of a family, this is were the Breed excels – I have 10 full adult caucasians and I was lucky to have been mentored in how to train and own this wonderful breed, by a person who was selected to breed and train this dog breed for Russian Governments and Royals. I can say that mentoring gave me a great insight but there was so much more to the Breed, So please consider if you need one of these beautiful animals or do you want one, as if you stay true to this question then this wonderful Breed will survive unhindered and enjoy the future. This breed is very unique, and the key is to find a breeder that knows and understands the breed and they will choose a pup for you and your personality, Please do not take offence to this they have a lot of knowledge when it comes to the Breed and they are doing this to protect the Breed and you, The key to a C.O. is in the first 15 months of their life they are studying you and how you react to everyone so when that 15 – 16 month age comes along if you have not trained the dog then, they will act the way you did in that circumstance and they will do so with the intention to purely protect their owner/s – family and property to the death, literally, and when you have a dog that has as much power as a C.O.
I have 12 and they have been apart of our family after we had children