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!
beqa says
alabai is not russian dog,this dog is georgian. fuck you russia
Dejan says
Georgia WAS MOTHER RUSSIA????
Nodar says
Haha, Georgia was just a part of a Russian empire and the late USSR. In the 50s Russian kinologs came to Georgia and took the best Shepherds to Russia, where they bred the Moscow Watchdog. The “Caucasian Shepherd” is actually Georgian shepherd, which has lived in Georgia for hundreds and even thousends of years. It really hurts me when you guys say, my national breed is Russian
Timbra says
This dog would be good if you can be sure you will be able to train and be dominant. But it will maul to death anyone who tries to harm you, or who it thinks is trying to maul you.
I would also point out that if you are not single and train this dog to be your protector it may not like your partner. That is how they are often. I would think that a well trained German Shepard would be wonderful for your situation as they can be trained to restrain and hold down attackers while police come, and will stop attack on command. Something these beautiful lugs may have an issue with since it could dispatch a threat In a matter of seconds.
Toree says
Hello, currently me and my partner are looking for ideas of a dog breed. I enjoy daily runs however due to a recent assault I have been unable to continue my runs for fear of safety. Both me and my partner would like for me to find a dog that I can take on these runs as well as feel safe within my own home. Would this be a suitable breed? I do like the look of this dog as well, if this one would not match my situation would another breed match the look and still be a guard dog.
RussianDog says
Hello, Caucasian Ovcharka guards the certain territory, and this dog is not the best choice for jogging. Another breed that matches the look is Leonberger, and it is much easier to handle. Plus read the comment by Timbra (above).
Cyndi says
We have recently brought home a pup who’s mom is a russian bear dog and father is unknown , I have 8 children the youngest is a baby, we live in alaska on 6 acres of land my husband really wants this dog but im worried, can this dog be good for a family with many young children?
RussianDog says
Unfortunately, the mixes are quite unpredictable, especially when you don’t know who the second parent is.
As for Caucasian Ovcharka, it’s not a monster, and it can become a good member of a family if properly handled.
You just need to understand a few things:
1. Caucasian Ovcharka needs a strong master who can prove that he/she is a leader.
2. Caucasian Ovcharka is a one owner dog. It will choose between you and your husband who is its master and obey mostly this person.
Other family members will be considered as members of the pack that are lower in rank.
3. Caucasian Ovcharka loves its family and will protect it from any intruders.
It likes children but it considers them as puppies that are lowest in hierarchy.
Caucasian Ovcharka will protect children but generally will not obey them and may even try to “teach” someone how to behave well.
Again, this is all about a purebred CO. Your puppy may inherit its father’s traits, and become the sweetest dog you’ve ever seen.
Gordon Dunne says
Any puppy should be watched and trained and brought into the family as a family member – the dog as a animal was a hunter gatherer that lived in packs – this pack mentality had to have the attitude of survival and of the fitest – The C.O. has this in it’s genetic’s. This is what makes the breed exceptional for a working dog – for properties – the C.O. once bonded at around 15 months of age has fairly well determined through your input on who to trust and how to gauge if a new person can be trusted on how you reqct with different types of people – and the C.O. will not mess around it will go all the way to protect it’s own pack – no matter what the outcome is – if you are a dog owner with experience in of a medium level and above this is a Beautifully Brillant animal – if you are not then without being to straight forward it would be best to find a good home for this puppy – otherwise you will have a friend for life and you will enjoy so much with this breed – I have 16 of them and love each and everyone – I have 5 that have a Extremely High ADR and cannot be with any other dogs – but these are my best working dogs and I have had my life saved by one of my big boys – who saved me from a pack of wild dogs. I hope you enjoy this Breed as I am – and please feel free to contact me for any further information – and they are the biggest of biggest loving dogs – and you and your family will see it – and no one else –
Thomas Edwards says
A Bouvier would be awesome for you. We have one. My wife often jogs with him. They are equally protective and will fend off any attacker. Very loyal and protective breed. They need and love exercise. He can match any run my wife takes. She runs 5-6 miles.
My wife and daughter loves our Bouvier even though both thought the breed was ugly. That was before I picked him up from the breeder. I’m a retired police officer and know if I go down my Bouvier will defend my wife unti the end.
Jane Maxwell says
I love Bouviers but the guarding is not equal to a CO. You have to be able to stop a CO from killing a stranger. My CO took out a window, frame and all and went through it after some people who were yelling outside next to our fence. I agree that a Bouvier would be a better choice for that family. A CO will not let strangers in. If you go on vacation the dog goes with you. No one, not your dad, your neighbor or the pet sitter will be able to get near your house and no one would be able to stop him but his owner if he got loose. My CO loves my daughter and husband but neither can control him or get anywhere near his food. It is a big , big responsibility but worth every moment and every penny spent. Amazing dogs for the right owners and there are very few.
Alicia says
My question is what breeds came together to make this mountain dog. I’m interested in one in the near future. I was just curious to know know how the breed got do huge like a ?
RussianDog says
Alicia, Caucasian Shepherd aka Caucasian Ovcharka (in Russian) is not a “designer” dog breed but one of the oldest mastiff-type breeds in the world. It originates from Caucasian Mountains and has a few lines in the countries of that region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, south Russian states). During the Soviet Union times, the Moscow based Red Army Kennel was selecting the best representatives of those aboriginal lines to breed the largest, the strongest, and the best looking Caucasian mountain dog that has been named the Caucasian Ovcharka.
Nodar says
Hi, I just wanted to say that, Caucasian Shepherd isn’t a Russian breed, it’s Georgian. They were brought to Russia in 1950s. Yes, there are many of these dogs in Russia, but that doesn’t make them Russian. Sorry for being a little hateful, but these dog is our national pride and it’s wrong to say that Caucasian shepherd is a Russian breed when it’s not.
Thanks, best regards, Nodar
goyathlay says
caucasian shepherd dogs are not russian dogs.who are you lying to?some russians try to make Turkmen alabai as Russian dogs…such a shame….they are Turkish dogs which live in all across turkistan.(middle asia)caucasian shepherd dogs are found in caucasus and not in russia.in fact russia is not russia.russians came from ukraine to asia….