Is Caucasian Shepherd Good for Guarding and a Good Pet?

Ethan Brost: Is a Caucasian shepherd dog good for guarding and a good pet, but for one person only? I know from wiki that this Russian Bear Dog is rather intelligent but can be insolent and refuse to listen at times. It says that they also can be fairly aggressive towards people they do not know and with incorrect handling, this can be problematic.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Phil
Only very experienced owners/trainers should own this dog with lots of time to train and socialize it from 8 weeks. Do not get it as a guard dog or pet unless you have both of the above. They can grow to 90cm at the shoulder & 110 kgs, although most are 75-80cm (males) & 70-80 kgs (males). they are also a kill on attack breed.

They don't chase to scare or bite to warn, they eliminate threats by killing it, so restraint has to be trained into them from an early age & is really not easy to do.

Answer by ladystang
usually.  depends on dog and owner

Answer by Jacqueline MacLeod
My sister and her husband have several of these dogs. They live on a large piece of land in Ca. The dogs keep out wildlife that might hurt their goats or cows. On my visit with my granddaughter we were introduced to each one and after our original shock and thankfulness at being on the opposite side of the fence from what appeared to be giant kujo's on steroids, we grudgingly agreed to meet these massive beasts.

We soon fell in love with each of them but I must say that my vacation did not leave me unscathed. When I tell you these dogs are massive, I mean massive. They easily rested their paws on my shoulders and towered above me. I had a few bruises just from playing with them. I would not feel comfortable taking one of these dogs for a walk on a lead as I have no doubt that they could drag even the largest of men with little effort so training is imperative.

My sister and brother-in-law are extremely responsible owners and even they had an incident which resulted in a neighbor dog's death. My brother-in-law was walking one of the dogs on a lead on their driveway but outside their fortified fence, when an unleashed dog came running up to them, barking, not a little dog either but a large schnauzer (although tiny compared to their Caucasian). Before my brother-in-law could command the dog to stay or sit he had the dog by the rear end and was shaking him. He quickly dropped the dog when commanded but not before the dog sustained an injury to an artery and later passed away.

Fortunately, they had cameras to prove they were on their own property as the neighbors called the police claiming their dog was leashed and in their own yard. Still it was a tragic incident as no one wants to know their pet was responsible for another animals death despite the circumstances.

To say these dogs are loyal and protective cannot be overstated. If they feel their owner is at risk they will not think twice about defending them, and without a doubt winning that fight. I don't know that even a gun would bring one of these dogs down quick enough to prevent life-threatening injury to an attacker.

This breed can bring down and kill a bear, literally. At no time, however, after being introduced to the dogs did I feel that either myself or my granddaughter would be unsafe with them. They were loving, playful, and more than a little endearing. They are a gorgeous breed that requires an experienced and responsible dog owner who will put in the training required to make them an invaluable member of the family.

Answer by T
This is a strong, stubborn breed and I highly suggest doing your research. They can be VERY aggressive if you do not socialize and train them when they are young. This is a breed that you must take with you everywhere as a puppy so they get used to other animals and people and don't become unmanageable as an adult.

However they have a natural protective instinct and are great one person dogs; but you still must socialize this breed so they don't hurt people, which they will do if you do not train them and socialize them (they will perceive every new person as a threat, so you MUST MUST MUST socialize).

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Answer by Kirsten Dammie
They are quite territorial dogs and very protective of their family. These dogs have attacked many people because they are protecting. They are the most loyal dogs to their family, but they are naturally aggressive dogs, or not aggressive, just naturally protective, and it runs in their genes.

Answer by Jeannine de Palma
Anyone who buys a Caucasian should buy it as a guard dog first pet second. They are not nannies and have strong guard instincts.

Answer by ArtFl
Don't forget that it's the most brutal Russian dog.
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