Q: What is the Caucasian Ovcharka Shepherd growth chart?
I have a Caucasian Shepherd (Caucasian Ovcharka) who is almost three months old. He weighs around 21 kg (46.2 lbs) and is 21 inches tall (at the withers). Is this growth okay for his breed? We feed him only Royal Canine and milk, and sometimes the white portion of the boiled egg. He is on vitamins and calcium as prescribed by the vet.
Can anyone tell me what is the normal growth for this breed of dog? Also, if anyone can post the growth chart for a Caucasian Shepherd or the link to one, I would be really grateful. Any tips or advice are welcome.
Answers and Views:
Answer by J
My Ovcharka is 2 years old, 32 inches at the withers, and weighs 160 pounds.
He has a decent-sized backyard but doesn't get much exercise, in fact, he looks lean because of what I feed him. 80oz of Iams puppy food a day. For the first year, I fed him pork, rice, and garlic chives in a soup 3 times a day.
Answer by Mark
Here's the Caucasian Shepherd growth chart based on Russian statistics.
Caucasian Shepherd Height by Months
Months | Gender | Height at the withers (cm) | Height at the withers (inches) |
1 | M | 24 - 26 | 9.4 - 10.3 |
F | 23 - 25 | 9.0 - 9.8 | |
2 | M | 34 - 41 | 13.3 - 16.1 |
F | 32 - 40 | 12.5 - 15.7 | |
3 | M | 45 - 50 | 17.7 - 19.7 |
F | 43 - 48 | 16.9 - 18.9 | |
4 | M | 53 - 59 | 20.9 - 23.3 |
F | 51 - 58 | 20.0 - 22.8 | |
5 | M | 58 - 64 | 22.8 - 25.2 |
F | 55 - 61 | 21.6 - 24.0 | |
6 | M | 63 - 69 | 24.8 - 27.2 |
F | 60 - 65 | 23.6 - 25.6 | |
7 | M | 66 - 71 | 25.9 - 28.0 |
F | 62 - 66 | 24.4 - 25.9 | |
8 | M | 69 - 75 | 27.1 - 30.0 |
F | 63 - 68 | 24.8 - 26.7 | |
9 | M | 70 - 76 | 27.5 - 29.9 |
F | 64 - 70 | 25.1 - 27.6 | |
10 | M | 71 - 77 | 27.9 - 30.3 |
F | 65 - 72 | 25.5 - 28.4 | |
11 | M | 72 - 78 | 28.3 - 30.7 |
F | 66 - 73 | 25.9 - 28.7 | |
12
(1 year) |
M | 72 - 80
|
28.3 - 31.5
|
F | 67 - 75
|
26.3 - 29.5
|
Caucasian Shepherd Weight by Months
Months | Weight (Kg) | Weight (lbs) |
1 | 4 - 7 | 8 - 15 |
2 | 13 - 19 | 28 - 42 |
3 | 18 - 32 | 39 - 71 |
4 | 25 - 60 | 55 - 133 |
5 | 35 - 64 | 77 - 141 |
6 | 40 - 94 | 88 - 207 |
7 | 42 - 99 | 93 - 219 |
8 | 44 - 104 | 97 - 230 |
9 | 45 - 110 | 99 - 243 |
10 | 46 - 115 | 101 - 254 |
11 | 48 - 120 | 105 - 265 |
12
(1 year) |
Male:
50 - 125 (normally 50 – 70) |
Male:
110 - 275 (normally 110 – 155) |
Female:
40 - 100 (normally 40 – 60) |
Female:
88 - 220 (normally 88 – 133) |
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Answer by J
To me, they seem to grow in spurts growing taller during spring and fall, and filling out during summer and especially during winter. My boy was shorter than you at his age but weighted more. You should see rippling huge muscles underneath that fur. Remember that their coat of fur will be determined by the temperature of where you live. (Me very hot and dry weather) They will reach their determined height around 2 yrs old and their average weight around 3 yrs old. They are a slow-growing breed like most giant dog breeds.
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I thought while the puppy was young exercise should be kept mild to let the bones develop stronger. Vitamins shouldn't be used because the extra calcium could cause the dog's bones to grow quicker at a younger age (doesn't mean they will be taller). And could lead to brittle bones. But I guess a vet would know more than me.
Answer by Graham
My Yeti is still growing fast. When he was 7 months old his weight was 118 lbs, 8 months old he was 130, and at 9 months old 142. He started slowing his growth rate a bit by about 8 months of age (12 lbs per month) but still growing. I’ve stuck to that diet above and he is growing big, healthy, and strong. Now that he’s over nine months we are starting to increase his exercise level and he’s handling it well. We are working towards a full exercise level by his first birthday. We predict his weight will be 210 lbs.
He’s turning into a good guard dog but he is not suspicious of our friends that come over. Loves the kids down the street and if he gets out of our yard we can find him playing with these young 7 – 11 kids. I credit this behavior to lots of socializing with other dogs and lots of other people in many different environments. Dog shows are a very great environment to take him. Plus lots of dog people. He’s good in public and generates a lot of interest when I tell them he’s only 9 months old.
I do not doubt that if he sees a threat (bear, cougar, or a person who makes Sharon nervous) he will sense the threat and challenge the threat, but right now I’m happy with his complete acceptance of our neighbors, their kids, and our friends.
Hope this helps.
Answer by brian
I have one that weighs 120 at 6.5 months. When he hits a growth spurt he sleeps a lot and doesn’t eat much.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
ChelseaVaughn says
Is it necessary or humane to crop the ears of Caucasian Ovcharkas for aesthetic purposes, or is there a practical reason behind this practice in terms of their working abilities or health?
Waso says
I even had male Kavskiuri Nagazi (the real name) was only 10 kilo at 12 weeks. After 2 years 85 kilo. Some grow in begin not fast but between 12 and 36 weeks crazy fast.
Waso says
Not true. I am from Georgia it’s our breed. Some are 12 weeks 12 kilo some are 20 kilo. I had many times 12 kilo got bigger as 20 kilo.
LD says
I am importing a dog which I have only seen in pictures. She is 12 weeks old now and 27 lbs. Is this average, small or big?
Steve says
It depends on the breed of dog. If you’re talking about Caucasian Ovcharka then it’s the weight of a 6-7 weeks old puppy.
Waso says
Not true. I am from Georgia it’s our breed. Some are 12 weeks 12 kilo some are 20 kilo. I had many times 12 kilo got bigger as 20 kilo.
Boluwatife olaniyan says
I have a caucasian shepherd,he is so playful,but during the day any sranger he see he barks and they run,some that don’t run he plays with them and during the those that run or stay he attacks them.
Arcana says
Hello I have a 1y 3months old male Caucasian shepherd he’s 75 inch in height from the whither and he loves to play
Sleep and chase cats he doesn’t know he also chases the wind and plays with his own tail he has damaged at least two pairs of shoes and he loves ever one but I still need to check his weight and also pls let me know if his height is okay thanx : )
RussianDog says
You mean 75 cm in height? (not inches) Yes, it’s a good height.
Barry Silkman says
My dog Bear is not yet 5 months old and weighs 33.5 kilo. He has about 2 hours plus exercise a day off the lead . Breakfast is porridge warm milk biscuit and a pound of raw meat. Evening is alternate days biscuit or wholemeal pasta , cooked vegetables, 2-3lb of raw meat and twice a week add fish , cooked chicken etc. He is very strong and has started to develop physically a lot the last 4 weeks. I have 2 other dogs and his temperament is exceptionally good, the complete opposite to my last Caucasian who weighed 78 kilo and wanted to kill every stranger he saw
Moon says
My female puppy is 8 months old, she still weighs 30kg. She is healthy but has stayed at that weight since she was 5 months old. For the past month I have fed her Booster Puppy (32% protein), Royal Canin Giant Puppy and Royal Canin Giant Puppy, mixed with some canned wet food. I am worried.
RussianDog says
We understand your worries but again – don’t try to accelerate her growth. The most important is that she is healthy. Caucasian shepherds have many lines. Some of them are heavier, others less heavy. Ask your breeder what line she belongs to and what was the weight of her parents. Anyway, she didn’t stop growing yet and she will come to her final weight later.
Moon says
My female Caucasian was 30kg at 5 months. Now, at 7 months and three weeks, she is still 30kg. I feed her high protein dry food (Optimax 28%, ActivPet 30%, Booster 32%, Royal Canin Giant puppy & junior>32%, Vincent 31%) mostly mixed with a little bit of wet food. What shall I do to increase her weight? I’m so concerned
RussianDog says
Puppies don’t grow steadily, they may grow faster or slower, then faster again. Don’t try to accelerate her growth! It’s especially dangerous for large dogs’ puppies. Just check with your vet if she is in good health and wait till she grows to her size.
Mrs Abigail Collin Barry says
Hi. I have a 1 year female Caucasian who is 40.4kg she feels lean but isn’t interested in food so I’m thinking isn’t hungry ? She has a hour run a day and sleeps alot, she plays ALOT, with ropes, soft toys, balls etc, she chews on cow hooves n Yak chews, throws them for herself to chase etc but is VERY clumsy … she follows me about but has no protection instinct AT ALL and loves EVERYONE, and anyone, although she wants to catch the cats to play, so gives chase. Even though we try with training, she does what she wants when she wants but thankfully wants to please us so eventually does as asked ! Walking her is still a nightmare, as she wants to play with EVERYTHING, from Leaves to coke cans to other dogs to ants, if there’s nothing about she either chases her own tail ( in the middle of the road ) or runs after the wind !!
We really are starting to think she’s a tad ‘simple’ and has brain damaged herself from falling off the sofa once to many times ..
OK, we know she’s a puppy still n obviously very happy, but, does all this seem right for a dog that’s meant to be Guarding from wolves and bears !!!!!!!!!
RussianDog says
She will :)
Arcana says
Hello Mrs Abigail I also have a male caucasian shepherd and his name is Spartacus he also LOVES to play with coke cans,leaves, his own tail and the wind but honestly he’s calm when I’m walking him even when he sees cats but when he sees goats or rams he can start pulling
Shillow says
My conclusion is 5 months today, a male but weighs only 24kg….per the chat it isnt normal…
I give is milk and raw egg every morning and evening, I also mix boiled chicken with his feed… (it doesnt eat the feed without the chicken…)
Obviously per the chat, the wieght is not okay…what can be done…??
RussianDog says
Those are average weights for a large number of dogs but the puppies do not grow according to charts. Each puppy is unique. The most important is that he is healthy and in a good mood.
WooiKeat Tan says
I have a male Caucasian Shepherd and was told by the pet shop he’s 8 months old. He was in the cage during the COVID-19 lockdown at 3-4 months old and didn’t get the chance to walk at all. Now he has carpal hyperextension on both front. I brought him to the hospital for blood test and x-ray and all are good. Doctor says he’s nutrient deficiency and no walking at all. I am currently feeding him with one whole boneless and skinless chicken breast, 350g beef liver, 350g beef lungs and one raw egg twice a day. And also glucosamine for his joint problem. May I know if he can recover? Thanks
Mark says
It’s better to ask the vet who has examined your dog. In general, the best treatment is a surgery that involves placing a steel locking plate in the forelimb. Prognosis is usually good, the rehabilitation takes about 12 weeks.
emdon says
my female Caucasian is now 8month old and her height is 73cm tall, I’m so happy. is it normal or I should change her food
RussianDog says
She’s a little above the average height but every dog is unique. Don’t try to slow down or accelerate her growth. Just feed and exercise her well, and she’ll get what mother nature has foreseen for her.
Will says
I have scene some pictures and vidoes of this dog breed with some of the males weighing in at a little over 300lbs and taller than someone that is 6 foot plus in height.
clyde says
my femake is 4en half month old. i feed 4 duck eggs and pasta for breakfast { scrambled} for mane she as chicken mince gabbage carrots and pasta. shes just under 28kilo and 24 tts.
benjamin says
110-276 lbs at the year…is this really happening?
Graham says
Most of the comment has been put into the body of the post.
If you look up training a Great Pyrenees you will find the CO breed has similar traits. They are an independant breed that you must have patience with. Every treat is a training opportunity. Make him work for it.
Liz says
Hi I brought my boy to the vet he is 5 months today he’s 63.2 lbs. Was wondering how big you all think he will be as an adult and is that a pretty average weight ?
RussianDog says
The minimum weight of an adult male should be 110 pounds, the minimum weight of a 5-month-old puppy should be 63 pounds. His adult weight is difficult to predict. Probably about 110 – 120 pounds that conforms to the breed standard.
Graham says
6.5 months and 110 lbs.
Get him off puppy food. Adult large breed food is best. Limit exercise until 1 year old. I did a bit of excercise and he started getting sore. I guve him cod liver oil and Glucosamine.
He will grow to his size even if you under feed him. Better to have less food then more. Biggest thing is socialize socialize socialize. Read up on Great Pyrenees. Similar training issues.
Great breed! Enjoy!
Ikhuoso Aikhoje says
My boy is 5 months he weighs 27kg, I noticed his hind legs are becoming weak especially the left one, he can stand on them tho, I feed him with meat eggs and diamond dog food like 3 times a day take dem out twice a day. Please is that right?
RussianDog says
Do you feed him a dog food for large breed puppies? The ordinary adult dog food contains too much calcium. For a heavy puppy like Caucasian Ovcharka there should be no more calcium than 1,4% (you can find it in dog food description), otherwise there’s a risk for his legs. Also, you should check your boy for hip dysplasia that he could have inherited from his parents. Did you get your puppy from a responsible breeder?
Aikhoje Ikhuoso says
Thank you russiandog I stay in Nigeria tho and breeding over here is kinda crazy but his back legs are getting stronger I had to cut the meat I give him and started giving him calcium tablets and right now he is doing well wish we can talk better so you can advise me more on caring for him
RussianDog says
Be very cautious with calcium. Better consult a vet for a proper diet.
Graham says
My dog was about the same weight at 3 months old. At 3 1/2 months he was 56 lbs. He developed kennel cough at 4 1/2 months old and he weights 68 lbs. Not sure if that’s normal but that is his growth rate.
I’ve started limiting his exercise and limiting his wrestling with our Belgian Tervuran as he has been favoring his left hip. I’m giving him Glucosomine and MSM supplements and have him on Adult Large breed dog food for about a month. Get your dog off puppy food after 3 months of age. Too much Calcium and protein.
My two bits worth. Open to any suggestions as well.
Aikhoje Ikhuoso says
Wow graham I’m interested in how your dog grew that big, any pointer for that
Ezra says
I have a 4 month old Caucasian shepherd and he is around 16-17 kilos , what can i fees him to ensure he will be the ” bear ” he should be ?
RussianDog says
Just give him quality dog food and consult your vet if you see problems with his health. He will take what his parents have given him. You can also check what other owners say https://wp.me/p25TKd-1zE