“Cute fluffy”, “teddy bear” - these are the first words of people who caught the eye of a small Caucasian shepherd. Puppies are really charming, but even small ones have a strong character. Before buying, be sure to think about it, you will gain a bright personality, a reliable friend and bodyguard who cannot be humiliated and beaten, only in harmonious relations will he reveal to you all the depths of his love and selfless devotion.
Origin of breed
The country that gave us this wonderful beast is, of course, Russia. After all, it is not in vain that the Caucasian shepherd harmonizes with the harsh Russian winter and dense forests full of wild bears. This is not the result of artificial selection, but a natural breed whose roots lie in the Caucasus. It was here, on the land of severe beauty and majestic mountains, its ancestors 2000 years ago. Since then, the Caucasian Shepherd has been used as an excellent shepherd. Their main goal was to scare away wolves. With their appearance and serious character, they inspired awe of the gray vagabonds.
Since the Caucasus became part of Russia, the breed has spread widely throughout its vast territory. She was used by the military to guard convoys and even in battle, and she won love among the general population. In the 90s, the Caucasian shepherd experienced a real surge in popularity, it was officially recognized throughout the world, and special kennels appeared to support and develop the breed.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
These are massive dogs, bright and charming. They cannot be confused with any other dog, these are giants with a wide skeleton and well-developed muscles. They do not care for long runs and walks, moreover, they need movement constantly, so life in the apartment is not easy for them. These are self-confident, balanced and calm dogs, their truly regal appearance evokes admiration and even some reverence for the giant, who is much stronger than a person and could easily kill him, but agreed to be friends. This is the Caucasian Shepherd, the characteristics of the breed will be disclosed below, so that you have a more complete picture.
Constitution and breed standards
As already mentioned, they are distinguished by a massive skeleton and magnificent muscles. Even Caucasian Shepherd puppies possess these qualities. A photo of fluffy babies of a month old shows real cubs, large and clumsy. Stately beauties will then grow out of them, 69-75 cm at the withers, with straight, coarse hair and thick undercoat. You can easily distinguish them by gender, males are much larger and more massive, with a heavy head and pronounced mane. Real lions, always ready to defend their rights to the territory with the encroachment of strangers.
Breed standards are already evaluated in adulthood, so Caucasian shepherd puppies do not participate in breeding selection. Photos of charming babies performing at the exhibition in the baby class can only serve as an opportunity to the first step along the career ladder. In fact, each of them has a chance to get a title in the future.
The head should be massive, with a voluminous and wide cranial part. The forehead is wide, slightly convex. The nose is large, black. The ears of the Caucasus are hanging on the cartilage, small, high-sitting, short by the old standards, stop short, today dogs are allowed to exhibit in their natural form. The eyes are small, oval, set wide. Eyelids are dry, tight-fitting, the presence of a drooping eyelid is undesirable. The neck is powerful, slightly shorter than the length of the head. The teeth are complete, white, powerful, well-developed and tightly adjacent to each other. Necessarily scissor bite.
The movements are free, unhurried and graceful, such an undeveloped lynx. When accelerating, it goes into a somewhat heavy gallop.
Dog care
A Caucasian Shepherd has appeared in your house. The price you paid for it is very low, very soon you will see that with her love and devotion she will pay it handsomely. These are very unpretentious dogs that can live in any weather and climatic conditions. Since they are dressed like real bears in a thick coat, you need to maintain it in a normal form. There are two types of dogs - short-haired and long-haired. If the first care is reduced to a rare combing, then the second need to be given more time. Luxurious, long hair quickly falls off and it remains only to cut the tangles and wait for the dog to regrow. About 3 times a week, it needs to be combed out with a frequent comb. Twice a year, natural molting occurs, since these dogs usually live on the street, such a natural process practically does not cause trouble to the owners. Be sure to comb out the shepherd every day during these periods.
Bathing a big bear should only be necessary. If you are preparing to perform in the ring or your pet has fallen out badly, then you can arrange a bath for him. Prepare a shallow pan in advance in which the dog will be able to enter the warm watering system. Separately, it is necessary to mention the care of the eyes, ears, nails and paws. Inspect your pet periodically, any inflammation, suppuration should alert you. In any case, a consultation with a veterinarian will not hurt.
Food
This is the key to the health and long life of your pet, so take a responsible approach to the choice of feed. There is no doubt that nutrition should be balanced, complete and varied, include the necessary vitamins and minerals. It is easiest to turn to professionals for help and choose a quality ready-made feed for your pet, preferably a premium class. They are distinguished by high quality and balanced composition. In addition, they do not contain artificial flavors or colorants. This is a necessary condition for your beautiful and healthy Caucasian shepherd to grow up. Photos shown on the pages of famous nurseries will tell you what to strive for.
You can grow your pet using natural feed. Meat must be present in the diet, this is 75% of the total volume of food. For puppies, you can grind it, give it to adults in pieces. Most often it should be boiled, but sometimes you can give raw. Once a week, you can replace meat with offal and once with sea fish (boiled and raw). The remaining 25% is raw vegetables and fruits, eggs, milk and cottage cheese. Cereals are permissible in very small quantities, because the body of Caucasians is poorly absorbed porridge. Citrus and bean should be avoided.
A useful supplement is bran. It is good to introduce sprouted wheat, raw tomatoes and cucumbers into the diet. In small amounts, add fish oil to food.
Breeding
Today, the desired type of Caucasian shepherd is well defined, so any expert at the exhibition will easily appreciate your pet. If it meets the standards, then you can get an assessment and participate in breeding activities. Then you will need to register with the dog club, where you will pick up a couple. When the pet reaches a certain age, you will be invited to mate. This will be your contribution to the development of such a wonderful breed as the Caucasian Shepherd. Photos of both parents should be posted on the website in advance so as to leisurely pick up owners for future babies.
Do not forget that the expectant mother requires care, attention and good nutrition. When the babies appear, you will also have to join in caring for them, and from about 15 days of life provide them with four meals a day.
Shepherd disease
Despite their appearance of fearless appearance, these dogs are also susceptible to many diseases. The puppies have a rather weak gastrointestinal tract, they are often affected by enteritis. Adults can live under any climatic conditions, but are very sensitive to drafts and can catch pneumonia. Like any large dog, they are prone to joint diseases, such as dysplasia. This is due to the heavy load on this system. Another weak point is the eyes. There is a predisposition to conjunctivitis, cataracts, eversion and inversion of the eyelid. Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat, so be sure to visit a veterinarian for any warning signs.
Vaccinations
Today there are nurseries that completely refuse vaccinations, preferring natural selection. Perhaps this is justified for conducting breeding, but hardly anyone wants to lose the only and dear pet, then take another one and again hope for good luck. It is better to choose a good doctor, a high-quality vaccine and carry out immunization according to an individual schedule drawn up specifically for you.
Basic rules for raising Caucasian Shepherd puppies
From the first day a puppy appears in the house, you must remember the basic rules, and strictly follow them. Only in this way can you convey them to your proud pet. This breed is very common in Russia and many already had a Caucasian shepherd. Reviews host confirm that with good contact and education - this is the most devoted and loving creature in the world.
So, get used to feed the dog strictly in the allotted hours. No handouts from the table, a treat should be given only for a completed team. Training should be conducted by one family member, it is better if he will occupy a leading position, dogs feel it. Immediately prohibit pampering, such as jumping on the owner, climbing on the sofa and gentle biting your feet. It touches, only when the puppy is in front of you, but tomorrow it will grow, and the habits will remain. Even the baby needs to be respected, not beaten or humiliated. If he committed an offense, the punishment should come immediately, be tangible, but not too painful. For example, shake the withers and change the intonation.
Social adaptation
The sooner you begin to bring your pet into the "light", the less problems will arise in the future. It would be a mistake to keep him in isolation, because in this case he might begin to perceive all guests as potentially dangerous. Find out where dog breeders do. These are not very serious courses, but still they give the dog the opportunity to meet other people and pets, run outdoors, and also gain some skills. This is the development of simple commands: "to me," "sit," "next." Engaging with the young shepherd is a pleasure; she is smart, quick-witted and obedient. But do not be encouraged by such a simple assimilation of knowledge, a more difficult stage awaits you.
Puberty
This is a period of change, a revision of one’s attitude to the world. The Caucasian shepherd is changing too. Responses of the owners always note a sharp contrast: the good-natured puppy suddenly became incredulous and wary. But this behavior is a sign of poor socialization. On the contrary, excessive trust in the world and the people around it during this period can be considered as the norm. After all, this is not an adult dog, but only a growing puppy. This is the time of your relationship with him. It is no longer maternal custody, as it was before, but a partnership, friendship. Training of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog should continue, in no case do not abandon it due to temporary difficulties in the behavior of the pet.
Training
Take the time to start this challenging course until your dog is mature. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a late breed that matures late. Pets with a fully formed nervous system should be trained in protective and guard duty. Otherwise, the consequences may be too sad. To do this, you must definitely find a professional trainer and assistant who will simulate an attack on your beloved master. It should be noted that it is necessary to fully observe the realism of what is happening. After completing the attack and practicing the dog’s defense, one shouldn’t have fun talking with the helpers depicting the bandit. Better calm the pet and go home. Keep in mind that the weight of a Caucasian shepherd can reach 80 kg, the trainer must withstand the attack of such a colossus.
How much do Caucasian shepherd puppies cost
You have decided that you need an excellent guard, and your choice is the Caucasian Shepherd. The price of puppies today is quite diverse, on average from 4 to 35 thousand rubles. It happens that dogs are given cheaper because of an emergency move, but in this case it is worth considering carefully whether you can get along with such a serious comrade, and even those suffering from the owner who left him.
Exhibitions
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog Show is a fascinating sight to see. Charming kids, clumsy teens and stately adults, each of them is beautiful in his own way. If, having visited such an event, you have only strengthened your desire to make a true friend, then choose a breeder and begin a wonderful journey through life together.