A Caucasian Ovcharka is a large and powerful dog with a steady guarding instinct. This forms the basis of the dog's personality. It is protective of its family and "pack." It is also a dog you must earn, in the sense that it needs to feel secure with you, and only then will it begin to trust you. From that point on, it is loyal for the rest of its life!

The Caucasian Ovcharka is also independent and prefers to spend time with you rather than with other dogs. Although it wants to make you happy, it is also headstrong. It is not always obedient and will often finish its own tasks before listening to you.

This is a large dog that requires stimulation and activity every day. The Caucasian Shepherd thrives best when it can roam in large, open spaces and enjoy nature. In other words, it is not suitable for an urban environment or an apartment. It is important that you lead an active life and can provide it with long walks and interesting environments.

It is crucial that you are consistent and fair with a Caucasian Shepherd – not only in its training but also throughout its life. This is why it is best suited for an experienced dog owner. You must socialize it early and be consistent with its training thereafter. If it does not receive a good social foundation as a puppy, it will become very aggressive as an adult. Because it is self-aware and has strong guarding instincts, it is wary of other dogs and people it doesn't know. Therefore, ensure you train it to meet strangers safely even as a puppy.

Weight and size

A male dog is approximately 65 cm tall, while females are 62 cm. Caucasian Ovcharkas weigh between 50 and 60 kg. Weight and size naturally vary somewhat between individual dogs.

Lifespan

A Caucasian Ovcharka has an expected lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Hereditary diseases

The following diseases can occur in a Caucasian Ovcharka:

Hip dysplasia.

Ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid).

Entropion (inward turning of the eyelid).

The coat of a Caucasian Ovcharka is smooth and lush, but you will find them with varying coat lengths. It can be both short-haired and long-haired. The coat is often in different shades of grey with reddish-brown variations. The dog also requires intensive and daily grooming. The coat is hardy and adapted to harsh climates, and therefore it takes time to brush through and properly groom it.

As mentioned, Caucasian ovcharkas are large dogs, which means they also have a large appetite. This is worth considering when assessing the financial burden of living with a Caucasian ovcharka. Furthermore, it is important to balance their diet and ensure they get adequate exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight. An overweight Caucasian ovcharka will increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia.