Wolfhounds - the mighty Caucasian Shepherd

History of the breed

There is currently no exact information about where exactly the Caucasian wolfhound comes from. There is an opinion that their ancestors were wolves and jackals. This is mainly due to the fact that these animals have many similar features, including physique.

However, it is generally accepted that the wolfhound or Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a type of Central Asian dog, originally from the Caucasus or Dagestan.

The first mention of dogs is found in 1121 BC. In those days, giant dogs were considered sacred animals, especially in Ancient Egypt and Greece. Much later, in the 18th-19th centuries, dogs began to be used for police service. The main direction of their activity was to search for missing people.

Health of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Raising and training a Caucasian Shepherd Dog will require great effort and patience from the owner.
Like other native breeds, the health of the Caucasian Shepherd is only threatened by:

• TB joint dysplasia;
• the appearance of an eyesore;
• obesity;
• skin eczema;
• rabies;
• helminthic infestations.

The Caucasian watchdog is not very susceptible to other diseases due to its natural immunity.

Diseases that are impossible to fight - old age and death occur at the age of 8-10 years, despite the fact that final formation occurs only by 3-4 years.

Description of the breed

The main qualities and requirements are regulated by the standard. Caucasus is a massive and very strong dog. He is a large dog with thick, long fur and undercoat. So the animal can easily withstand almost any weather conditions.

The weight of a dog can reach 120 and 130 kg. However, it all depends on your diet. At the same time, even with such a large mass, the dog will not be considered fat. These are his normal indicators.

The wolfhound's body is well developed, has a strong skeleton and muscles. All this is covered with a thick layer of skin.

Long fur

Breed characteristics

According to the characteristics, the wolfhound has the following indicators:

• The length of the fur reaches 10-12 cm if it is long and 6-7 cm if it is short.
• An adult male reaches 68 cm at the withers, with an average weight of 50-60 kg. Girls grow up to 62 cm with a weight of 42-55 kg.
• They have high intelligence and are easy to train.
• They cannot live on the territory of the apartment, only in the enclosure.
• Shedding periods are quite difficult; the dog sheds its fur profusely.
• They are excellent hunters and watchdogs.

Important! The Dagestan wolfhound has a very calm and balanced disposition. But it is not suitable for everyone. The owner must have an iron will to raise such a giant correctly.

Vaccinations and susceptibility to disease

Preventive vaccinations against rabies and other deadly infections are carried out annually after the dog reaches the age of 12 months. The first vaccination for a Caucasian Shepherd puppy is given against distemper and enteritis at 4 weeks. Then at 8 weeks this vaccination is repeated and the baby is additionally vaccinated against leptospirosis and hepatitis. Then at 12 weeks the dog is vaccinated against rabies.

Caucasian Shepherds are a hardy dog ​​breed that often does not have health problems and has good immunity.

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Common "breed" diseases:

• hip dysplasia;
• various diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• eye diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Caring for puppies

For the full development of Caucasian Shepherd puppies, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to feeding. Usually puppies up to 1 month and a little older feed on their mother’s milk, and at the age of 1.5–2 months they are already going to live in a new home. After reaching this age, all foods from the diet of an adult dog must be gradually introduced into the food of babies.

For young individuals, diet is important. So, a puppy 2 months and younger should eat 5-6 times a day, at 3 months - 4 times, at 4-6 months - 3 times, from 7 months to 2.5-3 years, shepherd puppies should eat twice a day. day.

Rules for caring for a Caucasian Shepherd puppy from the moment it arrives in the house:

• to prevent the development of rickets and weakening of the limbs, it is necessary to provide the baby with sufficient space for play and movement;
• tethering a Caucasian Shepherd puppy is strictly prohibited;
• to avoid falling and injury, children should not be allowed to carry the baby in their arms;
• You can only walk a Caucasian Shepherd puppy on a leash, but in deserted places you can let your pet out for a short time;
• puppies can only go for walks after they have received the necessary vaccinations;
• You should not play tug-of-war with small Caucasian wolfhounds: this can lead to the formation of an incorrect bite.

Advantages and disadvantages

The breed has a lot of positive traits. So, in particular, the undoubted advantages include:

• calmness and restraint;
• stable psychological state;
• high intelligence;
• good vision;
• loyalty and devotion to a person;
• patronage and care of children, as well as other animals;
• unpretentiousness to content;
• pronounced qualities of a guard and a hunter.

As for the disadvantages, they are expressed as follows:

• stubbornness;
• From an early age, a puppy must be properly raised and trained;
• open hostility towards strangers;
• may show aggression.

Breed standard

The standards apply to any breed of dog. The same rule applies to Caucasians, also known as the Karachay dog ​​breed. More details about the standards are described below.

Head

Quite massive and heavy. It has a wedge shape. The cranial part is voluminous and well developed. The cheekbones are pronounced.

Jaws and teeth

The Caucasian has a regular scissor bite. A complete set of teeth is 42 pieces. At a young age, the teeth are white, even, and quite large. The lower jaw is pressed tightly against the upper jaw. The incisors should be located on the same line.

Nose

The nose is wide. The lobe is quite voluminous and has a black or brown color, depending on the color of the fur.

Eyes

Wolfhounds have small eyes. They have an oval shape. The color is mostly dark, most often brown.

Ears

The ears are in a hanging state. Not long. The position should be above the animal's eye line. Triangular shape.

Attention! In some cases related to the dog’s health, docking is allowed.

Neck

The neck is short. However, it has a powerful build. Very strong, covered with a thick layer of leather that moves freely, providing additional protection.

Frame

The body forms an almost horizontal line. Very powerful, with well-developed muscles.

Limbs

The paws are straight and parallel. On the hind legs the coat is much thicker and denser.

Tail

The tail is long and set high. The fur completely covers it. In its normal form it can be in the form of a sickle, hook or ring. It is also sometimes stopped.

Wool color may vary

Wool

The coat is straight, long and rough to the touch. On the head and front legs it is slightly shorter than on the rest of the body. May be longer on hind legs. The undercoat is thick and light.

Color

Fur color may vary. The following colors are allowed:

• pale yellow;
• ginger;
• with spots;
• brindle;
• white;
• brown;
• zonal gray.

Important! The color of a dog can be either monochromatic or consisting of several colors. At the same time, both spots and stripes may appear on the fur.

Disqualifying faults

Any departure from the standard is a disqualifying fault. Rejection is carried out for incorrect bite, too light eye shade, short legs and torso, and so on.

How to choose a puppy

When choosing a Caucasian Shepherd puppy, you need to carefully study not only the documents, habits and character of the parents of the baby you like, but also the main characteristics of this dog breed.

You also need to decide on your goals for purchasing a puppy:

• participation in exhibitions;
• watchman and security guard;
• just a pet.

It is important to pay attention to the baby’s appearance - he should be active, courageous, outgoing, well-fed and outwardly healthy. Also, a puppy from a reputable breeder will already have his ears cropped and his dewclaws removed.

When choosing a small wolfhound, you should give preference to proven Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk and other well-proven domestic nurseries.

Potential buyers should know that a healthy Caucasian Shepherd puppy must meet the following characteristics:

• correct bite;
• 12 incisors;
• clean eyes;
• clean and cool nose;
• large and wide head;
• taut back;
• smooth, strong paws;
• thick fur;
• moderate activity in behavior.

How much does a puppy cost?

Kennels with good reviews offer to buy a Caucasian Shepherd puppy for 20-45 thousand rubles.

However, on the World Wide Web you can find many advertisements from private breeders selling small wolfhounds for 20-15 thousand rubles.* But such acquisitions are not a guarantee of the purity of the breed. Dog experts advise those wishing to buy a small wolfhound for subsequent breeding to contact well-established nurseries.

When choosing a Caucasian Shepherd puppy, the future owner needs to answer several questions:

1. For what purpose is it intended to purchase a puppy of this particular breed? If the main duties of the dog will include guarding the house or territory, it is necessary to choose a puppy from parents who have diplomas from CS courses at various levels. If you plan to participate in exhibitions, you should give preference to a litter of champions and prize-winners.
2. The second point you need to decide is the gender of the puppy. If there are small children in the family, the choice should be made in favor of a female dog. They are calmer, have less pronounced aggressive qualities, and are easier to train. Males should be chosen by dog ​​breeders with experience interacting with guard and guard breeds. An indispensable condition for an obedient dog that can be trained and controlled is a strong and powerful owner. Otherwise, the dog can pose a real threat to the inhabitants of the house and random passers-by on the street.

Regardless of the purpose of purchasing a puppy and choosing its gender, it is necessary to evaluate the psyche of the future guard. This can be done in the nursery, observing the parents. It is also worth paying attention to the dog’s attitude towards its owner, level of obedience, and reaction to strangers. The combination of these signs will help you make the right choice.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is the standard of fearlessness, courage and courage. Despite their impressive size and unfriendly appearance, dogs of this breed are able to provide delightful moments in communication with them. Their devotion to "family" makes them popular and desirable.

Health and illness

Wolfhounds have excellent health. However, this does not mean that you should ignore trips to the veterinarian and routine vaccinations. All this must be carried out in accordance with the established deadlines.

Dogs are still susceptible to some diseases. These include:

• allergy;
• atrophy of the visual organs;
• cardiac dysfunction;
• muscle convulsions.

Important! Any changes in the dog’s behavior or well-being are a reason to visit the veterinarian.

Lifespan

On average, Caucasian Shepherd dogs live 10–12 years. With proper care, some individuals can live up to 15 years.

On average, shaggy “highlanders” live 11-12 years. Their life expectancy is influenced by the following factors:

• proper feeding;
• proper care;
• past illnesses.

Caucasian Shepherds most often suffer from such diseases.

• entropy;
• pelvic dysplasia;
• heart and thyroid diseases;
• nervous disorders;
• diabetes;
• growth slowdown;
• enterocolitis;
• plague.

Important! If your pet exhibits any symptoms of the above diseases, you should immediately call your veterinarian.

The officially registered average life expectancy of a Caucasian does not exceed 12 years. However, proper nutrition and proper care can extend this period.

The Caucasian Shepherd is susceptible to the following diseases:

• turning of the eyelids;
• hip dysplasia;
• heart diseases;
• rabies;
• psychosis;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy;
• plague;
• muscle cramps;
• optic nerve atrophy;
• dwarfism;
• enterocolitis;
• thyroid disease.

Interesting Facts

Despite their menacing appearance, Caucasians need human attention and affection. They love to be petted and talked to. At the same time, the dogs are quite independent and can work in a team. Because of this quality, animals were often used in guard services.

Dogs were also used during the Russian-Turkish war. Turkish warriors specially raised and trained animals for these purposes. Afterwards, dogs began to be hired as guards.

The article tells you everything you need to know about the powerful northern dogs. They are not suitable for everyone, but they can become loyal and irreplaceable friends. You just need to properly raise and love a huge dog. And then he will share his devotion and will be with the person all his life.

Features of character and behavior

By nature, Caucasian Shepherds are balanced, fearless, decisive, self-confident and slightly stubborn dogs. They are endlessly loyal to their owners. Caucasians show love and affection to the rest of their household.

They have well-developed security qualities, so they treat all strangers with distrust and hostility, greeting them with loud barking. In addition, representatives of the breed have an amazing feature - they are able to accurately determine whether the owner and his family are in danger.

If threatened, such a dog will immediately defend its owner and will fight with any, even the most powerful, opponent, until the last drop of blood.

Caucasian Shepherds get along well with other pets, but only if they grew up with them. They will not offend smaller pets, but they will most likely conflict with their larger counterparts, seeking dominance over them.

Attitude towards children

Caucasian Shepherds treat their owner’s children very well and try to protect them from all sorts of dangers. They willingly participate in all children's games. But children should not be left alone with the dog - due to the dog’s enormous height and strength, it can accidentally harm the child.

• The Caucasian Shepherd has a balanced, calm type of nervous system.
• The stable psyche of these animals allows them to dispassionately and independently make decisions when carrying out their guard duties.
• Possessing great strength and power, the dog does not appear active. However, this impression is deceptive. The Caucasian Shepherd has a high level of self-organization and is capable of not taking action for a long time, assessing the situation.
• The dog is able to analyze the degree of threat and make one precise and lightning-fast jump to protect the protected herd or human property.
• Bold and fearless, they are, however, not considered reckless. The reaction of the Caucasian Shepherd is usually unmistakable and corresponds to the level of danger.

The movements of the representative of the breed are slow, the gait is leisurely, and the trot is calm. Outwardly, the dogs look intimidating, which gives them an advantage over other “guard” breeds.

The owner of a Caucasian Shepherd dog must take into account the characteristics of its character and not use forceful methods of education. A self-confident dog is able to fight back and will not tolerate physical pressure. A Caucasian Shepherd dog should not be owned by people with a soft, compliant character.

When communicating with a dog, manifestations of internal fear are unacceptable. Commands must be given in a stern, confident, low voice that does not tolerate objections. In this case, the owner will acquire a reliable protector in the person of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

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An attentive and serious attitude towards the dog will be rewarded on its part with exceptional devotion and willingness to give its life for the owner, his family members and his property.

Advantages

Considering the main purpose of the breed, the undoubted advantages of the Caucasian Shepherd include innate malice and wariness towards strangers. These dogs will never run towards guests, but will watch what is happening from afar. It is not recommended to initiate contact with a Caucasian Shepherd. Representatives of this breed need time to evaluate the possibility of “social communication”, even in the presence of the owner.

Among other advantages of the Caucasian Shepherd, it is worth mentioning separately the following:

1. Calm, balanced character, self-control.
2. Stable mentality, confidence.
3. Intelligence, intelligence.
4. Observation, excellent vision.
5. Loyalty to the owner.
6. Ability to interact and get along with all family members.
7. Patronizing attitude towards children.
8. Unpretentious, can be kept in any climatic conditions, does not require special care.
9. Independent regulation of diet, rest and activity.
10. Undemanding to food, the ability to go without water for a long time.
11. Exceptional expression of security qualities.
12. Neutral attitude towards other pets.

Flaws

Born to guard and protect, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not among the breeds that are capable of having fun playing, frolicking and cuddling with their owners. Unlike hunting or hound dogs, “Caucasians” will not require increased attention from the owner. However, disinterest in physical contact is only an external feature of the breed.

It must be remembered that the Caucasian Shepherd, due to the specifics of its service, is strongly attached to one owner. The Caucasian Shepherd is unlikely to be able to survive even a short separation from him without damage to his psyche and performance characteristics. A person’s decision to adopt such a puppy must be extremely balanced and deliberate.

Problematic points in the behavior of the Caucasian Shepherd are also considered:

• wayward, stubborn character;
• the need for constant training, starting from puppyhood;
• expressed distrust of strangers;
• aggressiveness, natural anger.