Caucasian Shepherd Dog
高加索牧羊犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Caucasian Ovcharka) is a giant, heavy-boned guardian of the Caucasus mountains, kept for centuries to protect property and livestock from wolves and other predators, in a long-coated, heavier Mountain type and a shorter-coated Steppe type. The FCI standard describes a harmoniously built, strong dog that is active, self-confident, fearless and independent, devotedly attached to its master and an excellent guard dog. The AKC calls it a serious guardian breed that should never be taken lightly — bold, fearless and fierce when a threat is present, soft, devoted and kind to its own family and pets — low-energy but with good endurance, quiet indoors, hard to train for obedience, and so protective of home and family that bringing visitors in may be difficult.
Facts
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Height | 58–76cm |
| Weight | 45–77kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12years |
| Breed group | AKC: fss FCI: 2 |
| Role | Guardian |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 4/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 3/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 2/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 2/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 5/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
General health screening
The AKC says that, like all breeds, Caucasian Ovcharkas may have some health issues but the majority are healthy dogs, and that good breeders use genetic testing of their breeding stock; neither the AKC page nor the FCI standard names a breed-specific condition, and the parent club publishes only on social media. Ask your vet about routine screening (hips, elbows, heart) appropriate to a giant dog and about keeping it lean.
Behaviour
Fearless, independent, devoted to one household
The FCI standard describes the Caucasian Shepherd Dog as active, self-confident, fearless and independent, with a devoted attachment to its master, and an excellent guard dog. The AKC calls it a serious guardian breed that should never be taken lightly: bold, fearless, self-confident and fierce when a threat is present, but soft, devoted, kind and endearing to its family, including other family pets. Prospective owners should note that it is highly protective of family and property, so bringing people into the home may be difficult.
Low energy, good endurance, hard to train — keep it contained
The AKC says the breed does best with a large yard and daily walks, and that because it is intelligent and independent it should be kept contained — a fenced yard and a lead — when exercised; although low-energy it has good endurance for walking and hiking. Extremely independent and intelligent, it can be difficult, though not impossible, to train for obedience, and it is usually fairly quiet in the house. Longer-coated dogs need daily grooming.
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 2/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Caucasian Shepherd Dog (standard no. 328, group 2)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Caucasian Shepherd Dog — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Caucasian Shepherd Dog — FCI standard no. 328 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]FCI-Standard No. 328 — Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Kavkazskaïa Ovtcharka), 02.03.2011 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.