Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Also called Kavkazskaya Ovcharka, Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Caucasian Sheepdog
From The Caucasus region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Dagestan) and the southern Russian steppes; the FCI lists Russia as the standard's country.12
At a glance the quick version
FCI gives minimum weights only.
Coat and looks how to spot one
straight, coarse, stand-off double coat
A harsh outer coat that stands away from the body over a thick undercoat, at least 5 cm long. Longer hair forms a mane on the neck, tufts on the ears and trousers on the thighs. A big, powerfully built dog; males look noticeably grander than females.1
Personality what they are like
Steady, self-assured and independent, with a strong urge to protect its people and territory. With its own family, including other household pets, it is soft and affectionate.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Daily walks and a large, secure area to patrol suit it better than intense exercise.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The thick coat needs regular brushing, with extra work when the undercoat sheds.1
Home where they are happiest
Needs an experienced owner and a large property with strong fencing; not suited to small flats.12
Company who they like around
Forms a close bond with its family and is naturally wary of outsiders, so early and ongoing socialisation is important.13
The story where it all began
For centuries shepherds in the Caucasus Mountains relied on these dogs to guard flocks and homes against predators. Organised selection began in the Soviet Union in the 1920s, and the FCI fully accepted the breed in 1984.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 328, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, mountain type; standard dated 02.03.2011. Definitively accepted by FCI in 1984 per Wikipedia.1
- AKC
- Has a breed page on AKC.org (Foundation Stock Service breed).3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Caucasian Shepherd Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 328 Kavkazskaïa Ovtcharka fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin countries, history dates, lifespan, facts
- AKC Caucasian Shepherd Dog akc.orgused for temperament with family
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.