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Working · Georgia

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

A walker's guide to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Giant, 45 to 90 kgEasy-goingLivestock guardianGiantVery protectiveExperienced handlers
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy2 of 5
Walk styleSlow, heavy, territorial
With other dogsUsually intolerant

Overview

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog comes from the mountains between the Black Sea and the Caspian, where it has guarded flocks against wolves and bears for centuries and later served as a military and prison guard dog in the Soviet Union. It is enormous, with a thick coat, a bear-like head and a body that can weigh as much as two adults.

This is a dog bred to see off a wolf without instruction. It is fiercely territorial, suspicious of strangers and often intolerant of other dogs, and it makes its own decisions. A Caucasian that knows and trusts you is calm and even affectionate; one that does not is a genuine danger. Most professional walkers should decline the booking unless they have real experience of the type.

Exercise and walking needs

Just over an hour a day of slow lead walking in two outings is plenty. Guardians patrol; they do not run or play fetch, and they tire quickly in warm weather.

Young dogs grow for a long time and should not be over-exercised. Short, calm walks on soft ground until the owner says otherwise.

Daily minimum70 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeNever in public

On the walk

  • Control: You cannot physically hold a dog this size that has decided to go. Control comes from the relationship, the equipment the owner has trained, and a route with no surprises.
  • Strangers: The dog will treat approaching people as potential threats. Keep everyone at a distance and never let anyone come over to pet it.
  • Other dogs: Intolerance of unfamiliar dogs is the norm. Solo walks only, at quiet times, on quiet routes with room to avoid.
  • Heat: The coat was built for Caucasian winters. Summer walks must be short, early and shaded, with water carried.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Only take the booking after several meetings with the owner present and a clear acceptance from the dog.
  2. Confirm your insurance covers the breed before the first walk.
  3. Plan every walk on a familiar route with wide paths and few people.
  4. Keep the pace slow and the mood calm; the breed takes its cue from its handler.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Has the dog ever gone for a person or another dog, and what set it off?
  • What does the dog wear on a walk, and which words or signals does it actually obey?
  • Who outside the family has handled the dog successfully, and how did they earn its trust?
Central Asian Shepherd DogThe Alabai of the Central Asian steppeGeorgian ShepherdA giant livestock guardian from the CaucasusKangal Shepherd DogTurkey's giant flock guardian: calmŠarplaninacA heavy-coated Balkan flock guardian from the Šar mountains: patient