The Caucasian Shephard dog is an ancient breed specifically designed for personal protection dogs. They are massive, furry guardians originating in the Caucus region. Their bloodlines can be traced back to the Tibetan dog in 1121BC. Through human migration, the Tibetan dog was transferred into the Caucus region and evolved into what we now recognize as the Caucasian Shephard. These protection dogs can weigh anywhere between 80 – 180 pounds. Their size alone is a deterrence toward strangers; they also have a natural ferocity towards any threat to those they care for. After decades of training to defend at all costs, these protection dogs have an innate tendency to guard loved ones or personal property. They require a firm leader of their pack and will need training in socialization, but their loyalty to you is something you will never need to question.
Origins
These protection dogs originated in the Dagestan region, located in the north Caucus mountain ranges between the Black and Caspian Seas. The harsh climate and terrain of this region evolved the Tibetan dog into the Caucasian Shepard dog we know today. They morphed into a sturdy breed with excellent endurance, capable of working long hard days. The high elevation caused their chest to expand to allow for greater intakes of oxygen, giving them the familiar large barrel chest. They have thick, warm fur to protect them from severe cold, and short, strong legs that can carry them up to intense slopes. Caucasian Shepherds also sport slightly longer canine incisors which is an indication of their ancient bloodline.
The protection dogs were used by shepherds in this region for nearly 600 years. They were trained to protect their family (including humans, livestock, and other dogs) from threats at any cost. They have been known to take down humans, wolves, and even bears if necessary to provide protection. This ancient conditioning has given them an innate distrust of strangers. They will attack anyone on their territory who does not belong. These protection dogs spent countless days in only the company of their shepherd. They are inclined to have a naturally strong loyalty and bonding to one person who they recognize as their leader. This training makes them very serious personal protection dogs. They will thoughtlessly risk their lives to protect their leader. This also brings in the need for socialization training. An untrained Caucasian Shepherd can be a danger to close friends to whom the dog has not yet been introduced. A strong hand and the presence of the dog’s leader are required to ensure the safety of guests until the dog has accepted them into the pack.
During the stints of time spent herding sheep, shepherds and their dogs would walk for miles leading the flock from one grazing area to another. These long treks had little sustenance, which allowed the Caucasian Shephard to adapt to long workdays with few provisions. They can travel many miles without tiring on little food and water. They also naturally take advantage of the downtime by resting to recover and prepare for the next trek. They are generally a slow and steady breed. They do not rush or get excited unless some sort of action is required of them. This breed would serve perfectly for any long-distance solo hikers seeking company and protection on the trail
In Today’s World
The Caucasian Shephard has continued to remain popular in the modern-day, especially in Russia and other Slavic countries. They are the more ferocious cousin of the German Shepard. In the 1960s, Caucasian Shepherds entered Eastern Germany. They served as patrol dogs along the Berlin Wall; there were 7000 patrol dogs serving when the wall came down. After the destruction of the Berlin Wall, the State placed its personal protection dogs for sale to the public. This led to an increase in the protection dogs’ popularity as family pets. In the present day, these dogs are often used by the military or in prisons as guard dogs to deter inmates from aggressive misbehavior or attempting to escape.
Things to Consider When Buying
The Caucasian Shepard is recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), as well as other breed regulating associations. When looking for personal protection dogs for sale, this breed can be a candidate for you to consider. Buying through an accredited breeder will ensure that your puppy has the genetic tendencies and characteristics mentioned above. Litters coming from established bloodlines will ensure your dog can live up to the guardian standards of its ancestors, and provide you with the amount of security you are searching for. Caucasian Shepherds are recognized in a variety of colors and markings. Be sure to have an idea of what your puppy should look like before you buy. AKC recognizes black, black and gray, cream, fawn, gray, and rust. They are also allowed to have brindle, piebald or white marking. Any other markings may signify that there has been misbreeding somewhere in the protection dog’s lineage.
The purchase of a Caucasian Shepard is not a decision to be taken lightly. They are wonderful protection dogs who will be loyal to you and your family, but they require a firm leader, plenty of time, and lots of socialization. If you are searching for a family pet to keep your home safe, this is the breed for you. Just ensure you have space and patience to give the dog the care and training it requires. Keep your home safe at night with the purchase of this ancient breed, the Caucasian Shephard.
