Caucasian Shepherd Characteristics
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Adult weight: 100 – 170 lbs.
Adult height: 30 – 32 in.
Origin – Caucasus
Popularly known as the Caucasian Ovcharka or the Russian Bear Dog, Caucasian Shepherd is a large, bold, fearless, no-nonsense type of guarding dog. These dogs are not to be taken lightly at all. They were used to protect livestock from deadly predators like wolves and coyotes. In modern days, they are being used for guarding properties across their presence and prisons in Russia.
Also known as Caucasian Sheepdogs or Caucasian Mountain Dogs, these dogs usually come in two varieties. The Mountain type is long-coated with a heavy body mass, helping it survive the cold, and the Steppe type is short-coated with a lighter body mass. These huge dogs can grow taller than many humans, so one can find them very intimidating.
But these dogs are not scary all the time. Towards the family, they can be very loving and affectionate. They also tend to be calm unless disturbed or intimidated. High intelligence is also on the list of their qualities. It is also one of the most ancient breeds, which is explained by its mentions as being used by Armenian armies in the 1st Century BC. Their rustic look probably explains the ancientness.
What is the price of a Caucasian Shepherd?
The total price of this Russian Bear dog, or Volkadov, will be categorized by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, and grooming, along with other miscellaneous costs.
Buying a Caucasian Shepherd: $1500 – $2500
If you choose to buy from a breeder, you may notice the wide range in price for this breed. One reason for this is that the Caucasian Shepherd’s cost depends on the type of breeder you buy from. A reputable U.S. breeder could charge upwards of $2,500, while new breeders or farm breeders could charge less at around $1,200 to $2,500. If you wish to buy a male Caucasian shepherd puppy, it could cost you around $2,500, while a female Russian shepherd dog price could be less at around $1,500-$1,800. If you opt for superior lineage along with breeding rights and papers, the Caucasian Ovcharka price can go up to around $6,000.
Adopting a Caucasian Shepherd: $100 - $300
If this price is out of your price range, adoption could be a great option for you. There are plenty of trusted and accredited organizations online where you can get help finding these Caucasian dogs to adopt for as low for around $100-$300. Adopt a pet, ThunderHawk Caucasians, etc., are a couple of resources you can check out.
Monthly costs for a Caucasian Shepherd
Diet: $200-$230
This large breed of dog requires about 700gms to 2000gms of food per day, depending on their age, to maintain their physique. Raw, high-quality, and vet-recommended dog food is recommended. This could cost around $200 per month, and treats can add another $20-$30. If you opt for premium food products, the monthly cost could be higher.
Grooming: $30-$40
With these Caucasians at your place, you’ll probably find hair everywhere. These dogs have a double coat, an undercoat that consists of soft fur, and a long outer coat that is coarse in texture. Brushing the dog thoroughly twice a week and bathing once a week are recommended. Additionally, ears, teeth, and nails will have to be maintained regularly. You can opt for a professional grooming service once a month, which may cost you around $50-$60 per session, or you can do it in-house. The shampoos, brushes, and other equipment can cost around $30-$40, making in-house grooming a more affordable option.
Medical Costs: $150-$200
During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests. Other recommended preventive care treatments like flea and tick prevention for their long-furred coats can cost another $200 per year, and deworming and internal parasite prevention can add another $50 per dose to the cost.
Like all breeds, your Ovcharka is at risk for developing health conditions during their lifetimes. Some common conditions this breed may experience include hip or elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and skin infections. The treatment for these conditions could cost:
Hip or elbow dysplasia - $2500-$3000
Cataracts - $3000-$4000
Skin infections - $150-$200
Diet | $200-$230 |
Grooming | $30-$40 |
Medical Costs | $150-$200 |
One-time costs for a Caucasian Shepherd
Initial Costs: $400-$500
An ID tag, crate, carrier, food, water bowls, a leash, collars, and a big bed for its big size will all be needed, especially if it is going to be the first dog pet of the family. Getting these initial items could cost around $400-$500.
Vaccinations: $250-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that a Caucasian Shepherd would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.
There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Caucasian Shepherd. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.
Microchipping: $50-$70
Microchipping costs can vary from state to state, but the average cost is about $50. Add a dog license to it, and the cost can be around $70.
Caucasian mountain dogs tend to wander around and, in the absence of a fence, could get lost. Microchipping can help them find their way back home. Spot pet insurance highly recommends every pet parent get all their pets microchipped, as it can increase the chances of finding a lost pet.
Neutering or Spaying: $150-$500
It is highly recommended that you get your dog neutered or spayed to help protect them against certain health problems and for their temperament. Neutering the dog can cost you around $150, while spaying could cost upwards of around $500.
Initial Costs | $400-$500 |
Vaccinations | $250-$300 |
Microchipping | $50-$70 |
Neutering or Spaying | $150-$500 |
Lifetime Cost for a Caucasian Shepherd: $35,000 - $45,000
For the first year, you can expect to pay around $4000-$5000, which includes the buying/adoption cost, initial expenses, medical costs, grooming, and other one-time and recurring costs. As your pet ages, the cost could go down to around $2000-$3000 per year. The lifetime cost of owning a Caucasian Shepherd, given its average life span of 10 years, could be around $35,000-$40,000.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Helps Cover Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Caucasian Shepherds Aggressive? Caucasian Shepherds can be aggressive in some situations, especially when you consider how loyal and protective they are. Aggressiveness can be a difficult trait to deal with for Caucasian Shepherd owners, but it can be dealt with if properly trained.
Are Caucasian Shepherds Friendly to Strangers? Caucasian Shepherds are generally not friendly to strangers. They tend to be wary and distrustful of new people - this makes them aloof and distrustful of new people.
How Hard is it To Train a Caucasian Shepherd? Caucasian Shepherds could be extremely difficult to train in the wrong situation. Thanks to their size and temperament, training one of these dogs will take a lot of patience.
Are Caucasian Shepherd dogs legal in the US? Yes, Caucasian Shepherds are legal to own nationwide in the United States and are recognized by major kennel clubs; however, prospective owners must check for local breed-specific legislation or restrictions imposed by cities, states, or landlords.
Which is bigger, a Tibetan mastiff or a Caucasian Shepherd? The Caucasian Shepherd is generally bigger than the Tibetan Mastiff, typically having a heavier bone structure, greater overall weight (up to 170 lbs), and often a larger height.
Is a Caucasian Shepherd stronger than a pitbull? The Caucasian Shepherd is significantly larger and heavier than a Pitbull, with a bite force estimated at around 700 PSI, giving it a massive advantage in overall physical strength and protective capability. They were historically bred to take on large predators like wolves, whereas Pitbulls are smaller, more athletic, and were bred for explosive agility.
Key Takeaway
A Caucasian Shepherd is not everyone’s cup of tea and is not an ideal breed choice for first-time pet owners. They can be difficult to train and maintain. Plus, this dog needs a lot of time outside; otherwise, their natural aggression could be overwhelming to handle at times. But, if you feel like you can handle them, they could provide you with undying loyalty, love, and protection for a lifetime. The costs may seem high, but Spot plans can help cover up to 90% of your eligible vet bills for covered conditions!
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
