Is A Caucasian Shepherd The Right Breed For Your Family?
Dog breed trends change fairly often, but some breeds remain in demand regardless of the changes. Caucasian shepherds are one of the most common large dog breeds, but even experienced Caucasian shepherd owners agree that it’s not for everyone. Find out whether this dog is the right fit for your family and find a selection of Caucasian shepherds from top Nigerian breeders on Jiji: https://jiji.ng/dogs-and-puppies/caucasian.
Size
You probably picture a Caucasian shepherd as a fairly large dog, but many people have no idea how big a Caucasian really is until they see it. An average Caucasian shepherd’s weight ranges from 45 to 70 kilos, which might be more than what you’ve imagined before. That is why keeping a Caucasian in an apartment or even a small house may prove challenging and uncomfortable both for the dog and the owners.
Housing
Now that you know how huge a Caucasian shepherd is, you understand why it’s important to design a housing situation that will work both for you and the dog. Caucasian shepherds can be comfortably kept outside in a dog house large enough for free movement with plenty of space for running around, while letting the dog sleep in a room with family members is not advisable.
Food and care
It’s no secret that a large dog needs a lot of food. Whether you choose to feed your Caucasian shepherd with homemade meals or special dog food, you’re going to need a lot of it. Luckily, these dogs are not prone to allergies, which means you won’t have to keep your Caucasian to a strict diet.
Caucasians are famously fluffy, which may look adorable, but also requires special care. Shedding is the most common problem owners face, but it can be taken under control with regular brushing and grooming. Other health conditions Caucasian shepherds are prone to are rear dysplasia, heart problems, and obesity.
Training
The first thing you know about training and socializing a Caucasian shepherd is that it’s not a dog for first-time dog owners. If you lack experience and attitude required for working with a naturally aggressive and stubborn Caucasian shepherd, any dog breeder would advise against getting one.
A Caucasian shepherd’s natural instinct is to protect its family, but they can also easily lose control and become a threat if the situation is out of the ordinary. Make sure that your Caucasian has a firm hand guiding it through the training process; otherwise it can become a menace not only for the intruders, as it’s trained to be, but also for its own family.
Is it right for you?
A Caucasian shepherd is a dog for the owners who understand the risks of getting one and are ready to put up with the challenges. If you need a strong and fierce guard for your family and home, and are not afraid of dealing with a big, fairly intimidating dog, a Caucasian shepherd may be just right for you!