Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 10 and 11 years. A controlled diet, gradual growth, regular activity without excess and annual veterinary follow-up promote a life that is as long and comfortable as possible.
Build
A robust breed?
Rustic and hardy, it copes well with difficult conditions thanks to its solid build and its well-developed undercoat. This robustness does not exempt it from special attention to the joints and the cardiovascular system, which are more heavily stressed in a dog that can reach 100 kg.
Watch points
What to watch for
The main points of vigilance stem above all from its giant size and deep chest. Growth that is too rapid, excess weight, violent exertion and poorly organized meals can worsen joint or digestive strain. Any lameness, reduced stamina, abdominal distension or unusual agitation warrants prompt veterinary advice.
Hip and elbow dysplasia : The giant size and heavy weight place significant strain on the joints; parental screening, controlled growth, and maintaining a healthy weight are recommended.
Heart disorders : The large body mass can increase cardiovascular strain; reduced stamina, a cough, or fainting require a consultation.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : This emergency affects large, deep-chested dogs more; splitting meals and avoiding exercise around feeding times reduces the risk.
Overweight : The breed gains weight easily, which worsens joint and cardiac strain; weighed portions and daily activity are essential.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its thick coat and its origins allow it to withstand cold and climatic variations very well. It tolerates high heat less easily: in summer, it must have shade, fresh water and a ventilated space, with outings during the coolest hours. Its undercoat must never be clipped without veterinary advice.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The breed tends to gain weight easily. The ration must be weighed, adapted to age, weight, body condition and activity, then reassessed regularly. Treats must remain limited and be deducted from the daily ration. A monitored silhouette and regular walks reduce the overload imposed on the joints and the heart.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Maintain a healthy weight to protect the joints and the heart.
- Have the hips, elbows and heart checked according to veterinary recommendations.
- Seek emergency veterinary care in case of a swollen abdomen, agitation or unproductive retching.
- Brush at least weekly and more during shedding periods.
- Monitor and regularly clean the teeth, ears and eyes.
Vaccination
Caucasian Shepherd Dog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Caucasian Shepherd Dog? Like all dogs, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Caucasian Shepherd Dog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Caucasian Shepherd Dog vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Caucasian Shepherd Dog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the hips and elbows assessed, as well as the cardiac condition according to the veterinarian's advice. On a daily basis, monitoring includes weight, mobility, the heart, teeth, ears and eyes. In older dogs, regular check-ups make it possible to detect early disorders related to ageing.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
