russian bear dog
- interesting fact
- The bite force of a Russian bear dog is stronger than that of a lion.
- temperament
- bold and fearless
Russian Bear Dogs as Pets:
- general health
- energy level
- Detachability
- trainability
- intelligence
- chewing tendency
- size
- family and kid friendly
- happy/barking
- ease
- separation anxiety
- ease
- preferred temperature
- cold climate
- exercise needs
- ease
- be friendly with other dogs
- poor
- Thoroughbred Cost of Ownership
- $1,000 to $2,000
- pack of dogs
- non-sporty
- male weight
- 99-170 lbs
- female weight
- 99-170 lbs
This post may contain affiliate links to our partners such as Chewy, Amazon, etc. These purchases help us further AZ Animals' mission of educating the world's species.
Russian bear dog pictures
View all our Russian Bear Dog pictures in the gallery.
© Aleksandra Saveljeva/Shutterstock.com
See all Russian Bear Dog pictures!
The bite force of a Russian bear dog is stronger than that of a lion.

© AZ-Animals.com
Check out all of our expert product reviews.
The Russian Bear Dog, commonly known as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, was originally bred to guard sheep in the Caucasus mountains of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Ossetia, and Dagestan. The breed was bred from similar breeds in the Caucasus in the 1920s. This breed is also sometimes used for bear hunting. They are a very large breed, with some dogs weighing around 200 pounds, and they have very strong protective instincts.
Because of their size and these protective instincts, Russian Bear Dogs are best suited to families with experienced owners. They will require a lot of training. However, when they receive this training, they will be loving and affectionate with their family members. The Russian Bear Dog may also be known as the Caucasian Mountain Dog, Baskhan (Karachay) Pariy, Caucasian Ovcharka or CO.

© Julia Shepeleva/Shutterstock.com
Ownership: 3 Pros and Cons
advantage! | shortcoming! |
---|---|
Loyal and Protective : The Caucasian Ovcharka Dog is loyal and protective to those he loves. | Challenging to Train : These dogs are very stubborn and can be challenging to train. They do best with the help of experienced trainers. |
Affectionate : The Caucasian Mountain Dog is very affectionate with family members. | Distrust of Strangers : The Caucasian Ovcharka is distrustful of strangers or other animals. They can become aggressive if not properly trained. |
Low Exercise Needs : Compared to many other breeds, Russian Bear Dogs don't require much daily exercise. | Large : These dogs are very large, with some animals weighing around 200 pounds. They can be difficult to control and require more food than other dogs. |
size and weight
The Russian Bear Dog is a giant dog breed. Adult males and females typically weigh between 99 and 170 pounds and stand 23 to 30 inches tall. A month-old puppy weighs only 8 to 15 pounds, but when dogs are only four months old, they can weigh between 55 and 133 pounds. They may not finish growing until they are two years old.
As an adult, both males and females are between 23-30 inches tall and weigh 99-170 lbs.
Russian Bear Dog Health and Recreation
Check out all of our expert product reviews.
Temperament and Behavior

© Kateryna Ovcharenko/Shutterstock.com
Caucasian Mountain Dogs are very loyal to family members. They have protective instincts and want to protect those they love. However, this breed requires experienced owners and rigorous training, as their distrust of strangers and other animals can cause them to display aggressive behavior.
With proper training and a good home, these dogs tend to develop a more laid-back and loving personality when they are around people they trust. Their personality, combined with proper training, can make them great helpers for families with older children.
common health problems
Overall, these dogs are a healthy breed. However, there are still some potential health concerns.
As with many other large dog breeds, hip dysplasia is one of the potential health problems Russian Bear Dogs face. Dogs with hip dysplasia have hip ball-and-socket joints that don't fit properly and rub against each other. Over time, this can worsen the joint and make it very painful and difficult for the dog to walk. This condition usually requires surgery.
These dogs may also develop cataracts. A cataract is when the lens in the eye becomes very cloudy, which may be very small or may cloud the entire lens. Older Caucasian Ovcharka dogs are more likely to develop cataracts and may require surgery.
Obesity is another common health problem these dogs face. It's important to work with your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food and exercise.
To recap, here are some common health issues that Russian Bear Dogs may face:
- hip dysplasia
- cataract
- obesity
best dog food
Due to the Russian Bear Dog's large size and tendency to become obese, it is important to provide them with a natural, high-quality, nutritious food. To build and maintain lean muscle, Russian Bears require a diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
This makes Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food the perfect food for Russian Bear Dogs.
It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and protein from high-quality meat sources, as well as glucosamine to reduce the risk of joint dysplasia and taurine to prevent cataracts.
Check out Chewy or Amazon for this product.
best overall
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
- Essential high-quality protein for healthy muscle development and carbohydrates for energy for an active life.
- Calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth.
- Added glucosamine to support joint health and mobility.
- Vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants support your puppy's immune system health.
- Contains no corn, wheat, soy or chicken (or poultry) by-products.
Check Chewy check Amazon
When looking for food for your dog, look for options formulated for large breeds. These dogs should be fed a high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs. Since this breed is prone to obesity, it is important to develop and stick to a meal plan and feeding times to prevent overeating. If you're not sure which food is right for your puppy's specific needs or how much you should be feeding each day, your veterinarian is a good source.
Puppies have smaller stomachs than their adult parents and need to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Consult your veterinarian about how much food you should feed your puppy and how often he or she should eat.
Maintenance and Grooming

©Aleksandra Saveljeva/Shutterstock.com
The coats of these dogs may vary. Some dogs have long coats while others have shorter ones. The length of the dog's hair will affect its grooming frequency, and long-haired dogs need to be brushed every day. Short-haired dogs should still be brushed, but weekly brushing is sufficient.
Don't forget to trim your dog's nails as they grow fast. This will prevent them from becoming too long and splitting or making it uncomfortable for the dog to walk. Also, check and clean their ears to make sure they are free of debris and wax buildup, and brush their teeth regularly.
train
Training one of these dogs can be a challenge. This breed works best with experienced owners who are familiar with the training required. These dogs are also very protective and don't respond well to strangers entering the home. For best results, you should begin training and socializing your Caucasian Mountain Dog as soon as you bring your Caucasian Mountain Dog home.
exercise
Although these dogs are a relatively low-energy breed, regular exercise should still be done. Take your dog for a daily walk or give them time to run and play in the fenced backyard. Caucasian Shepherds are also prone to obesity, so making sure your dog gets enough exercise is important to help them maintain a healthy weight.
puppy

© Jagodka/Shutterstock.com
Prepare your puppy for rapid growth. You may need a larger cage, bed, and collar for your puppy as it grows. You should also make sure you have a space in your house that is safe and not blocked by your puppy. Remove anything that could be a potential hazard to the puppy and anything you don't want to see damaged.
children
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can make great pets for families with older children. With proper training, this breed can be very loyal and loving. Due to their large size and unpredictable behavior, they are not ideal for families with toddlers or young children.
similar dog
The Tibetan Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, and Bernese Mountain Dog are three breeds that are similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
- Tibetan Mastiff: Both the Tibetan Mastiff and the Russian Bear Dog are giant breeds. Both breeds were also created for conservation and can be challenging to own and train. However, the Caucasian Shepherd does better with older children and families than the Mastiff.
- Irish Wolfhound: The Irish Wolfhound is another giant dog breed. Like the Caucasian Shepherd, they can weigh over 100 pounds. The Irish Wolfhound is taller, averaging 31.5 inches, compared to the Caucasian Shepherd's average height of 26.5 inches. Both breeds are easy to groom and shed moderately. Unlike the Caucasian Shepherd, the Irish Wolfhound is not very territorial and would not make a good watchdog.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very territorial and both make excellent watchdogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also big, but the average male weighs just 97.5 pounds, compared with 150 pounds for a male Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also smarter and easier to train than the Russian Bear Dog.
famous
Want to follow some "famous" Russian Bear Dogs? Check out these funny puppies on Instagram:
- Blue the Russian Bear Dog: A 3-year-old dog from Montana.
- Clifford the Russian Bear Dog: A playful dog with 70 followers.
- Khaos the Russian Bear Dog: An outdoor dog with 61 followers on Instagram.
popular name
Looking for the right name for your Caucasian Shepherd Dog? See if the following names are suitable:
- Alexey
- Victor
- Yevgeny
- ivan
- boris
- natasha
- Katya
- sasha
- anna
- alina
See all 110 animals that start with R
Russian Bear Dog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does it cost to keep a Russian Bear Dog?
The price of buying a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can vary depending on the breeder you choose, the dog's genetic line, and other factors. In general, however, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000. In some cases, you may be able to find a Russian Bear Dog for adoption through a shelter. The cost of adoption should be less than buying one from a breeder, which can cost several hundred dollars.
The cost of keeping a dog doesn't stop once you bring your pet home. Your Russian Bear Dog will also need food, treats, toys, dog beds, veterinary care, and other supplies. Be sure to take these prices into account when considering the cost of purchasing a Russian Bear Dog. You should expect to spend at least $1,000 to $1,500 for your first year of owning the dog. Costs for the next few years can range from $500 to $1,000.
Are Russian Bear Dogs Good for Children?
Russian Bear Dogs can make great pets for families with older children. With the right training, they can be extremely loyal and protective. However, the Russian Bear Dog is not suitable for families with young children. Due to their large size, they can accidentally injure small children.
How Long Do Russian Bear Dogs Live?
Russian Bear Dogs generally live between 10 and 12 years.
How Long Do Russian Bear Dogs Live?
Russian Bear Dogs generally live between 10 and 12 years.
What is a Russian Bear Dog?
The Russian Bear Dog is a large dog bred to guard sheep in the Caucasus Mountains. They are commonly known as Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and are sometimes even used for bear hunting.
Are Russian Bear Dogs Legal in the US?
No Russian Bear Dog is not illegal in the United States. However, some areas or apartment complexes may have regulations prohibiting personal ownership.
Are Russian Bear Dogs Dangerous?
Russian Bear Dogs can be dangerous if not properly trained. They have strong protective and protective instincts, and they may attack if they feel threatened.
Can Russian Bear Dogs Kill Bears?
While Russian Bear Dogs may be used when hunting bears, it is unlikely that Russian Bear Dogs will kill bears. However, they will scare the bear away due to its size and ferocity.
Can you ride a Russian Bear Dog?
Riding a Russian Bear Dog is not a good idea.
What is the difference between a Caucasian Shepherd Dog and a Tibetan Mastiff?
Although the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Tibetan Mastiff look similar, they are not the same. First off, there's no question that both breeds are fairly large dogs. However, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is around 15% larger than the Tibetan Mastiff. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog also has a distinctive appearance, with a lighter coat and a sharper, more angular head shape. As for trainability, both can be easily trained for experienced owners, but can present difficulties for first-time dog owners as they push their boundaries.
Thanks for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the 10hunting.com editorial team.
source
- American Kennel Club, available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/caucasian-shepherd-dog/
- Dog Time, available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/caucasian-shepherd-dog#/slide/1
- Wikipedia, available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasian_Shepherd_Dog
- Pet Finder, available here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/caucasian-shepherd-dog/
- K9 website, available here: https://www.k9web.com/breeds/russian-bear-dog/
- Russian Dog, available here: https://www.russiandog.net/will-a-caucasian-mountain-dog-kill-black-bear.html