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Pet Insurance for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

Find out all about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 28th, 2023       

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Price range

$2,500

Height

64–75cm

Weight

45–70kg

Personality

Protective, loyal, assertive

Coat length

Long, thick double coat

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes – with proper training and supervision

Life expectancy

10–12 years

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Overview

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, has a storied history that traces back to the rugged terrains of the Caucasus Mountains. These dogs were initially bred to guard livestock against predators like wolves and bears. With their imposing and robust stature and thick double coat, they are a formidable presence.

The dogs have a vigilant and protective temperament, and are fiercely loyal to their families. As natural guardians, they excel in guarding homes and properties. However, they can be reserved around strangers, requiring early socialisation, and due to their independent thinking, they may need guidance to understand boundaries.

While the Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be a devoted companion, their suitability as a pet depends on the owner's experience and lifestyle. They thrive in spacious environments and require regular exercise to stay physically and mentally engaged. Their affectionate side shines through with those they trust, making them a cherished member of the family for those who understand and appreciate their protective instincts.

Common diseases and conditions of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

  • Hip dysplasia: a common hereditary condition in large breeds, where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
  • Elbow dysplasia: a developmental condition affecting the elbow joint, causing lameness, pain, and arthritis.
  • Heart conditions: some Caucasian Shepherds may be prone to heart conditions like Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.
  • Entropion: a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the eye. This can lead to discomfort and, if left untreated, may cause damage to the cornea.

Breed-specific issues:  

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are naturally reserved around strangers, emphasising the need for early socialisation. Their intelligence is a valuable trait but can lead to boredom if not mentally stimulated, potentially resulting in excessive barking and destructive behaviour. This breed’s independent nature may present training challenges, requiring consistent and positive techniques to establish a strong owner-pet relationship. Effective training ensures they understand and respect authority, preventing potential territorial behaviour.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Caucasian Shepherd Dog, including the following: 

  • Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
  • Type of insurance you choose:  there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
  • The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
  • Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
  • Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover. 
  • Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do. 
  • Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.  

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good with children and other pets?

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a protective and gentle nature, making them potentially good companions for children. However, their large size and strong guarding instincts mean that early socialisation and constant supervision are crucial to ensure they interact well with kids. With proper training, they can coexist harmoniously with other pets, but their natural guarding tendencies might lead them to be reserved with unfamiliar animals.

Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs be aggressive?

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are known for their strong protective instincts and can display aggression when they perceive a threat to their family or territory. This trait is a result of their historical role as livestock guardian dogs. While they are not inherently aggressive without cause, they require early socialisation and consistent, firm training to ensure they differentiate between real threats and everyday situations. Properly raised and trained Caucasian Shepherds can be loyal, gentle and well-mannered companions. However, it's essential for owners to understand and manage their protective nature to prevent any potential aggressive behaviour.

Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs suitable for first-time dog owners?

No – due to their size, strength, and protective instincts, Caucasian Shepherds are better suited for experienced dog owners who are confident in handling large, powerful breeds. They require consistent training, socialisation and assertive leadership. Novice dog owners might find them challenging to manage, especially if they lack prior experience with similar breeds.

What kind of living environment is best for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are best suited for homes with ample space, preferably in a rural or suburban setting. They require a large, secure yard where they can move freely and monitor their surroundings. Due to their protective instincts, they may not be the ideal choice for apartment living, as they thrive in environments where they can exercise their guarding instincts responsibly.

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Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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