The Russian bear dog, also called the Caucasian shepherd, is a really big type of dog. They’ve been around for a long time and are used as working dogs in the mountains of Russia and Eurasia.
People bred these dogs to guard farm animals like sheep. They keep them safe from wolves, bears, jackals, and even people who might try to steal them.
Russian Bear Dog Classification / Russian Bear Hound
| Rank | Group Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia | Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms |
| Phylum | Chordata | Possess a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and other defining features |
| Class | Mammalia | Warm-blooded, hair-covered vertebrates with mammary glands |
| Order | Carnivora | Meat-eating mammals with sharp claws and teeth |
| Family | Canidae | Dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals |
| Genus | Canis | Includes wolves, coyotes, and golden jackals |
| Species | Canis Lupus | Gray wolf, the species in question |
These dogs are bred to handle tough situations and big enemies. They’re tough enough to survive in really cold and harsh winters where they live.
These dogs are bred to work on farms and live with families. They’re found in Eurasia and live for about 10 to 12 years. They’re pretty big, standing 23-30 inches tall and weighing between 100 to 170 pounds. They come in different colors like white, black, brindle, fawn, or grey. They eat both plants and meat. They don’t have natural enemies because they’re bred to protect against big predators like wolves and bears. There’s only one type of this dog, and they’re not in danger of disappearing.
Russian bear dogs are really big and hairy shepherd dogs. They can grow up to 72cm tall and weigh around 70kg. The boy bear dogs are even bigger and have larger heads than the girls. They have faces that look like bears, with short noses, big teeth, and deep-set, oval eyes.
Russian bear dogs usually have a mix of three colors: black, white, and brindle. But they can also be fawn, grey, cream, or brown. It’s rare to find one that’s just one solid color.
Russian bear dogs have a thick, waterproof coat that helps them stay warm in freezing weather. This coat has two layers: the outer layer is tough and wiry, while the inner layer is thick and fluffy, providing insulation in cold winters.
Their big paws have hair between the toes to keep them warm, and their ears are also covered in furry insulation.
Despite being very big, Russian bear dogs are agile and have good balance and coordination. They can see and hear really well.
They’re super protective, whether they’re at home or working. They’ll fiercely defend their territory, including the people and animals they live with. Because of this, they can be challenging to handle as pets. They’re not easy to train, they’re stubborn, and they might not always come back when called. They need lots of training and socializing from someone who knows what they’re doing.
They also need a lot of outdoor space because they love being outside and need room to move around.
When they feel threatened, Russian bear dogs bark loudly and might show intimidating behaviors like growling and pacing.
In Russia, these dogs are considered potentially dangerous, so they have to wear a muzzle and leash when they’re out in public, unless they’re in a fenced area that belongs to their owner.
Fascinating Facts About Russian Bear Dogs
- The Russian bear dog has a bite force stronger than a lion’s, making them formidable protectors of livestock against predators.
- Traditionally, Russian bear dogs had their ears cropped to prevent predators from grabbing them. However, this practice is now widely considered unnecessary.
- Breeding of Russian bear dogs began in the 1920s in the USSR, gaining popularity due to their imposing appearance and protective instincts. They later spread to Western Europe and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.
- Russian bear dogs have strong protective instincts, bred to defend their flock. Without proper training and socialization, they can be difficult to manage as pets.
- Male Russian bear dogs often have a distinctive mane around their neck and shoulders, a trait not seen in females.
- Due to their size, bravery, and ability to endure extreme conditions, Russian bear dogs are commonly used as prison guard dogs in Russia.
- The nickname “Russian bear dog” originates from their past involvement in bear hunts. They are fearless protectors, willing to confront much larger animals to defend their humans.
- The use of Russian bear dogs dates back thousands of years, with their origins traced to farming communities relying on them to protect livestock and families from large predators in harsh environments.
FAQ
How much does it cost to own a Russian Bear Dog ?
The price for getting a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can vary based on factors like the breeder and genetic line. Generally, they range between $1,000 and $2,000. Adoption from a shelter might cost a few hundred dollars. Besides the initial cost, factor in expenses for food, toys, veterinary care, etc. The first year could cost $1,000 to $1,500, and subsequent years around $500 to $1,000.
Is the Russian Bear Dog good with kids ?
Russian Bear Dogs can be good family pets with older children and proper training. However, due to their large size, they’re not recommended for homes with young children as they could accidentally harm them.
How long does a Russian Bear Dog live ?
The typical lifespan of a Russian Bear Dog is between 10 and 12 years.
What is a Russian Bear Dog ?
Russian Bear Dogs, also known as Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, are large breeds originally bred to guard sheep in the Caucasus Mountains. They’re renowned for their protective instincts
Are Russian Bear Dogs legal in the US ?
Russian Bear Dogs aren’t illegal in the United States, but some areas or apartment complexes may have restrictions on owning them.
Are Russian Bear Dogs dangerous ?
Without proper training, Russian Bear Dogs could pose a danger due to their strong protective instincts. They may act aggressively if they feel threatened.
Can a Russian Bear Dog kill a bear ?
While Russian Bear Dogs may help in hunting bears, it’s unlikely they would kill one. They typically scare bears away with their size and demeanor
Can you ride a Russian Bear Dog ?
Riding a Russian Bear Dog isn’t recommended due to their size and temperament
What’s the difference between a Caucasian Shepherd and a Tibetan Mastiff ?
Although they may look similar, Caucasian Shepherds are generally larger than Tibetan Mastiffs. They also have distinct appearances and temperaments, with Caucasian Shepherds being more angular in appearance and potentially easier to train for experienced owners.
