The Caucasian Shepherd has strong, well-developed muscles and is one of the largest and fiercest giant breeds in the world. Although it looks very intimidating, it is highly loyal to its owner and likes staying close to the family. Today the breed is mainly used for home and property protection. Many people are curious about how to help a Caucasian Shepherd grow stronger. During puppyhood, the body develops very quickly, so sufficient nutrition is essential. Among all needs, lack of water can be even more dangerous than hunger, because cell growth depends on water.
How large can a Caucasian Shepherd grow?
The Caucasian Shepherd usually stands about 64 to 90 centimeters tall and weighs about 45 to 100 kilograms. Some exceptional individuals can exceed 100 centimeters in height and reach around 150 kilograms. Even though the breed can grow extremely large, its numbers have not always increased quickly. One reason is that female dogs usually produce only one litter a year. Another reason is that many puppies are historically raised in harsh outdoor conditions, and only the healthiest survive into adulthood.
How should you raise a Caucasian Shepherd?
1. The dog should be fed at fixed times, in measured amounts, at suitable temperature, by a fixed person, and in a fixed place. According to the season, enough drinking water must also be provided. Cold, spoiled, rotten, or strongly irritating food should never be given, in order to prevent disease.
2. The person feeding the dog should always stay present and observe carefully. Before feeding, bones or fish bones should be removed from the food so they do not injure the dog. If the dog eats less or refuses food, the reason should be identified and handled properly.
3. A Caucasian Shepherd should not be fed immediately after intense exercise, and it should not do vigorous exercise within about thirty minutes after eating. Food bowls should be washed and disinfected regularly to keep them clean, and each dog should use its own bowl to reduce the spread of disease.
4. In order to help the dog adapt to different feeding situations and foods, it may also occasionally be given dry food or cooked foods during training and use, such as bread, biscuits, steamed buns, canned food, cooked eggs, or cooked meat.
The average Caucasian Shepherd can live about 12 to 13 years. Genetic background, disease, living environment, and lifestyle all influence lifespan. In daily life, owners should pay attention to exercise, physical conditioning, timely vaccination, disease prevention, and good living habits, all of which may help extend the dog’s life.