Caucasian Shepherd

A formidable and protective guardian breed from the Caucasus region.

The Caucasian Shepherd, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, is a massive and powerful breed originally used to guard livestock in the Caucasus Mountains. They are fiercely loyal, protective, and require experienced handling. These dogs are natural guardians with strong territorial instincts.

Quick Facts

SizeGiant
Breed GroupWorking
Lifespan10–12 Years
Exercise NeedsUp to 1 hour per day
TrainabilityIntelligent but independent and strong-willed. Requires firm, consistent training from an experienced handler. Early socialization is crucial.
Grooming NeedsMedium
SheddingYes
Barking TendencyHigh
TemperamentLoyal, protective, and territorial. Devoted to family but wary of strangers. Requires experienced ownership due to size and protective nature.

Available Caucasian Shepherds

8 dogs available
Ariel, a 1 year old female Caucasian Shepherd available for adoption from The Barn Animal Rescue in Northern Ireland

The Barn Animal Rescue

Ariel

Northern Ireland
SexFemale
Age1 year
BreedCaucasian Shepherd

Ariel: A Guardian in Need of a Kingdom! Meet Ariel, the magnificent one-year-old Central Asian Shepherd! This impressive breed is known for its loyalty, protective instincts, and strong presence. With her striking stature and gentle demeanour, Ariel is looking for a forever home where she can truly shine.Key Details:- Age: 1 year - Vaccination Status: Fully vaccinated and microchipped - Spaying: Scheduled at an age determined by our vet Ideal Home:- Only Pet: Ariel thrives as the sole companion, ensuring she receives all the love and attention she deserves.- Children: She’s great for families with children aged 14 and older.- Human Presence: Ariel needs someone who can be around most of the day, as she forms strong bonds and requires companionship.About the Breed:Central Asian Shepherds are known for their:- Intelligence: They are quick learners but can be independent thinkers, so consistent training is essential.- Protectiveness: This breed is naturally protective of its family and territory, making them excellent guardians.- Large Dog Experience: Potential adopters should have prior experience handling large breeds. This includes understanding their physical needs, socialisation, andtraining requirements. It’s vital to establish a confident, calm leadership to ensure Ariel is well-adjusted and happy.If you believe you can provide the loving home Ariel deserves, please submit an application.Let’s give this magnificent girl the kingdom she’s been waiting for! ️

Bella, a 5 years old female Caucasian Shepherd available for adoption from North East Terrier Rescue in Northumberland

North East Terrier Rescue

Bella

Northumberland
SexFemale
Age5 years
BreedCaucasian Shepherd

Bella is a Caucasian Ovcharka of around 5 years. She is an absolutely stunningly beautiful girl inside and out. Loyal and loving. An affectionate and very sweet girl in the home with her people. In the home she is very much chilled out and laid back. A content and happy character. Not in the least bit demanding. She loves fuss and attention, belly rubs and generally to be close to her people. Very much a gentle giant with her people. An adorable big lump. She is perfectly happy being left alone for reasonable periods. She is housetrained. She sleeps through in the same room as her human at night without a peep. Bella is muzzle trained. She walks well on lead and loves to have a gallop about in a secure off lead area. She needs careful introductions to other dogs and actually loves doggy company when this is done correctly. As per her breed she is initially wary of strangers but she is in fact incredibly people friendly and again when safely introduced she loves to be made a fuss of. She has behaved impeccably at vet appointments . She has had a full groom whilst in rescue and did wonderfully... the groomers very much smitten with our lovely girl and much impressed with her good behaviour and nature. She has lived with a respectful teenager whom she adores but has not been around young children. Bella is a giant breed and needs a good sized secure garden or land home. We are looking for a home with large breed and/or guardian experience. Bella will only go to a loving pet home. Bella is spayed and in good health. Currently eats a raw diet which she is thriving on. Bella has spent time around horses, chickens and cats in a farm type setting and doesn't show any particular interest. Bella travels well. She will come with all of her own kit including harness , muzzle collar etc. The rescue will provide full guidance on how to support Bella and help settle her into her forever home . We are looking for a committed home that has done their due diligence and is knowledgeable about guardian traits and has some relevant experience ie giant/guardian/working breed of some sort...

Kaia, a 4 years old female Caucasian Shepherd available for adoption from Islay Dog Rescue in Scotland

Islay Dog Rescue

Kaia

Scotland
SexFemale
Age4 years
BreedCaucasian Shepherd

Meet Kaia – A Gentle Giant Looking for Her Forever HomeKaia is a beautiful 4-year-old Caucasian Shepherd weighing an impressive 43.4kg. Despite having had a difficult start in life, she remains a loving, affectionate girl who deserves a second chance at happiness.Potential adopters will be provided with details of Kaia's background on application.Due to her size and breed, Kaia needs plenty of space and would not be suitable for a flat or small home. Ideally, she would thrive in a larger property with a substantial garden, or even a smallholding or farm. She could happily spend time outdoors, provided she has access to appropriate shelter such as a barn or large outbuilding.It is currently unknown whether Kaia has previously lived in a home environment or if she is house-trained.Kaia is a true gentle giant. She is excellent with other dogs and could happily live alongside one or more canine companions. However, she has shown some food-related guarding behaviour around other dogs, so she should be fed separately.She has a playful and affectionate nature, loves attention and cuddles, and enjoys meeting new people. Because of her large size and the possibility of accidentally knocking over younger children, we recommend a home with children aged 12 years and over.Kaia enjoys her walks and walks well on a lead. She has not yet been cat tested, but this can be arranged if required.

Lemmy, a 6 months old male Caucasian Shepherd available for adoption from Cardiff Dogs Home in Wales

Cardiff Dogs Home

Lemmy

Wales
SexMale
Age6 months
BreedCaucasian Shepherd

Say hello to Lemmy the giant puppy! Lemmy is a Caucasian shepherd that was brought into our care as a fake stray. He was in an awful condition when he arrived with us and his coat was completely matted and he was covered in urine and faeces. Poor Lemmy is only around 5-6 months old and was terrified when he arrived , he had to be carried to and from his kennel for the vets and groomers because he was so scared he would plant himself on the floor.Thankfully Lemmy has been making amazing progress in the last few days … He’s had a trip to see the girls at salty pawz and they all teamed up to save as much of his coat as possible. Lemmy was amazing for his groom and enjoyed every second (including all the cuddles!) and the team managed to keep most of his coat which is a big win considering how matted he was! Lemmy can be quite nervous of new things, especially men! But once he has had some time to sniff and slowly say hello he quickly comes around and that butt is doing a wiggle like no tomorrow!Lemmy has been having slow socialisation sessions, meeting new people, saying hello to dogs and having play dates with them, exploring new noises and sights and smells and he has been doing absolutely wonderful. With continued work on this and training he will continue to thrive and become a well rounded adult boy. Caucasian shepherds are livestock guardian breeds that come with a lot of hard work, he will be looking for a home that has experience with larger working breeds so that he can have the best chance at thriving in his new home . He will need to attend regular training classes to continue working on his life and social skills.Giving Lemmy canine friends to play with and Learn from has been essential for his growth! We believe he would be best suited to a home with a neutered resident canine that likes to play but also has a chill side , to help boost his confidence. Lemmy could also potentially live with cats and children 12+ depending on intros done at the centre .Cardiff Dogs HomeWestpoint Industrial EstatePenarth RoadCardiffCF11 8JQWe work in partnership with:Support us by making a donation or by donating food and other items.All donations are very gratefully received.© Cardiff Dogs Home 2024 - Website designed by Cardiff Council Web Team

Oscar, a 2 years old male Caucasian Shepherd available for adoption from High Hopes Dog Rescue in West Midlands

High Hopes Dog Rescue

Oscar

West Midlands
SexMale
Age2 years
BreedCaucasian Shepherd

Our resident bear Oscar is looking for a family! He has been in kennels since June 2025.Oscar is a 2 year old mioritic shepherd who needs a special experienced home. He is a silly goose who is scared of his own shadow bless him but has a beautiful nature and likes to play and get goofy. He’s a really sweet boy who doesn’t know his size or where the breaks are when it’s time for zoomies!Oscar puts a lot of trust in his people so Oscar’s family need to be confident handling a big dog like him as he feeds off that energy which in turn helps him feel more confident and comfortable.He would like to be the only pet at home although does have some dog friends at the kennels he has previously guarded against other dogs at home, no children (as they’re super scary) and needs time and patience to settle in at home. He will need several meets to feel comfortable but each time more and more of his silly side will come out and you will fall a bit more in love!Please share and help Oscar find his family.

Penne, a 5 years old female Caucasian Shepherd x Newfoundland available for adoption from St Giles Animal Welfare in Somerset

St Giles Animal Welfare

Penne

Somerset
SexFemale
Age5 years
BreedCaucasian Shepherd x Newfoundland

Meet Penne!This special girl has had a difficult few weeks, but after receiving some much-needed medical care and undergoing a rather dramatic (but absolutely necessary!) haircut, she’s ready to find her forever home.Penne is a gentle giant with a huge heart and so much love to give. Since arriving with us, she has shown herself to be neutral around small to medium-sized dogs, while larger dogs can make her feel a little uneasy, so she tends to give them a wide berth. Because she absolutely adores human attention and enjoys being the centre of someone’s world, we feel she’d be happiest as the only dog in the home. She is not suitable to live with cats.Due to severe matting, Penne had to be clipped right back, but her beautiful coat will grow back in no time. In the meantime, we think she looks absolutely adorable!Penne is a lovely, affectionate girl who enjoys comfort, company, and plenty of fuss. If you have a spacious sofa and room in your heart for this wonderful girl, we’d love to hear from you. Be warned though – once you meet Penne, you’ll find it very hard not to fall in love.

Ranger, a 1 month old male Caucasian Shepherd available for adoption from Maxis Mates in North Yorkshire

Maxis Mates

Ranger

North Yorkshire
SexMale
Age1 month
BreedCaucasian Shepherd

Breed: Caucasian Shepherd CrossI am a big friendly boisterous goofballI do not reactive to other dogs. I can walk very well though if there is something up ahead that’s exciting I can pullAdult only home as I don’t know my own size or strength and would be too much for ChildrenExperienced owner who is quite strong as I do like to play and jump up which might be an issue for someone who isn’t a match for my excitementI love being with people and I am very affectionateRanger has come on in leaps and bounds . He was very nervous to begin with but he’s become a firm favourite with staff. He’s a big clumsy pup and doesn’t mean any harm to anyone

Sheba, a 3 years old female Caucasian Shepherd available for adoption from Welli Dog in Northamptonshire

Welli Dog

Sheba

Northamptonshire
SexFemale
Age3 years
BreedCaucasian Shepherd

We are looking for an experienced home for Sheba our beautiful three year old Caucasian shepherdThis breed is not for new dog owners and is everything you would expect from a guardian breed, loyal, independent and devoted to her people.She does love a fuss from her people and her tail always wags. Once she has accepted you she is the most wonderful girl, really happy and will lean in for fuss when she wants to other than that she is happy to chill outside and plod around. She gets very excited to see youShe will bond closely to her people. She loves her dinnerShe is very stubborn if she doesn’t want to go a certain way on her walk then she sits down and she ain’t movingIn the right home she will make an amazing companion for somebody and a loyal one!