Caucasian Shepherd vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

Caucasian Shepherd vs American Staghound - Breed ComparisonAmerican Staghound is originated from United States but Caucasian Shepherd is originated from Russia. Both American Staghound and Caucasian Shepherd are having almost same height. American Staghound may weigh 59 kg / 130 pounds lesser than Caucasian Shepherd. Both American Staghound and Caucasian Shepherd has almost same life span. American Staghound may have less litter size than Caucasian Shepherd. American Staghound requires Low Maintenance. But Caucasian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
undefined
United States
Russia
Height Male:
67 - 77 cm
26 - 31 inches
70 - 75 cm
27 - 30 inches
Height Female:
63 - 75 cm
24 - 30 inches
67 - 72 cm
26 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
50 - 100 kg
110 - 221 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 39 kg
48 - 86 pounds
45 - 90 kg
99 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 10
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
AS
Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Mountain Dog
Colors Available:
Any
Fawn, brownish to dark grey, black - bi-colored
Coat:
Shag, Slick or Broken
Long haired, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

american staghoundThe American Staghound is hunting dog and type of sighthound that is not recognized as a separate breed. They have historically been bred to hunt coyotes and then other game. Even though they are not considered a separate breed some of their breeding lines have existed much longer than some officially recognized breeds. The American Staghound is a cross between the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There was probably some Borzoi mixed in as well. The Staghound is believed to have traveled with General Custer across the American West. The breed is a long-legged running dog with the speed of a Greyhound, the sighting ability of sight hounds and more endurance than any running breed. They are incredible athletes with amazing agility and have been bred to course game – coyotes mostly – and therefore are bred with a very intense prey drive. In the past they chased stags and deer and today they chase coyotes and hare. Coyotes are much faster than wolves and fight just as hard. The American Staghound is the only breed fast enough to track down the coyote. However, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Hunting with an American Staghound today is not very different from hunting with them in medieval times. Strict breeding practices and the non-commercialization of the breed has led to the almost perfect preservation of this hunting breed. They have not changed very much over the centuries. They have been breeding Staghound to Staghound since the early 1800’s. At times very, good hunting dogs from Greyhound and Deerhound stock are added to the mix. For hundreds of years now the closed breeding has led to what might be the finest coyote chasing sighthound possible.

caucasian shepherdThis working dog is more than 2 000 years old, hailing from the Caucasus Mountains near the Georgian Republic, Russia.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed, always having been used to guard livestock in the mountains. Some believe they came from domesticated wolves, while others believe their ancestry includes Mastiffs and other breeds.

It was in the 1960s that the dog was used in Germany for patrol along the Berlin Wall. This dog is also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka and he is large and powerful, always being ready to take on anyone who threatens him or the livestock he is guarding.

His origins can be traced far back and eventually the dog found its ways to the USA where dog clubs were formed.The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest Molosser breeds, and today they are mostly appreciated for being wonderful family companions and watchdogs.

Description

american staghound puppy - descriptionWhen you look at the American Staghound you can clearly see the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound lines. They have strong running muscles in their long legs and deep chest. He is of course a sight hound, so his vision is acute. His running endurance is second to none. It is this endurance in running all day that makes the American Staghound difference from the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. Yes, both the Deerhound are greyhound are great runners, but the American Staghound runs just as fast with an endurance level ten times that of the other hounds. His heavy bones structure and thick skin are also different from the other racing fast sight hounds.

caucasian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Caucasian Shepherd is a large, impressive looking dog standing at between 64 – 75cm in height and weighing between 45 – 70 kg. He has an almost bear-like appearance. His coat can be shortish or even fairly long, and in different colors such as white, tan, brindle, grey and cream with a black mask.

The puppies are born black and then lighten as they grow up. He has a large head with the muzzle being smaller than the skull, narrowing slightly. The nose is black and the ears are set high and are floppy with dark eyes. The tail is set high and is long.

Temperament:

The Caucasian Shepherd is an intelligent breed but he must be properly trained and socialized as he can be stubborn and want to go his own way.

He is a balanced dog and he won’t deliberately hurt whom he regards as family, but he shows distrust towards strangers. While socialization and training relax and calm a dog, the Caucasian Shepherd isn’t regarded as the best dog to have with children around. This is because he comes from a lineage of guard dogs, bred to fight and guard.

He is a dog breed that will require a firm, strong owner and if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, the Caucasian can be difficult to manage and perhaps isn’t the best choice for a first-time dog owner.

Characteristics

american staghound dog - characteristicsThis dog was bred to run fast and long after something it sees. They are not considered hyperactive but won’t live well in a confined space such as an apartment or condo. You will need a single-family house with a large yard. Though they are affectionate, family dogs, they are not cut out to be guard dogs. They are not especially protective or territorial, though they may bark at what they can see in the distance. They are calm in their homes if exercised enough and great with children. They are often gentle and loving. They are pack oriented and accept other dogs, but they are not welcoming toward cats or other prey sized animals. Be careful with the AS around small children as he might knock them down or see them as prey as well. They consider anything smaller that runs to be prey. When chasing prey, they are not only fast and enduring, they are tenacious and courageous. Remember that this is a breed that has been bred true in order to hunt and only in order to hunt. Their hunting instincts will override almost any other. Over the centuries only the best hunters were allowed to be bred so that only the best hunters would be born.

caucasian shepherd dog - characteristicsLoyal, strong, and brave, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog does an excellent job protecting his human family. He is a territorial dog and in the past he has always been ready to take on wolves and bear to protect his sheep. He isn't the best choice for first time dog-owners and where there are small children in the home.

He will do well to be trained and socialized as he becomes an obedient, patient, gentle, loving pet that becomes an excellent companion and protector.

Health Problems

american staghound puppies - health problemsThe American Staghound has been bred so consistently within the breed and true that they exhibit very few health problems. All running dogs are susceptible to joint issues, but the Staghound has less than most. Two issues they do face more often are a problem with anesthesia if they ever need it and the propensity to be vulnerable to bloat. Since they are a centuries old hybrid there are no real health issues born of genetics.

caucasian shepherd puppies - health problemsLike all breeds there may be some health issues, even though the Caucasian Shepherd is generally a healthy dog. There are some common illnesses that every dog can get and which every responsible dog owner should be aware of -

Diarrhea:

One or two episodes of diarrhea isn’t an emergency, but ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If your dog is vomiting, he is lethargic and constantly emptying his bowels, see your vet if the diarrhea persists.

Parasites:

Parasites such as fleas and ticks and even internal parasites such as intestinal worms can drain the life from your pet. It is wise to find out about different parasites so that you can protect your dog. Find out what your vet’s treatment options are for parasites.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american staghound dogs - caringIt is important that you don’t ever over feed you American Staghound as they are thin and bred to run. Even though they are heavier boned than their closest relatives, they are still very susceptible to obesity if overfed. The adult AS should be fed about 4-6 cups of dry food every day in at least 2 meals but 3 of more would be better. This will prevent bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned there are no genetic issues with the health of the American Staghound. Bred for one reason and one reason alone for many centuries has led to this healthy state. Also, as stated previously they can have issues with bloat and anesthesia. The issue with anesthesia comes from the fact that the American Staghound has very little body fat to muscle ration. The issue with bloat or torsion can be avoided with many smaller meals and not running your Staghound right after they eat a large meal.

Exercise and games

Of course, the American Staghound loves to run and if you are not going to hunt with her, you will have to find another source of vigorous physical activity. Every day from puppyhood on the AS must be stimulated mentally and physically in order to grow and mature correctly. He must have a home where the freedom to run is an everyday experience, not a dog park once a week. If you ride bikes, race walk or run on a daily basis this might be the dog for you. They obviously excel at games like lure coursing and can be good at agility.

caucasian shepherd dogs - caringThe Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a thick double coat that will certainly require brushing twice a week. The coat comes in different lengths – short, medium and long. The hair is mostly long and the long tail is also feathery. The best way to groom your large, furry pet is to invest in some good grooming tools such as a good brush to keep your pet’s hair in tip-top condition.

His nails will need to be trimmed regularly, his ears will also need to be checked to avoid wax build-up and the accumulation of grime. This can lead to an ear infection. His teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothbrush and toothpaste.

Exercise:

The Caucasian Shepherd isn’t going to do well in a small home with tiny garden in the city. He is a big dog that will require a large yard even though he is a fairly low-energy dog. He will be suited to a family that is active, that will take him on daily walks, hikes and include some ball games.

Diet:

You will need to change your Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s food as he goes through the different phases of his life, from puppy to adulthood. Speak to your veterinarian about a commercially produced dog food is you’re unable to give him home-made food. These foods are available in breed-specific and age-specific formulas.

Reputable breeders will also help you ensure that you know how to start feeding your puppy. Caucasian Shepherds are a large breed and apart from their kibble, you’ll want to include rice, vegetables and cooked chicken from time to time in his kibble and also include raw meat occasionally.

If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian or breeder about the best diet to ensure his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Staghound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Staghound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Staghound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Staghound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Staghound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Staghound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Staghound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Staghound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Staghound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Staghound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Staghound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Staghound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Staghound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Staghound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Staghound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Staghound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Staghound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Staghound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Staghound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. American Staghound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. American Staghound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. American Staghound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Staghound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Staghound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Staghound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Caucasian Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Caucasian Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Caucasian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Caucasian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Caucasian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Caucasian Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Caucasian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Caucasian Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Caucasian Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Caucasian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Caucasian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Caucasian Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Caucasian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Caucasian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Caucasian Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Caucasian Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Caucasian Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Caucasian Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Caucasian Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Caucasian Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Caucasian Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Caucasian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Caucasian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Caucasian Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Caucasian Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison