The Russian Bear Dog is one of the most unique breeds in the world. These dogs are massive and have even bigger personalities to go with their size.
They’re described as stubborn, loyal, and fearless. A force to be reckoned with for any predator in its territory. But what else can we expect from a dog that’s bred to guard sheep and hunt bears?
This blog post will answer all your questions about these incredible animals!
Russian Bear Dogs – Caucasian Shepherd
Otherwise known as Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Mountain Dog, or simply the Russian Bear Dog.
The Russian Bear Dog is a breed that was originally bred as a livestock guardian dog. The breed was later used to hunt bears.
It’s a massive breed of dog that can weigh up to 170 pounds, with females typically weighing less than males.
Their coats come in the following colors: white, yellow-white, fawn, and sometimes black, with a distinctive dark mask.
They have muscular necks and chests, and their bite strength is approximately 550-700 pounds per square inch. This makes them a seriously powerful breed!
Their tails are long and they naturally carry them low to the ground – which is so unique compared to other breeds! They typically have dark brown eyes.
This dog is neither a friendly lap dog nor an aggressive guard dog. He’s loyal, protective of his family and territory, but can be wary or suspicious of strangers.
This breed thrives in the right environment with plenty of room to roam around outside. Otherwise referred to as “free-range”, they need daily exercise in the form of walks or runs.
The Russian Bear Dog prefers a quiet household where he has some space to himself. This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners because of his stubborn and strong-willed personality.
History of Russian Bear Dogs
Historically, Russian Bear Dogs are descended from the ancient Molosser breed. This is an extinct mastiff-type dog that was used for hunting and protection, which dates back to 700 B.C.
Russian bear dogs were used to protect the family and livestock from predators such as bears, wolves, and jackals. In addition to their use as guard dogs, Russian Bear hunting Dogs have been known for being excellent hunting companions.
This giant breed became popular in East Germany as a police dog and was used to patrol the border.
Today, Russian Bear dogs are used in the Russian prison service to guard prisoners and to protect officers.
Worldwide, these enormous dogs are increasing in popularity as house pets by people lucky enough to find them.
The Russian Bear Dog Temperament
You could best describe this breed as stubborn, willful, and fearless. A Russian Bear Dog is said to be very loyal, and protective of their family or territory.
They are usually good with children if they’re raised together. However, they should never be left alone because these dogs can become overly protective and see strangers as a threat.
This breed needs plenty of exercise outside in order to burn off energy. This is so they don’t become destructive inside the home.
Russian Bear Dogs are very territorial. They require a lot of training to socialize them with other family pets in order to coexist peacefully indoors. They may not get along well with cats either.
Keep that in mind if you’re considering adding this breed as part of your family!
Russian Bear Dogs are very intelligent and can easily become bored or depressed if left alone for long periods.
They’re an excellent watchdog that will bark to alert you if someone is lurking around your property!
Russian Bear Dog Weight
Male Russian bear dogs weigh anywhere from 110 pounds up to 170 pounds, while females tend to weigh slightly less.
Russian Bear Dog Height
The male Russian bear dog usually stands between 28-30 inches tall at the shoulder. Females however are slightly smaller around 26-28 inches.
The FCI standard for this breed sets height requirements at 27 to 29 inches for males and 24 to 26 inches for females.
Russian Bear Dog Lifespan
Russian bear dogs typically live an average of 10-12 years.
Are Russian bear dogs legal in the US?
Yes, Russian bear dogs are legal in the US. However, they should only be purchased from a reputable breeder or rescue organization!
Are Russian bear dogs good pets?
They’re smart and independent but also very loyal and affectionate towards their owners. They’re said to be gentle, loving family dogs who crave attention and companionship from the people they love!
Russian bear dogs are known for being good with children if they’ve been raised together so keep that in mind when considering adding this dog breed as part of your family!
Their strong temperament makes them a great guard dog who barks when alerting you to the presence of trespassers! They also have an innate desire to protect so they can become very protective if allowed inside your home.
Using proper training and socialization, however, Russian bear dogs can make great family pets!
Are Russian bear dogs friendly?
Russian bear dogs are extremely friendly with members of their family but may not get along well with strangers or other pets.
Are Russian bear dogs aggressive?
Russian bear dogs are not aggressive. They can be aloof with strangers but generally don’t show any aggression towards people they know and trust.
It’s important to socialize them as puppies with other people and animals to avoid any aggressive behaviors.
All members of your household (including any children) should participate in socialization when you bring a new Russian bear dog home.
Training Russian Bear Dogs
Russian bear dogs are very intelligent and can pick up on things quickly, but they also have minds of their own! This breed is not for the faint at heart; you will need to be patient and consistent with training.
The best way to train a Russian bear dog is to be kind and firm with them. This dog is large in size, so you must display a sense of authority over him/her when training. If a Russian bear dog feels threatened or unsure about you, they may become aggressive without warning.
You should also be prepared for a long period of time before your Russian bear dog will fully trust you – this breed takes longer than other dogs to mature, so training should be a slow and steady process.
If you’re looking for a dog breed that is easy to train, this Russian bear dog may not be the best choice!
What do Russian bear dogs eat?
Russian Bear Dogs eat a lot of food! They are not picky eaters, so you can feed them pretty much anything – just be sure to provide them with high-quality food.
When deciding on the best food for your Russian bear dog, many factors must be taken into account – including their age (puppies versus adults), size of the breed, and health conditions like allergies or obesity issues.
Food
Many owners choose to give their Russian bear dogs a mix of dry and wet dog food, but you can also feed them raw or cooked meat. You should start this off gradually by introducing the new diet in small amounts over time.
Supplements
In terms of supplements for your Russian bear dog, look into natural solutions that include glucosamine to help with joint issues common in large breeds.
Probiotics are also a good idea for Russian bear dogs, which can be helpful when it comes to their digestive health.
Finally, omega-rich fatty acids in the form of fish oil supplements are an excellent choice – this will help with keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny!
Grooming
Grooming Russian Bear Dogs, you will need to brush them regularly.
Since Russian bear dogs have thick, waterproof coats, they tend to shed a lot of hair!
You should brush your hairy friend at least twice a week to get rid of all that loose hair.
If you need help with grooming, be sure to hire a professional groomer for the best results – and make sure they know how to work with large breeds like this one!
Bathing
Bathing is an important part of grooming too! You can bathe them as often as you think they need it, but make sure to use a gentle shampoo so that it doesn’t dry out their skin.
This breed sheds all-year-round so expect there to be fur everywhere throughout the house! Brush your dog’s coat before bathing or else their hair may become matted.
When you give a Russian Bear Dog a bath, make sure that the water is lukewarm and not too hot! The breed has very sensitive skin so it is important to be gentle with them while bathing. You may also want to use dog shampoo instead of human shampoo when giving your pet a bath.
You may also want to consider using some oatmeal shampoo as it is kinder on the skin. In addition, make sure that you use a conditioner for after bathing as well as during. You should especially do this if they have tangles or mats in their fur.
Do not wash your Russian bear dog’s face with water! Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris on their muzzle.
When your Russian bear dog’s coat is wet, you can use a detangler to make grooming easier. For large breeds like the Russian Bear Dog, it’s helpful to use a slicker brush along with a pin brush. You should also have some combs on hand for this breed that include both wide-tooth and fine-toothed options.
Conclusion
Russian bear dogs are beautiful, intelligent animals that make great companions. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent dogs who crave attention and affection from their owners.
However, they need lots of space to run around during the day. If you are considering getting a Russian bear dog, make sure to research the breed before you get one. This way you can ensure that you will meet the dog’s needs.
Russian bear dogs make great pets. They’re recommended for people who are experienced with dogs and can provide them with the space they need.