Cavapoo vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

This 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.

The Cavapoo, known also as the Cavoodle, is a small dog – a mix of a miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

He hasn’t got a long history, but each of the dogs he comes from – the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle – have longer histories. The Cavapoo started being bred in the United States, but he has a short history in America. In Australia, they were first bred in the 1990s.

Today, as a hybrid, the Cavapoo isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club but he is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as the Designer Dogs KennelClub.

The 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.

The Cavapoo can be found in different colors and he can be blonde, white, brown, white or black or even tri-colored. Sometimes the coat can be a little bit curly but it can also sometimes be a long, silky coat from the Cavalier.

Dogs crossed with poodles, such as the Cavapoo, are known to be hypoallergenic, but there is really no 100% guarantee that he will be hypoallergenic.He has a round face with large, brown eyes and long ears. He can adapt easily to life in the city or in the countryside.

Temperament:

The Cavapoo is a small dog breed that has been bred to be an amicable pet. He gets along well with adults and children as well as other pets in the home. He stands about 28–33cm in height and can weigh anything from 5 to 12 kg.

He is an intelligent little dog, alert and inquisitive. Even a small, non-aggressive dog such as the Cavapoo can do well with training and socialization as he is quick to learn. With this socialization he becomes an obedient, affectionate, well behaved 4-legged family member.

Loyal and friendly, the Cavapoo thrives on human companionship and he just loves to be involved in everything the family is getting up to. He isn’t a dog that can be left on his own too long as this is when he develops irritating behavior patterns such as ongoing yapping and barking.

Loyal, 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.

Pet lovers who welcome a Cavapoo into their home aren’t going to be disappointed if they stick to their side of the bargain and provide their pet with lots of love and care.

The Cavapoo suits any kind of family because he is playful, loving, loyal and comes with a balanced and amicable personality.

Keep him happy with good food, clean water and lots of your attention and he’ll respond by being the perfect companion for you.

Like 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.

The Cavapoo is considered a healthy little dog who is active and energetic. Because he is a hybrid, he could develop illnesses associated with either of the dog types he comes from. However this is highly unlikely and you can expect up to 15 years from your Cavapoo if you feed him correctly and shower him with lots of love and attention.

One or two illnesses to look out for include -

Ear Problems:

Dogs with long, floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections. You’ll have cause for concern when you see your dog scratching his ears or shaking his head. There are one or two reasons why your Cavapoo may get an ear infection, and food allergies could be one.

A food allergy can bring about inflammation that can lead to infections. Moisture and excessive wax can also cause an ear infection. You can use cotton wool and some ear cleaner to remove dirt and moisture, but if in any doubt, speak to your vet or get your pet to the vet for advice.

Periodontal Disease:

Small dogs are more prone to dental disease, and your Cavapoo’s teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week with a vet-approved special dog toothpaste and brush. This can prevent dental decay which can bring about a whole lot of problems with his teeth but also with other parts of the body.

The 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.

The Cavapoo doesn’t shed much so he won’t need that much grooming, although there are people who take him to a doggy parlor to see that the hair is trimmed into shape. If not, then a good brushing twice a week will ensure the hair doesn’t matt and that it remains free of lots of dead hair.

Diet:

With any dog, and not just the Cavapoo, you want a food that boosts energy and promotes longevity. The Cavapoo breed is energetic and lively, and it is this stamina of his that will require you feeding him top quality food that is rich in nutrients.

Small dogs have a higher calorie need than large dogs because their metabolisms are much faster. Protein and fat are important nutrients for small-breed dogs and these nutrients need to come from high-quality sources. Speak to your vet about the best food for your Cavapoo and always ensure that he has a bowl of clean water available.