Cockapoo vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

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 gorgeous Cockapoo is a mixed-breed dog. He comes from mixing the Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle.Both these dogs have their own histories.

Known as a ‘designer dog’, the Cockapoo has been around since the 1950s in the United States already, although pure-breed associations don’t recognize the Cockapoo. There are some dog clubs that are working to establish the Cockapoo as a recognized breed.The Cockapoo Club of America was founded in 1998.

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 Cockapoo is a mixed breed- or hybrid dog that has become very popular in recent years. He is a small dog, but robust, and stands between 25 – 38cm in height and weighs between 5 and 11kg.

The Cockapoo has floppy ears, and the tail has always been docked to give the dog an attractive, distinctive look. Without tail docking, the natural tail is long.

The coat color of cockapoos is varied and can be anything like tan, white, cream, blonde, brown or black and sometimes even a combination of these colors. Cockapoo coats can vary from silky smooth to tight curls, although they usually fall somewhere in between.

He is a low shedder and you’ll often hear him being described as hypoallergenic, which is an advantage for Cockapoo owners who might be allergic to pet hair.

Temperament:

He is small and robust, always ready for a game and is loving, with a sweet, alert expression on his face. Even as an adult, his antics and looks make one think that he is just a big puppy.

He makes a wonderful pet and gets on well with adults and children as well as other pets. He is intelligent and can be easily trained, and when you shower him with attention he is a happy, energetic, social, fun-loving dog who goes out of his way to please you and be the perfect pet.

The personality of the Cockapoo isn’t set in stone and while one dog may be territorial and somewhat aggressive, others aren’t. Many dogs simply turn out according to the way they are raised.

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.

Cockapoos have become popular pets because they have a host of good qualities from both the breeds that make this pet – the cocker spaniel and the poodle.

They are jaunty, sweet looking, amicable, social, fun-loving, devoted, loyal, loving and low-shedding as an added perk. He loves spending time with his human family and will become unhappy and bored if he isn’t made to feel absolutely part of the family.

Look after your Cockapoo, because when you provide him with good food, you take time to exercise him and you love him to bits, you’ll find that you’ve got in him all the makings of a wonderful friend.

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 Cockapoo is generally a healthy, good tempered, mix-breed dog and with good care he can live to be anything from 13 – 15 years of age and even older.

Although you’re not likely to find any serious health problems with the Cockapoo, it is wise to know that there are many common dog illnesses that attack any dog, including the Cockapoo. Some of these are hip dysplasia, ear infections, dental disease which can affect other parts of the body as well as eye disorders.

Referring to ear infections, as a long-eared dog, the ears will need to be cleaned with the Cockapoo to avoid ear infections. Simple cleaning methods are explained at the veterinarian. Some eye conditions like progressive retina atrophy are common in both the dogs that make the Cockapoo.

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.

Grooming:

The Cockapoo can have a long, straightish coat or it can be wavy or curly. The coat will need a good brushing at least twice a week to avoid matting. He may well need a trip to the doggy parlor to have his hair professionally clipped.

What is also noticeable about this dog is that he is odorless too. Bathing him doesn’t have to be a regular occurrence at all, as too much bathing strips the coat of its natural oils, irritating and drying out the skin.

Exercise:

The Cockapoo is an energetic little dog and he will require exercise from you. Make it fun for him seeing that he is a fun loving dog, and take him on walks and have ball games with him.

Diet:

There are many different commercially produced dog foods, and some of the top quality ones offer an excellent mix of meat, fish or poultry in them with vitamins and minerals.

These top quality foods are usually found at your vet or in special pet stores and are not ordinarily found at the supermarket. Make sure to feed your Cockapoo the right amount of food according to the label on the packaging.

You can also include cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble to give him some variety and give him some raw meat in his diet from time to time. This will help with avoiding skin allergies. Make sure he always has access to clean, cool water.