How Much Does a Caucasian Shepherd Cost in 2024?

Caucasian Shepherd Characteristics

Popularly known as the Caucasian Ovcharka or the Russian Bear Dog, Caucasian Shepherd is a large, bold, fearless, no-nonsense type of guarding dog. These dogs are not to be taken lightly at all. They were used to protect livestock from deadly predators like wolves and coyotes. In modern days, they are being used for guarding properties across their presence and prisons in Russia.

Also known as Caucasian Sheepdogs or Caucasian Mountain Dogs, these dogs usually come in two varieties. The Mountain type is long-coated with a heavy body mass, helping it survive the cold, and the Steppe type is short-coated with a lighter body mass. These huge dogs can grow taller than many humans, so one can find them very intimidating.

But these dogs are not scary all the time. Towards the family, they can be very loving and affectionate. They also tend to be calm unless disturbed or intimidated. High intelligence is also on the list of their qualities. It is also one of the most ancient breeds, which is explained by its mentions as being used by Armenian armies in the 1st Century BC. Their rustic look probably explains the ancientness.

What is the price of a Caucasian Shepherd? 

The total price of this Russian Bear dog, or Volkadov, will be categorized by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, and grooming, along with other miscellaneous costs. According to the OVMA and Made in CA, here are the average costs of puppy ownership in Canada.

Buying: $1500 – $2500

If you choose to buy from a breeder, you may notice the wide range in price for this breed. One reason for this is that the Caucasian Shepherd’s cost depends on the type of breeder you buy from. A reputable breeder could charge upwards of $2,500, while new breeders or farm breeders could charge less at around $1,200 to $2,500. If you wish to buy a male Caucasian shepherd puppy, it could cost you around $2,500, while a female Russian shepherd dog price could be less at around $1,500-$1,800. If you opt for superior lineage along with breeding rights and papers, the Caucasian Ovcharka price can go up to around $6,000.

If this price is out of your price range, adoption could be a great option for you. There are plenty of trusted and accredited organizations online where you can get help finding these Caucasian dogs to adopt for as low for around $100-$300. Adopt a pet, ThunderHawk Caucasians, etc., are a couple of resources you can check out.

Monthly costs for a Caucasian Shepherd

Diets: $50-$100

This large breed of dog requires about 700gms to 2000gms of food per day, depending on their age, to maintain their physique. Raw, high-quality, and vet-recommended dog food is recommended. This could cost around $100 per month, and treats can add another $20-$30. If you opt for premium food products, the monthly cost could be higher.

Grooming: $30-$40

With these Caucasians at your place, you’ll probably find hair everywhere. These dogs have a double coat, an undercoat that consists of soft fur, and a long outer coat that is coarse in texture. Brushing the dog thoroughly twice a week and bathing once a week are recommended. Additionally, ears, teeth, and nails will have to be maintained regularly. You can opt for a professional grooming service once a month, which may cost you around $50-$60 per session, or you can do it in-house. The shampoos, brushes, and other equipment can cost around $30-$40, making in-house grooming a more affordable option.

Medical Costs: $150-$200

During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests. Other recommended preventive care treatments like flea and tick prevention for their long-furred coats can cost another $200 per year, and deworming and internal parasite prevention can add another $50 per dose to the cost.

One-time costs for a Caucasian Sheepdog

Initial Costs: $400-$500

An ID tag, crate, carrier, food, water bowls, a leash, collars, and a big bed for its big size will all be needed, especially if it is going to be the first dog pet of the family. Getting these initial items could cost around $400-$500.

Vaccinations: $250-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that a Caucasian Shepherd would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.

There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Caucasian Shepherd. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.

Microchipping: $60-$70

Microchipping costs can vary depending on where you live, but the average cost is about $60. Add a dog license to it, and the cost can be around $70.

Caucasian mountain dogs tend to wander around and, in the absence of a fence, could get lost. Microchipping can help them find their way back home. Spot pet insurance highly recommends every pet parent get all their pets microchipped, as it can increase the chances of finding a lost pet.

Neutering or Spaying: $150-$500

It is highly recommended that you get your dog neutered or spayed to help protect them against certain health problems and for their temperament. Neutering the dog can cost you around $150, while spaying could cost upwards of around $500.

Lifetime Russian Mountain Dog Price

For the first year, you can expect to pay around $4000-$5000, which includes the buying/adoption cost, initial expenses, medical costs, grooming, and other one-time and recurring costs. As your pet ages, the cost could go down to around $2000-$3000 per year. The lifetime cost of owning a Caucasian Shepherd, given its average life span of 10 years, could be around $35,000-$40,000.

Conclusion

A Caucasian Shepherd is not everyone’s cup of tea and is not an ideal breed choice for first-time pet owners. They can be difficult to train and maintain. Plus, this dog needs a lot of time outside; otherwise, their natural aggression could be overwhelming to handle at times. But, if you feel like you can handle them, they could provide you with undying loyalty, love, and protection for a lifetime.

Happy Parenting to you, and Lots of Love to your Pup!