Group 2 · Pinschers & molossoids
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a very large, heavy livestock guardian from the Caucasus Mountains with a thick coat and a fearless character. It is loyal to its family but extremely suspicious of strangers.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Kaukasische Ovcharka (Kaukasische herder) by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
Of these, 4 examinations only become mandatory at a later date (see below).
The breeding programme also recommends 1 further examination.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months) Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (1)
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Kaukasische Ovcharka (Kaukasische herder), Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, PDF published on 24/08/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, no mandatory tests need to be carried out. Only mandatory from a later date: Degenerative myelopathy (DM) (from 01/07/2027), Elbow dysplasia (ED) (from 01/07/2027), Hip dysplasia (HD) (from 01/07/2027) and Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) (from 01/07/2027). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Caucasian Shepherd Dog needs long daily walks and above all space: a large, well-fenced garden is no luxury. Its coat needs regular care and extra attention when moulting.
Questions for the breeder
- Which recommended examinations in the breeding programme have both parent dogs undergone, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
As a flock guardian it likes to make its own decisions and guards its territory and its people. It is reserved with strangers, can bark loudly and belongs with an experienced owner who puts a lot into socialisation. Bear in mind the space and costs of a very large dog.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
