<P> Also known as Caucasian Ovcharka or Baskhan (Karachay) pariy, Caucasian shepherd dogs are strongly boned, muscular, and even - tempered molossers . Plain dogs have a shorter coat and appear taller as they are more lightly built . Mountain dog types have a heavier coat and are more muscularly built . Caucasian ovcharka are large dogs; however, there is no recorded maximum height or weight . The minimum height for females is 64 centimetres (25 in), with a desirable height between 67 and 70 centimetres (26 and 28 in). </P> <P> The minimum weight for females is 45 kilograms (99 lb). The minimum height for males is 68 centimetres (27 in), with a desirable height between 72 and 75 centimetres (28 and 30 in). The minimum weight for males is 50 kilograms (110 lb). The Caucasian shepherd is rather intelligent; however, they can be insolent and refuse to listen at times . They also can be fairly aggressive towards people they do not know and with incorrect handling this can be problematic . This can be overcome by proper training . </P> <P> The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is generally healthy and long - lived, averaging a life span of 10--12 years . Some dogs may have health issues in the form of hip dysplasia, obesity and occasional heart problems, but the majority of these dogs are healthy if taken care of correctly . Good dog breeders use genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the chances of diseases in the puppies . </P> <P> The ears of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are traditionally cropped, although some modern dogs are unaltered, as many people believe that this practice is unethical and cruel . If brought up by someone with extensive knowledge on the needs of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog, the chances of health problems should lower dramatically . </P>

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