Caucasian Shepherd - Livestock Guardian Dog
Description
This is Leo, he's a 2.5 year old Caucasian Shepherd aka Caucasian Ovcharka (CO) or Russian Ovcharka.
This is the ultimate in the livestock guardian breed and very rare in Canada but popular in Europe. You must have proper experience and done extensive research if you're looking at getting a CO. Despite their amazing beauty, these dogs are not toys and they are not show dogs. I've had Leo since he was 8 weeks old. He's intact, male, all shots up to date.
The only reason for rehoming is that I'm moving abroad for work and won't be able to take him with me.
I don't want any payment for Leo, my only criteria is that he goes to a good home with *experienced* owners. He would work best on an acreage, farm, or large property. This is a working breed. They need property to roam and livestock / family to guard.
Leo is very well trained. He knows all his commands verbally and with hand signs (sit, down, stay, heel, place, leave it). He's well socialized with people and other dogs but knows when to detect danger. I own a resort near Revelstoke, BC and he guards the property for us. We used to have bears come to our front door but since getting Leo, no intruders have stepped near the property. He also alerted me at 4am one night when somebody was breaking into my workshop to steal my motorcycle. He does his job well and doesn't need any training regarding protection or guarding. His personality is very sweet and calm. He loves to spend time with the family. He was born on a farm and was around sheep, cattle, chickens before I adopted him.
I think he will adapt well to a new owner as I've had house sitters stay at my place for 2 month periods of time when I was away travelling and he adapted very well.
His current diet is a mix of raw meat and canned meat / veggies. Raw meat includes chicken, pork, fish, various bones and liver for treats. He weighed about 150 lbs the last time I checked, probably closer to 160-180 now. These dogs grow until 3 years old and can weigh up to 200-220 lbs!
If you are budget conscious then this dog is not for you, or any large dog breed for that matter. A minimum budget of $250-$400 per month for food is reasonable. Higher or lower for some months depending on your source for meats. If you have a place where you can buy in bulk for cheap that works well. If you can't support a raw meat diet, he won't switch to kibbles as he's been raised on raw meat since a puppy.
Ideal owner would be:
- Experienced with livestock guardian breeds (experience with CO's are best)
- Has property / farm / acreage
- Has other female dogs to keep him company
- Able to financially sustain meal plan and annual vet checkups
Leo is family to me and it makes me very sad that I can't take him with me. The climate of where I'm moving is not conducive for a dog like him. As I stated, I don't want any payment, I just want to make sure he is going to a good loving home where he will be happy with his new family.
Please contact me if you're interested and qualified to give Leo a new home and tell me a little bit about yourself!
Thank you.
UPDATE (JAN 25, 2023) - I've received lots of messages, just going through and responding to each, will eventually get to yours. If you message, please write a little about yourself and leave a phone number where I can reach you. Other info that is important, he will not be able to live with other male intact dogs. He is a top alpha breed and territorial. He will get along with female dogs. He is good with kids and family but not recommended to leave your kids alone with him due to his sheer size. Please watch some videos on Youtube about the breed as there is lots of info online. Thank you!
- Offered by: Owner
- Ad Type: Offering
- Pet's Date of Birth: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
pets | dogs, puppies for rehoming
2023-01-29