Caucasian Shepherd Dog Grooming

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog (CSD) has a thick, double-layered coat. Depending on the breed variation (of which there are many), the coats can be long or medium in length; a few CSDs have short coats, but this type is pretty rare. Regardless of length, the double coats shed regularly (and heavily during the late spring shedding season), so consistent brushing will be required. Otherwise, overall Caucasian Shepherd dog grooming isn't too difficult--but it can be time-consuming simply because of the breed's enormous size!

Brushing a Caucasian Shepherd Dog should happen 2-3 times per week (and daily during shedding season). Using a pin brush, go through the coat section by section, brushing in the direction of hair growth. Longer-haired CSDs' coats can develop tangles in the mane and other featherings--so if you run across a tangle, try separating it with your fingers; if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of a greyhound comb.

Some owners also like to use de-shedding tools like a Furminator on these dogs' coats to help collect dead hairs, particularly during shedding season.

A Caucasian Shepherd Dog bath will need to happen every 2-3 months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is called for. (A warm bath or two during shedding season, to help wash away shed hairs, is a good idea as well.) When bathing a Caucasian Shepherd Dog, be sure to use shampoo made for dogs, as the human kind can irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat; leftover soap residue will cause further skin irritation.

And no Caucasian Shepherd Dog haircuts are required. (See the Styling & Haircuts section below to learn why shaving a Caucasian Shepherd Dog coat is never a good idea.)

In addition to its coat, your CSD will need maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush; clean the ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution; and trim the nails every 2-3 months with standard nail clippers.

Though owners can learn to perform all aspects of Caucasian Shepherd Dog grooming themselves, it's a good idea to take the dog to a professional groomer at least once (and many CSD owners rely on a pro for major tasks like baths--which is no easy chore for a dog this size!). The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Caucasian Shepherd Dog at home.

Regardless of coat length, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs don't need haircuts. Even so, some owners think that if a Caucasian Shepherd is shaved, the dog will stay cool in summer, and will shed less. As professional groomers will tell you, though, both these ideas are myths.

Here's why: double coats on dogs act as natural climate control systems, and serve to regulate the dogs' body temperature. On hot days, cool air is trapped between the layers to keep the dog from overheating--and the same happens with warm air in cold temps. A shaved Caucasian Shepherd Dog doesn't have its natural insulation, and will overheat in summer and freeze in winter.

Neither does a shaved CSD shed any less; the shed hairs would probably just be shorter. Since it's the undercoat that sheds, unless a CSD is shaved bald--which is never a good idea!--the undercoat remains and the dog still sheds. And when the coat does grow back, it'll be uneven and softer in texture.

The only reason to shave any part of these dogs' coats is in preparation for a medical procedure. Your vet will discuss this with you.

So to anyone considering shaving their Caucasian Dog's coat: put those clippers away!