A Comprehensive Guide to Russian Bear Dog: Everything You Should Know

Russian Bear Dog Breed Overview

The Russian Bear dog is renowned for its bravery, protectiveness, and sheer strength. The Russian Bear Dog was meant to defend sheep flocks from wolves and bears in the Caucasus Mountains, where it was bred. While most sheepdogs focus on herding, the Russian Bear dogs focus on protecting their flocks. Russian Bear Dogs were bred to be large enough to hunt wolves. To combat many wolves, most shepherds used a group of Caucasian Mountain Dogs that worked together. Besides, shepherds needed a dog that could distinguish between an intruder and a sheep. Even today, the Caucasian Ovcharka is used to protect sheep in the Caucasus region, and many other individuals all around the globe have them as guard or protection dogs.

A Russian Bear dog weighs between 99 to 170 pounds and is 26 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder. There are two kinds of the Caucasian breed; long-haired dogs of the Mountain type, with a heavier body; and a short-coated, lighter bodyweight of the Steppe type. The Russian bear dog has a large, muscular physique. The paws and legs are enormous, yet the body is agile.

The Temperament of the Russian Bear Dog

Due to their background as guard dogs, Russian Bear Dogs are very protective. They were bred to keep an eye out for intruders or predators lurking around the farm. Like Malamutes, they’re very devoted to their families, but they also have an instinctual fear of strangers. So they’ll bark loudly if anything out of the norm is going on.

If your Russian Bear Dog isn’t properly socialized and trained, it might become aggressive and unpredictable. You should start socializing your Russian Bear Dog during the first three months of life. This will have a lasting impact on your dog’s personality and behavior as an adult. Another reason for socialization is to improve their behavior around kids, as they can behave unusually around your Russian puppy and poke them until they get a reaction. Hence, early socialization will make your puppy more comfortable around children.

Introduce your Russian Bear Dog to different people, places, sounds, and sensations as much as you can. For example, you can have him walk on carpet, hardwood, tile, and linoleum floors. You should also have him meet people who are in wheelchairs or canes, toddlers, people with beards, sunglasses, umbrellas, and hoods.

The Intelligence of the Russian Bear Dog

A Russian Bear Dog is above average in intelligence, but they’re not entirely obedient. They’re very independent dogs, most likely because they’d historically be left alone with cattle for most of the day, in the absence of their owner. As an independent dog, it’s only willing-to-please to a certain extent. You must be patient while teaching your Russian Bear Dog.

It’s advised to begin training your new Russian Bear Dog as soon as you bring him home. If you wait until your dog is an adult, it’ll be more difficult to train. When it comes to teaching your dog, keep in mind that punishment has been known to worsen behavioral issues in dogs, so avoid using that. Instead, focus on providing praise and other forms of encouragement. For the most part, positive reinforcement has been proved to be the most successful method of training.

Do Russian Bear Dogs Shed?

Russian Bear Dogs are low-shedding dogs that only shed their long, thick coats once a year to create room for new, healthy hair to grow. It’s important to relocate your Russian Bear puppy in the shedding period to a separate space. A warm bath and a good brushing are recommended by vets when shedding occurs. This will speed the shedding process of the coat and help maintain your puppy’s hygiene.

You must cut their nails often to prevent them from overgrowing, breaking, or cracking. If you’re not sure you can handle it yourself, take them to the vet or a professional groomer. Switch to a coat rake or shedding tool when the shedding is particularly bad, especially with long hair-coated breeds. You draw the tool along the coat in the direction of hair growth, then pull up and away from the coat. Don’t push too hard while using shedding equipment with blades. Use a steel comb or a mat splitter to remove any tangles or mats you come across. Additionally, brushing and combing your Russian Bear puppy weekly or twice a month are the most effective ways to manage heavy shedding.

The Health of the Russian Bear Dog

The Russian Bear breeds are considered healthy dogs and seldom get sick, but if they’re not adequately cared for, there’s a probability that they might fall ill. To keep your Russian Bear Dog happy and healthy, there are a few things that must be continually monitored. You must provide healthy food for him, as well as maintain high hygiene standards, which include the right amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, and minerals.

When compared to other dog breeds, a Russian Bear Dog has a lower life expectancy, which is around 10 to 12 years. They may live up to 15 years if properly cared for. Cataracts, heart disease, and hip dysplasia are common problems among Russian Bear Dogs. To avoid some of these ailments, take your dog to the vet frequently. It’s much better to prevent the disease altogether, than to treat it after it’s occurred.

Common Psychological Health Conditions in the Russian Bear Dog

Stress

When Russian Bear dogs feel threatened or stressed, they make loud noises and become intimidating. Then, there are other symptoms like pacing and destructive activity, and feelings of hopelessness. Dog owners should assess their behavior to see whether they’re contributing to the stress of their Russian Bear Dog. For example, your dog may get anxious and stressed if you don’t give clear instructions, leave them alone, or ignore them.

Additionally, Remove the stressor from your dog’s environment first if he’s showing signs of stress. Find an area where he can take a rest. Please resist the temptation to comfort him excessively. If you want to show him how much you appreciate him, give him a task to do before you reward him with a hug or a treat (e.g., sitting). The dog’s sense of normality is maintained when it responds to regular orders. When a dog is nervous, the simple act of sitting, lying down, and heeling may provide a great deal of comfort.

Anxiety

Dog anxiety affects all breeds, although each dog’s symptoms are unique. All dogs experience anxiety from time to time, but some dogs develop an anxiety disorder due to unchecked anxiety.

Exercising may help relieve anxiety in your Russian Bear Dog, just as it does in people. Taking a stroll or playing fetch with your dog is a great way for both of you to relieve stress. To help your dog cope with stressful events, it’s essential to provide him a secure haven to retreat to in your house. All dog breeds appreciate escaping to a peaceful environment.

Your veterinarian should be consulted if your dog shows signs of anxiety regularly. Veterinarians may recommend that you see a trainer or behavioral expert to address anxiety-related problems in your dog, after they rule out the possibility that your dog’s behavior is due to a medical condition.

Calming Dog Products

Unfortunately, it’s not only humans that are susceptible to stress. Dogs are no exception. Several products are available that may help reduce your dog’s stress.

Having a T-shirt with your scent on it might benefit your Russian Bear Dog. Also, moderate music or calming sounds may be helpful. CBD oil is often considered beneficial in calming your dog. Additionally, essential oils also work as natural treatment options or even an alternative to conventional pharmaceuticals for anything from anxiety to skin issues. Essential oils, such as sweet orange and lavender, might help calm your dog. The use of calming pheromones for dogs has also been beneficial. However, it’s recommended that you check with your vet before trying anything new on your dog.

ThunderShirt, a soothing dog vest, is another option. If you want to assist your dog to cope with his anxiety, you may offer him herbal and vitamin-rich treats to soothe his anxiety. Lavender and ginger are two examples of herbs traditionally used as natural remedies because of their sedative properties. Your Russian Bear puppy may also calm down with the help of the Sentry Calming collars.

Common Physical Health Conditions in the Russian Bear

Hip Dysplasia

As a giant breed of dog, the Russian Bear Dog is vulnerable to hip dysplasia, prevalent in large breeds. Having a deformed hip socket is what generally happens in this disorder. As a result, the hip bone doesn’t fit correctly in the socket. It’s either too big or too little. In the most dire situations, the bone may barely be inserted into the socket. In addition, the bone’s end might be jagged, since it wasn’t correctly formed. As a result, there’s a risk of excessive wear and tear.

The dog’s hips are often restricted to minimize discomfort and harm. When this happens, your Russian Bear Dog might get a “rabbit hop,” which is a sure indicator that your puppy has the disease. Stiffness, trouble moving, tiredness, irritation, and scratching or nibbling at the joint are possible side effects.

Other environmental factors have a contributing part in this condition. Having a dog neutered before they’re fully grown increases their risk of being prone to this health condition by more than threefold. Before the age of three months, repetitive muscle movement of the joints also raises the risk. Jogging and climbing the stairs are examples of muscle movement.

Hip and Joint Supplements We Love

Obesity

Low energy makes the Russian Bear Dog more prone to obesity. As long as they’re left to their activities, it’s unlikely that they’ll obtain enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can’t be prevented simply by letting them play outdoors in a fenced-in yard.

Obesity is defined as a bodyweight at least 20% more than the dog’s ideal weight. Being even slightly overweight might harm one’s health. Furthermore, it’s challenging to encourage dogs to lose weight if they’re obese. Preventing problems is a lot simpler than dealing with them after they arise. Don’t wait until your pet is obese before creating an exercise schedule. Overweight dogs have a higher chance of developing diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, bladder stones, and joint issues. It’s important to acknowledge a problem when dealing with an obese dog. To help your Russian Bear puppy lose weight, speak with your veterinarian.

Cataracts

Dogs undergo similar aging processes as humans. Blood vessels may form in the dog’s eyes as a consequence. Cataracts are characterized by cloudiness or imperfection in the lens. As dogs grow old, the lens becomes cloudier and can even be blue in color. Cataracts, however, should not be mistaken with lenticular or nuclear sclerosis. Unlike cataracts, this disease doesn’t damage your pet’s eyesight. Dogs with cataracts may become blind even if they have minor cataracts that don’t damage their eyesight. It’s advised to visit your vet for a regular eye examination if you see slight changes in your Russian Bear puppy’s eyes.

Oral Health of the Russian Bear Dog

Dental hygiene is an essential element of caring for your Russian Bear Dog. The following products can aid your Russian Bear dog’s oral health:

Dental Diets

Plaque is a typical feature of the bacterial system in the mouth, if it’s not eliminated regularly, it can harden on the teeth and eventually turn into tartar.

Tartar sticks to the tooth’s surface, irritating the gingiva and causing tissue loss in the irritated gingiva. Dental diets are designed to reduce the amount of plaque and tartar that builds upon the teeth.

They’re larger kibbles that take longer to chew and doesn’t easily break. Furthermore, as the pet bites down on the kibble, it creates a brushing movement against the tooth, which helps to clean it.

Rawhide Chews

Rawhide Chews are the inner layer of a cow or horse’s hide. Throughout the manufacturing process, the skins are cleaned and cut. They’re then formed into various chewable dog treats in different shapes and sizes.

Edible Chews

Edible chews are tasty treats for your dog to munch on before ingesting. In addition, they keep your dog’s teeth clean and satisfy their chewing urge.

 

Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews Based On Size

VOHC-approved Products and Recommendations

HealthyAdvantage™ Oral Care for Dogs, and Eukanuba® Adult Maintenance Diet for Dogs as the dental diets.

Purina Busy HeartyHide Chew Treats as the rawhide chews.

Canine Greenies® Weight Management, Canine Greenies® Aging Care Dental Chews, Canine Greenies® Puppy Dental Chews as the edible chews options.

However, it’s advised that you check with your vet before trying any new product on your dog. Each dog is different, and your vet might be able to guide you on what’s best for your dog.

VOHC-approved Products We Love

Needs of the Russian Bear Dog

Exercise

Russian Bear Dogs thrive in large yards and are ideal for families who enjoy daily walks. As they’re intelligent and independent, they should be restricted while exercising. It may be in a fenced yard or on a leash when being walked for their protection. Despite being low-energy dogs, they love to walk and hike for long periods.

There’s a lot of discussion concerning puppies and excessive activity in the dog world. According to veterinarians, breeders, and trainers, too much exercise can be dangerous at times, but there’s no fixed formula for assessing your puppy’s growth.

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop diabetes and have shorter lives in general. As a result, it’s critical to keep Russian Bear Dog in good form. On the other hand, giant dogs require specific attention when exercising to avoid putting unnecessary strain on their joints. As a result, it’s critical not to overwork puppies. A Russian Bear Dog will also appreciate a substantial amount of outdoor time, and they won’t be put off by a bit of rain!

 Exercise Products We Love

Nutrition

A Russian Bear Dog should consume between 9.7 and 12.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight every day. When the dog has completely grown, you’ll only need 2.62g per kg of body weight daily. These gentle giants consume about 20 calories per pound of body weight every day on average.

You want to feed your Russian Bear Dog a formula that’ll meet his specific digestive requirements as it goes from puppyhood through adulthood. You should provide your puppy with the food recommended until it’s at least 6 months old. Many dog food suppliers have breed-specific recipes for small, medium, giant, and extra-large breeds when it’s time to switch. Russian Bear Dogs are a breed that ranges from large to extra-large. A general rule is to avoid kibbles made with low-quality ingredients, as they’re difficult to digest.

Working with your veterinarian to determine the frequency of meals as a puppy and the optimal mature diet to increase his lifespan is the best approach to determine what you feed your Russian Bear Dog. At all times, clean, fresh water should be available.

Grooming

The coat of the Russian Bear Dog can range from medium to quite long. Grooming is required daily for dogs with longer coats. Grooming can be an excellent way for you and your pet to bond. To avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking, their firm, fast-growing nails should be clipped by you regularly with a nail clipper or grinder. You should check their ears periodically to avoid wax and debris buildup, which may lead to infection. Brushing their teeth regularly is recommended as well.

That magnificent coat necessitates some attention. If not groomed carefully, long fur can quickly become matted. Many adult dogs despise being groomed, and their owners fight to keep their thick fur from becoming tangled and needing to be cut out. Matting of the fur isn’t simply ugly; it’s also dangerous. It can obstruct a dog’s vision and become unpleasant at his back end.

Daily sessions of three or four minutes, carefully picking up paws, handling ears, tummy, and legs will guarantee that grooming isn’t a frightening experience for your pet.

Top Product Picks for this Breed.

The following are some of the most popular product categories for your Russian Bear Dogs that’ll ensure their health and happiness:

Puppy Food

These massive dogs eat high-quality dog food, high in calories and calcium. It’s recommended that you seek advice from a veterinarian on these standards. They should also consume protein-rich dog chow. Their diets are to be altered as they grow.

A well-balanced diet includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Water is also essential for life, and your Russian Bear Dog must drink it regularly. Keep your dog’s activity level in mind when determining how many calories they’ll need in their food, especially if they’re active. Any form of stress for your Russian Bear dog may require an increase in calories or a change in food.

Dog Foods We Love Based On Size

Crate

You should provide your Russian Bear Dog with its own space where it can sleep, rest, and relax. This should be a place where the puppy feels safe and secure, as well as its own space. Puppies grow at an astounding rate, and your bear pup will need to unwind after a full day of playing and eating. Crate training is ideal for them to feel at ease in this situation.

Crates We Love

Bed

You must ensure that your puppy gets enough sleep to have a healthy life. Your Russian Bear Dog needs a pet bed at least 3 feet long, 2 feet wide, and deep enough to support their weight while keeping them off the cold floor.

Beds We Love

Harness

A harness is generally more effective in preventing accidents in your Russian Bear Dog because they are a simple, secure, and pleasant way to connect your dog to their leash in terms of safety and security.

Harnesses We Love

Resources

American Kennel Club

Caucasian Shepherd Club of America

Caucasian Ovcharka Club, USA

United Kennel Club