Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Alabai are members of the wolfhound family. Dogs of these breeds are capable of boldly going after both a wolf and an invader in order to protect the herd or property of the owner. But what will happen if they fight against each other? You will find out the answer to this question, as well as how a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can behave in fights with other dog breeds, in this article.
Introduction
Humanity has faced various dangers throughout the history of its existence. Initially, people tried to save and preserve themselves and their property from attacks by predators. To do this, they domesticated wild dogs, making them guards and defenders capable of defending their territory.
Two striking examples: the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Alabay (Central Asian Shepherd Dog). In the old days, the Caucasian Shepherd was capable of directing a huge flock of sheep to where they needed to go, saving them from a wolf, and protecting their home from intruders. Alabai had the same functions: he could kill a wolf, saving the owner and his property, and go into battle against a bear.
Gradually, people became interested in other things besides protection and security. For example, dog fighting: determine which dog will be better in a fight to the death. They began to breed dogs whose fighting qualities should be as close as possible to the characteristic features of a wolf. As a result, many dog breeds could provide good competition to both this predator and other dogs in battles against each other.
Looking at this state of affairs, many people have clearly established the stereotype of a fighting dog. They began to believe that these are terrible, aggressive, uncontrollable animals that do not know pity, whose main goal is to destroy all of humanity.
But this statement is completely wrong. Of course, all dog fights did not take place without the participation of fighting dogs. They were also used to bait various predators, for example, a wolf - a spectacle, to put it mildly, not for the faint of heart. But officially open, bloody open fights have sunk into oblivion, and the definition of “fighting dog” has stuck with many dogs. This is how the stereotype became entrenched in people’s minds.
In fact, modern fighting dogs have excellent physical abilities and a strict character, nothing more. Their owners make them angry due to poor or harsh training.
As mentioned above, now officially open dog fighting is prohibited - this is regarded as cruelty to animals. However, in Russia there are test fights for wolfhounds and other dog breeds capable of going into battle. This helps maintain their certain performance qualities. Such as the ability to overcome a wolf, protect the owner from attack by intruders, and others.
You need to feel the difference - this is a test controlled by experienced Russian dog handlers, and not a mortal battle. For example, in the West, trainers specifically train a pit bull, making it a vicious murder weapon.
How much does a puppy cost?
average price for both breeds: 10 - 15,000 rubles
- < 10,000 will be a great friend and guard, but without participating in competitions
- from 10,000 to 25,000 the puppy does not have a distinctive build
- from 25,000 to 50,000 you can buy a small puppy with a promising future
If you want to buy a puppy to participate in exhibitions, contact only specialized nurseries.
Please remember that a small puppy is like a child. He needs to be educated, explained what is possible and what is not. Without doing this properly, later behavioral difficulties will arise that cannot be changed.
Basic Rules
To understand who is better, stronger, more agile, smarter among large breed dogs, we had to pit them against each other. Specialists who have long been involved in the selection of dogs through dog test fights have come up with certain rules. In the overall picture of the fight, it is thanks to the rules that it becomes clear what qualities a particular dog has.
Here are the main points of the summary of rules so that you can understand what exactly they pay attention to during an organized dog fight:
- fights are carried out with the aim of forming a breed;
- fights are conducted in strict accordance with sports rules and Article 245 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (cruelty to animals);
- all fights are voluntary - owners should not force their dogs to fight;
- the fight can be stopped if the animal is injured, and the injured dog is considered the loser;
- if the opponent whines, he is considered a loser due to increased sensitivity to pain;
- if one of the opponents leaves the ring during an active fight, he is considered a loser due to cowardice;
- if the dog does not want to meet the opponent halfway, then they change places; if the same thing happens again, the dog is disqualified.
Thanks to the rules, you can identify the shortcomings and advantages of any dog. However, the assessment is not mechanical; each case is considered individually.
Distinctive features
The Moscow Guard Dog is a large dog with a coarse, massive, elongated build. He has the typical appearance of a mastiff: folds on the neck, thick elastic skin, impressive size.
There are no height restrictions, the only height limitation is 66 cm. Weight can vary from 45 to 80 kg. The standard was published from scratch several times, and each change was not liked by fans and enthusiasts of the breed. The last changes were made in 2003. All puppies with visible defects and incompatibility are removed:
- The eyes are wide, deep and straight. The color of the iris is dark.
- The nose is large, with well-developed nostrils, and always black.
- The body is voluminous, elongated, strong, well built with pronounced withers. The chest is wide and deep (up to half the height), with rounded ribs. The neck is short, strong, oval in cross-section, with dewlap.
- The muzzle is shorter than the skull, wide and blunt. Full set of teeth (42) and scissor bite (upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth). The lips fit tightly to each other. They have black pigmented rims.
- The head is wide, massive and deep. The occipital bone, frontal bones, feet and brow ridges are visible. The frontal groove is clearly visible. The cheekbones are rounded.
- The ears are set high (above the eye line) and hang down to the level of the cheekbones. Triangular shape. The ears are large and well developed. The cartilage is wide.
- Color: red or spotted (white with red, black or sable spots). Must have red and white spots on chest and paws.
- The coat is straight, hard, thick and long. The undercoat is soft and wicks away moisture.
- Limbs straight and parallel, widely spaced (hind limbs slightly wider). The feet are oval, with strong toes, tightly knit. The pads are tough and the claws come in all colors. Movement: trot or gallop.
Breed comparisons
The large and powerful Caucasian Shepherd is capable of leading a herd and can save it from a predator attack. This animal can follow the trail of both a wolf and a person. These abilities have made him a universal breed: she is an excellent guard dog and a devoted protector.
The fighting qualities of Caucasian Shepherd dogs were tested mainly in mixed fights against different breeds. As a result, it was proven that the Caucasian can fight no worse, or even better, than any fighting dog or wolf, often winning. Let's look at a few examples.
If we take as an example the fight between a Caucasian Shepherd Dog and an Alabai, it will not immediately be clear which of them will be stronger. To figure out who will emerge victorious from the fight, you first need to say a few words about Alabai.
Alabai is also an excellent guard dog, however, its guarding qualities are territorial. This means that a dog of this breed will not pay attention to someone who is outside the meters assigned to it, unlike a Caucasian. But as soon as the “enemy” crosses the line set by the animal, he will be in trouble.
Alabai often takes part in dog fights to preserve its unique characteristics. Being one of the largest dogs in the world, the Alabai is capable of defeating many rivals, because it has not only great weight, but also remarkable strength.
It is very difficult to say with certainty who will be stronger - the Caucasian Shepherd or the Alabai. These representatives of the wolfhound family have almost the same set of physical and mental qualities. Which of them will perform better in battle depends on several parameters: weight category, conditions of detention and training, individual characteristics.
If the Moscow Watchdog goes into battle against the Caucasian Shepherd, then, most likely, the second breed will perform better. Of course, if the Caucasian Shepherd developed correctly both psychologically and physically.
The Moscow Watchdog appeared as a result of crossing the Caucasian Shepherd, St. Bernard and Russian Pinto Hound. Therefore, many dog handlers and experts consider it a “degraded” version of the Caucasian, incapable of many power tasks.
Despite the fact that the Moscow watchdog considers its main task to protect its owner, it is also capable of guarding its territory. These qualities, combined with obedience and unpretentiousness, are what the breeders tried to obtain when creating this breed. The Moscow Watchdog rarely participates in test battles. Based on all of the above, it is generally accepted that the Caucasian Shepherd is stronger.
In the case of comparing the Caucasian and German Shepherd, the first breed will most likely again be better. The German Shepherd does not have the same strength as the Caucasian, although both dogs perform the same tasks at home: to protect and protect the owner and his family.
But even here everything will depend on the development of animals. If the German Shepherd is ready to enter the ring, that is, has all the necessary qualities and features for this, and the opponent turns out to be less capable, then the German Shepherd will win.
If you put a Caucasian Shepherd against some kind of fighting dog, for example, a pit bull, then even if it doesn’t win, it will fight no worse. Naturally, in the presence of certain fighting qualities, such as endurance, intelligence, courage.
What do you think about the role of the Caucasian Shepherd in dog fighting?
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Differences
Differences between representatives of the breeds are noticeable in the character and behavior of individuals. The Caucasian wolfhound is a self-sufficient individual who does not like to be subordinated. The owner must show will and restraint in order to force him to respect himself and unquestioningly carry out commands. At the same time, the Caucasian’s devotion extends exclusively to the owner; other people are perceived by him as strangers.
Alabais are also used to living in freedom, but they are more attached to people and not only to one owner, but to the whole family. The dog is tolerant of children and other pets in the house. He is not inclined to show aggression unnecessarily. It is difficult for Alabai to be alone; he misses his family.
On average, the lifespan of the Central Asian Shepherd is slightly longer than that of the Caucasian: 13 and 11 years, respectively.
Thus, if we compare the two breeds, the Alabai is better suited for living in a house with a family. But the Caucasian will prove himself as an unsurpassed watchman for protecting the territory. He is more aggressive and independent.
The advertisements for sale also offer crossbreeds. A mixed breed of Alabai and Caucasian Shepherd Dog inherits the external features of its parents. He is large, shaggy, adapted to life on the street. However, with a mixture of two different breeds, the character of the cub may be unstable.
In the photo is a mixed breed of Alabai and Caucasian Shepherd
Mating
Puberty begins at the age of 8-10 months, but since Moscow guard dogs take a long time to mature, the best age for females is 18-20 months, and for males - 2 years. The third heat is a signal that the girl is fully matured. On days 13-15 she should show signs of readiness: swollen eyelashes, light pink discharge and playful behavior. Most often, dogs lick their genitals, so it is recommended to apply cotton wool to the loops to detect the appearance of bloody lubricant.
Breeding bitches must always be registered with the kennel and have a breeding certificate. From the very beginning, you should choose a suitable male and agree on mating in advance. Animals should be checked for pathologies and diseases, and dewormed.
Animals must be provided with sufficient space. The female is brought to the male, where the dogs have time to sniff and get to know each other (10-15 minutes). If everything goes well, the girl will be allowed to live in the toilet. The action will last 5-10 minutes, closing - 15-20 minutes. During this time, the woman should support herself under the stomach and should not sit. Males are brought to the nipple. An experienced trainer is usually called in to untangle the male. Mating is repeated after 2 days.
