Caucasian Shepherd Dog Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Caucasian shepherds are a unique breed first used to guard livestock in the countries of the Caucasus region. Today they make wonderful companions. If you’re looking to adopt a Caucasian shepherd, you need to be prepared for the initial purchase price, as well as vet bills, good prices, grooming costs, and more.

How Much Does a Caucasian Shepherd Puppy Cost?

The price of a Caucasian shepherd puppy depends on a number of factors. Dog lovers may get lucky and find a pup for low or no cost, but Caucasian shepherds can also cost thousands of dollars.

Free Dogs

It’s worth noting that Caucasian shepherds aren’t for everyone. The longer-coated breeds need daily grooming and due to their independent and intelligent nature, Caucasian shepherds can be difficult to train. Their large size also makes them far from ideal for apartment life or families with small children.

Caucasian shepherds aren’t the most readily available breed, but with all these factors in mind, some people may need to rehome their pets after realizing they weren’t a good fit. Keep an eye on local message boards and you may end up with a Caucasian shepherd for free.

Adoption

Adopting a dog who needs a good home is always preferable. According to Adopt a Pet, the average rescue adoption fee for a dog is around $300 to $500. This also typically covers expenses such as spaying and neutering and initial vaccinations.

Breeder

Purchasing a Caucasian shepherd puppy from a breeder is by far the most expensive way to go. The average price for a Caucasian shepherd puppy ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Some outlets estimate that for a pure-bred, high-pedigree pup, costs can reach up to $10,000!

Other Factors That Influence the Price of a Caucasian Shepherd

A number of factors influence the price of bringing home a new dog. Here are a few important things to consider.

Lineage

A dog’s pedigree and bloodline can considerably impact its price. You’ll obviously end up paying much more for a purebred dog from a high pedigree than a mixed-breed dog.

Gender and Age

As with most breeds, puppies tend to be more expensive than adult dogs. Additionally, male Caucasian shepherds tend to be more expensive than females.

Location

Location can certainly affect how much you spend when buying or adopting a Caucasian shepherd. In general, dogs tend to be more expensive in big cities. If you’re willing to travel to get the pup of your dreams, you may find a Caucasian shepherd that costs less.

Breeder Reputation

It goes without saying that a reputable breeder will likely charge more than breeders with a less stellar reputation. The upside is that buying from a reputable breeder helps ensure your dog has been well taken care of prior to you bringing your new pet home.

Cost of Vaccinations and Other Medical Expenses for Caucasian Shepherds

Vaccinations are one of the most important medical precautions to take for your dog’s overall health. Depending on how old the Caucasian shepherd is when you adopt, some vaccinations may already have been performed.

The average annual price for all necessary vaccines is around $170. Other factors, such as where you live, can alter the amount you’ll pay for veterinary services. 

The chart below shows the average cost of dog vaccinations each year.

Below is a chart of other common medical expenses that most dog owners should factor into their budget.

The good news is that Caucasian shepherds don’t appear to be prone to any major health issues and are typically healthy dogs. A few things to watch out for are issues that are common in large dogs, such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Caucasian Shepherds

After you bring home your Caucasian shepherd, you’ll need to factor food and supplies for your pup care into your budget.

Food

Caucasian shepherds are a large dog breed. According to Spot Pet Insurance, they need about 700g to 2,000g of food per day. High-quality, vet-recommended food could end up costing around $200 per month. Add another $20-$30 for treats for your pup.

Grooming

Caucasian shepherds have a variety of coat types, from very long to short. If you have a long-haired variety, your dog will need daily brushing.

Regular dog grooming should also involve trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth regularly, and bathing them as needed. Purchasing the equipment for DIY grooming will cost around $30-$40, while a visit to a professional groomer typically sets you back $50-$60.

Accessories

Dogs need a number of basic accessories such as toys, crates, leashes, collars, harnesses, food bowls, poop bags, and beds. Beyond that, the price of accessories depends on how much you want to spend, but you should factor in at least another $1,000 over the course of your dog’s lifetime.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure a Caucasian Shepherd?

Pet insurance helps cover the cost of major vet bills for your furry friend. Pet insurance premiums can range from $360 to $720 annually depending on the plan you choose, reports Market Watch.

How Much Does it Cost to Train a Caucasian Shepherd?

Early training is extremely important for Caucasian shepherds. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed is independent and intelligent and can be very protective of their family and property. Training can be a challenge so professional training sessions (which can range from $40 to $250 per session) are a worthwhile investment.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jagodka/Shutterstock.com