Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

80 - 100
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
24 - 33.5
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
10 - 12 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Working
Breed Group
Sporting
Russia
Origin
Scotland
Guard dogs, defending sheep from predators, mainly wolves, jackals and bears
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

2/5
Energy Level
4/5
Better
4/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
2/5
Good with Children
5/5
Better
2/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
Better
5/5
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$3,506
Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)
Expense
Golden Retriever
$3,506
Annual Cost
$2,844
Lower ✓
$4,226
First Year
$3,564
Lower ✓
$39,286
Lifetime Total
$32,004
Lower ✓
$1,116
Food (annual)
$780
Lower ✓
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$550
Grooming (annual)
$440
Lower ✓
$1,080
Insurance (annual)
$864
Lower ✓
$90
Insurance (monthly)
$72
Lower ✓

Over their lifetimes, a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) costs approximately $7,282 less than a Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)

Alert, Quick, Dominant, Powerful, Calm, Strong

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch