Which is Better Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 34 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 80 to 220 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1160 $2110
Price Range $450 – $1200 $1500 – $2500
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 85.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are most different:

    • American Pit Bull Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are most similar:

    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    Size Comparison of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is 11.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 85.0 percent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $450 – $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 561 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Caucasian Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.