The Central Asian Shepherd dog is known as the Alabai. It is a livestock guardian dog breed.
The dog breed used to protect and guard sheep in Central Asia back in the day.
It is a colossal dog breed known by FCI as a Molossoid dog breed of the Soviet-era lineage under Russian patronage.
Many of these dogs live in Russia and were rated the number one breed in the country as of 2000.
The Central Asia Shepherd is balanced, proud, and self-assured. They have an excellent working capacity and are very courageous.
This dog breed is famous for its braveness towards predators. Also, this dog is not for first-time dog owners.
Profile
- Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
- Weight: 121 to 176
- Height: 27 to 32 inches
- Temperament: Independent, Courageous, Strong, Bold
- Suitable for: Rural areas, families with children
- Coat: Smooth or Feathered
- Comparable with: Tibetan Mastiff
- Color: Golden, black, white, or cream
Breed Characteristics
- Adaptability: Medium
- Energy Level: High
- Amount of Shedding: Low
- Friendliness: Medium
- Intelligence: High
- Trainability: Medium
History of Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Central Asian Shepherds are arguably the oldest recognized group of dogs today.
According to artifacts, people found this dog breed in native lands about 5,000 years ago in Central Asia.
However, no specific country or person created them. Instead, the culture and climate of an uncivilized period made them.
Their history is related to the development and civilization of man. Also, we can know more about them by going down the history lane of the old Silk Road.
To understand their past lives, you must realize that there was a time when extreme climates and surviving a day was not an easy goal.
Moreover, today, you will find people using this Central Asian Shepherd dog to guard their sacred properties, family, horses, etc.
Thus, this breed seeks human attention, forming a solid bond with their keepers and protecting whatever is in their territory.
They are submissive and loyal to their families but have a stubborn streak. They can be very calm and relaxed while indoors but active outdoors.
Humans discovered and adopted their values after seeing how they survived against deep climates and large predators.
Though they are not energetic, they endure work.
Popularity
The National Holiday started in Turkmenistan in 2021. The first beauty contest, “Brave Turkmen Alabay” of the Year,” took place in Turkmenistan on the same day as the National Holiday, April 2021.
The contest takes place every year in Turkmenistan. It is part of the holiday celebrated every last Sunday of April.
Care
It would be best to feed your Central Asian Shepherd Dog a feed that will meet his feeding needs throughout the several stages of his life.
Most dog food companies always have formulas for small and big dog fighting breeds. Central Asian Shepherd Dog is in the category of large-extra-large breeds.
Nobody can decide for you what you feed your dog. It is an individual choice. However, it is best to work with your vet doctor or breeder to accurately determine the amount of feed you can give your dog and the best diet for adults to increase his prosperity.
Furthermore, fresh and clean water should always be available.
This dog breed needs minimal grooming for its developed undercoat. This breed’s “once in a year” shedding is called the “fur storm.
Also, it would be best to bathe them occasionally to keep them looking their best and clean.
Grooming is a beautiful experience for keepers and their pets. It would help if you trimmed their fast-growing nails regularly with a grinder or nail clipper to prevent cracking, splitting, and overgrowth.
The wax build-up can lead to infection, so always check the ears. Also, it would be best if you always brush your dog’s teeth.
Size
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog weighs about 88 to 100 pounds. They sit about 24 to 28 at the shoulders. The males are larger than the females in both weight and height.
Exercise
This breed is suitable for families that are interested in daily exercise. They should be protected in a fenced compound for safety while exercising, as they are very independent and intelligent. Though this dog breed has little energy, it can endure hiking and walking.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of this dog breed is between 11 and 16 years.
Feeding
The amount of food a dog consumes depends on its size, age, metabolism, and build-up. Dogs are also living beings, so, like humans, they do not all require the same quantity of food.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs’ diet should be for an extra-large breed with standard exercise requirements because they are significant.
I’ll advise you to meet a vet for safer and better recommendations.
Health
They are a very healthy dog breed; no breed ailment is known. However, this dog breed can develop elbow and hip dysplasia because of the breed size.
Bonding and Temperament
This ancient breed is well-built. The Central Asian Shepherd dog will bond with children and other pets, especially those they see as their family members. However, they can be distant from strangers.
It is one of the working dog breeds that must socialize. They usually get along with cats and other pets, especially other dogs from their breed, because they better understand themselves.
It’s not best to leave minor children with any dog whatsoever. They are large and can cause injury to them.
Coat
This dog breed’s coat comes in different colors. The most popular ones are white, brindle, black, and fawn.
Sometimes, their coats are plain, and sometimes, they are a mixture of these colors. The dogs usually have medium-length, dense coats that are straight.
They are straightforward to groom but not a good choice for people with allergies. The owner should brush the dogs’ coats regularly.
It is usually thicker during winter and more scanty in summer. They tend to grow a dense undercoat during the winter.
Culmination
- They are easy to groom but not a good choice for people with allergies.
- This guard dog breed bonds well with kids and other pets but can be distant from strangers.
- They are not recognized as energetic dogs but can endure walks.
- They get along with other Central Asian Shepherd dogs than other pets.
- Their coats come in different colors and can be mixed or plain.
- They are courageous towards predators.
- They are quiet dogs but will sound the alarm when they see strangers.
- This dog breed is a flock guardian.
- They are also working dogs.