Central Asian Shepherd Dog - description and characteristics of the breed

Central Asian Shepherd - is considered the oldest breed serving the man. The dog impresses with its size, unusual appearance and piercing, but reasonable look. Often a dog is called an Alabai or a Turkmen shepherd.

Description and characteristics of the breed

Despite the fact that Alabay is an ancient breed, to this day it has been preserved in its original form. The dog is gigantic and boasts an innate instinct for the guard. To raise a truly wise dog, you need a special approach in his education. Therefore, if you decide to opt for this breed, make sure that you have enough physical strength.

The Central Asian Shepherd has a difficult character. They have pride, courage, self-confidence, and sometimes even try to demonstrate their independence. Alabai are able to make independent decisions, which indicates a high level of intellectual development. In this regard, the pet will execute only those commands that, in his opinion, are necessary. To raise a smart and flexible dog, you will need a lot of strength and patience.

Origin history

The history of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is more than 4 thousand years old. The true origin of the dog, unfortunately, is unknown, but the Tibetan mastiff is considered to be its ancestor. In the modern world, Alabai are found in Russia, Iran and Afghanistan. In addition, they are valued in Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. Outside Central Asia, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is extremely rare.

For many centuries, the shepherd has been a reliable guard and protector of nomadic shepherds and their herds. Such dogs accompanied the Mongols when they invaded Europe and most likely made a considerable contribution to the formation of European dog breeds.

Life span

Many people wonder how many Alabai live. On average, life expectancy is up to 12-14 years. But most individuals survive to 10 years, after which they die. The reason for this phenomenon is improper veterinary care and lifestyle.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog Breed Standard

The following appearance characteristics are characteristic of established standards:

1. The head is quite large, even wide, has well-developed cheekbones, the transition from the muzzle to the forehead is poorly developed.
2. The muzzle is voluminous. The ears are medium, triangular, in most cases cropped. The shape of the eyes is round, the size is small, the look is stern. The nose is large, round in shape. The jaws are powerful, composed of 42 teeth, the bite is straight or scissor-shaped.
3. Strong muscular neck.
4. The skin is thick and elastic, folds can form.
5. The back is wide, has well-developed muscles.
6. The chest is also wide, set deep.
7. Tail - located high, looks like a ring or sickle. Docked.
8. Smooth gait.
9. The length of the coat is from 3 to 10 centimeters. In the area of ​​the ears, tail and hind legs, tow marks may form.
10. Any color except brown and blue.
11. Homeland - Central Asia.

Stopping the ears and tails of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an optional but desirable procedure.

The animal's coat is rough and hard to the touch. There are several varieties of shepherd dogs that differ in the length of their coat. All individuals have a dense undercoat. Dogs grow up to 70 centimeters, bitches 5-7 cm less. The weight of the shepherd ranges from 40 to 80 kilograms.

Purpose and character of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Alabai have always been friends of shepherds. Their distinguishing qualities are unpretentiousness, endurance, excellent intelligence and affection. All this is combined with leisurelyness and self-confidence. More qualities have been formed over several thousand years, and today are transmitted at the genetic level.

Weakness of a shepherd - kids. Adults belong to babies with special trepidation, taking care of and protecting them in every possible way. They are even able to open fights or prevent injuries. Young individuals behave a little differently, they consider themselves at the level of children and try to take part in the upbringing or clarification of relationships. At this age, you need to constantly look after the pet and direct its behavior in the right direction.

Alabai know the territory entrusted to them perfectly. They almost never enter the territory of other flocks, faithfully guard their master, members of his family and their puppies. Dogs do not pursue large areas.

Historically, the Central Asian Shepherd is a herd animal. That is why the dog feels as comfortable as possible if he has a companion. The ideal option is an older male and a younger female. They will never conflict. In addition, heterogeneous Alabai of different sizes get along well. Smaller in height can be both females and males.

Shepherd dogs get along well with the owner's cats. But if a neighboring animal wanders into their territory, then it can be destroyed without warning. If a pet is raised on a farm from a young age, it will become a reliable guard of the animals entrusted to it.

Puppy selection criteria

When choosing a puppy, consider all breed standards. It is better to purchase a future pet in trusted nurseries. Only in this case you can be sure that you will get a healthy and purebred four-legged friend. Ask how many puppies the female brought.If their number is more than 5, then it is better to refrain from buying, as puppies have an increased risk of developing many diseases. It is best to buy puppies from a mother who is no more than 8 years old.

Carefully inspect your puppy. He must be active and inquisitive. The coat should shine. The dog should be of medium build, no need to take too fat or thin pet. Age - from 1.5-2 months after the first course of vaccination. A few days after birth, the puppy's tail and ears are stopped.

Maintenance, care and feeding

Given the size of the pet, it needs space, which is difficult to provide in an apartment environment. That is why it is better to abandon the maintenance of Alabay in the city.

To keep your four-legged friend always healthy and well-groomed, adhere to the following rules:

1. Comb the dying hair regularly. As a rule, Alabai’s wool does not get tangled, and the residual dirt crumbles upon drying. This minimizes care. Shepherd dogs molt once a year, at this time daily combing of wool is required.
2. Examine your ears, eyes, claws, and teeth regularly. As practice shows, these parts of the body are not affected by infections, so you should adhere to general recommendations in care.
3. Every day, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog needs an intensive load. The animal can be taken for jogging or cycling. Do not allow Alabai to form excess weight.

Up to 3 months of age, the puppy needs to be fed 5 times a day, then the norm is reduced to 3 times, and from 6 months old they are transferred to 2 single feeding. In the diet of the puppy must be present scraped meat, eggs, rice and oatmeal, carrots, apples, herbs, cottage cheese, whey, soaked bread. Adults can be given pork and beef ears, cheeks, cartilage, boiled liver, offal, quail eggs, cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy products. Be sure to add the vitamin-mineral complex. Better that the vitamins be prescribed by the veterinarian.

Please note that in the summer, Alabaev is characterized by loss of appetite. This is due to the fact that less energy is spent on body heating.

Purchased feed is acceptable in the shepherd’s diet. It is advisable that they be premium. Feeds from Canada are considered the best.

How to train a Central Asian Shepherd Dog

You need to train a dog from an early age. Try to devote at least 20 minutes to this process daily. All family members are allowed to participate in the training, but everyone needs to adhere to generally established rules. By 9 months, the dog should know the basic commands.

Pay special attention to the formation of needs, such as positive emotions, play, communication with family members and other animals.

Do not forget that Alabai are touchy and vindictive, therefore, in no case do not apply cruel measures to them. You will never be able to make contact with a pet if you keep scolding or suppressing him all the time. If you have given a specific command to Asiat, be sure to strive for its implementation. The puppy must learn not to respond to extraneous irritants, for this try always to walk different routes.

The weak side of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is aggressive behavior in relation to other animals. This question should always be kept under control and try to minimize it.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the training of Alabai to professional dog handlers.

Pros and cons of the breed

The advantages of the breed include:

• mind;
• excellent protective qualities;
• endurance;
• bravery;
• kindness;
• fidelity.

Cons of the breed:

• not the best option for living in an apartment;
• during molting, a large amount of wool falls out;
• aggressive behavior towards outsiders;
• improper upbringing can lead to uncontrolled behavior;
• It requires competent and timely training.

If you still do not understand the difference between Alabay and the Central Asian Shepherd, then we will answer with confidence - nothing. This is the same canine representative found in Central Asian countries.