The Central Asian Shepherd Dog or Alabai is one of the oldest dog breeds among all existing on earth. For several thousand years, representatives of this breed lived next to people and helped them as guards. Experienced dog breeders know that Asians are extremely hardy, fearless and self-confident dogs with a fairly calm disposition.
Alabai
History of origin of the breed
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (CAO) is an indigenous breed from the countries of Central Asia that has existed for over 4 thousand years. Asian dogs are endowed with a developed territorial instinct. For many centuries they protected caravans and houses from robbers, and were also actively used by cattle breeders to protect their herds. The fearless, intelligent and noble animal quickly became a national treasure, which resulted in the emergence of alternative names:
- tobet (dog on a hill) – a Kazakh version, noting the peculiarity of tracking predators (the dog was located on the top of a hill, opening a wide viewing angle);
- alabai (variegated and rich) - a Turkmen version based on the variegation of color and the richness of the coat;
- Buribasar (wolfhound) - an Uzbek version that celebrates fighting skills that allow one to emerge victorious in a fight with wolves.
Thus, the Central Asian Shepherd and Alabai are different names of the same breed: SAO is the official one, and Alabai is the national one.
What are Central Asian Shepherd Dogs used for?
Today, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, which is more often called Alabai, is used mainly for protection. This strong and fearless animal copes well with the role of a guard; even wolves avoid places protected by Alabai. In Russia, you can often see such a dog not only in rural areas, where its appearance, given its “profession,” would be logical, but also in the city. Many city dwellers keep Alabais in their apartments, although this causes them some inconvenience due to the “increased hairiness” of the animal and the need to feed the voracious giant abundantly.
Well, in conclusion, after we got acquainted with the history and specialization of the shepherd dog, let's decide: are Asian and Alabai the same thing or not? The answer to the question is clear: yes! The Central Asian Shepherd, like every dog breed, has a number of regional variants that are not independent breeds, and the Turkmen Alabai is considered its classic, standard variety. Alabai is a Turkic word, and in its composition one can clearly distinguish “ala”, which means “motley” - this is due to the color of the animal. In Turkmenistan and other regions of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, where pasture livestock farming is preserved, alabai, like thousands of years ago, continue to fulfill their direct duties - that is, protecting herds from predators and thieves.
Performance check
In the modern understanding of the working qualities of dogs, the main purpose of the breed is protection and protection, and this is what is meant when they talk about the working qualities of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Dogs that are unable to fight back against a two-legged or four-legged opponent are not considered true wolfhounds and should not take part in breeding, no matter what titles they may have. To evaluate the working qualities of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, in a number of places of primordial breeding, fights were held according to clearly established rules that excluded injuries or death of dogs. In modern history, these events were called “Wolfhound Tests”. Wolfhound testing is a test of the breed's character, fortitude and physical qualities.
Today, the guarding qualities of the Central Asian Shepherd are the most sought after in the breed. However, not every dog has an innate ability to guard, and it is passed on only genetically
Alabai's character
Character
The character of the Alabai is considered to be balanced and calm; they are self-possessed, proud and independent. The dogs are very calm, rarely show aggression, and are not fussy.
They behave distrustfully and warily towards strangers. Dogs take life seriously and also have a slight arrogance.
Alabai recognizes as his owner only a strong, active person with a strong character and experience in dog breeding. This breed is not suitable for children and people who are sedentary, passive, or weak-willed.
Distinctive features
The distinctive characteristics of the Central Asian Shepherd are:
The head of these dogs is massive, large, and shaped like a rectangle. The stop is smooth, the muzzle does not taper towards the lobe. The nasal mucosa is black or deep brown. There are pronounced brow ridges.
The eyes are round, not very large, set wide apart, and the color is brown.
The ears are in the shape of a triangle, drooping from birth. They are usually stopped in the very first days of life.
Scissor bite. Teeth with snow-white enamel, large, strong, fit well, 42 pieces in total. Large and powerful jaws.
The neck is strong and of moderate length.
The paws are straight, strictly parallel, powerful, with strong bones, set wide apart.
The body is not long, with pronounced muscles. A slightly pronounced high rear is allowed (the height at the withers is 2-3 cm greater than at the rump).
The chest is broad, with well-developed muscles.
The abdomen is slightly tucked.
The coat can be short (from 3 to 4 cm) and long (from 7 to 8 cm), smooth, soft to the touch, with a thick undercoat.
The tail is saber-shaped, thick at the base, set high, docked.
Alabai coat color
Varieties of colors and coat types
To explain what Central Asian Shepherd dogs look like, you need to show photographs of them. A variety of coat colors are available and acceptable: white, black, black and white, red, brindle, gray, spotted, white and red. The most common are snow-white ones; they are popularly called albinos, although they are not such.
The tiger-colored Alabai makes a special impression; this coat color in the human subconscious creates an even greater fear of the power of such dogs. Tibetan white alabai are valued less than others, but they are the most widespread.
Alabais come in two types of coat: smooth-haired and long-haired. These species can mate with each other, but long-tailed owners are not willing to make such deals.
Central asian shepherd dog
Walks and meals
If you need a dog to walk along the alley on a leash, then the Alabai is definitely not suitable. The physical characteristics of the dog require great stress. In order for him to grow strong, resilient and harmonious, he needs constant loads in the form of jogging, descents and ascents. For Alabais kept in an apartment and suffering from a lack of space and physical activity, many hours of double walks in the fresh air is a way out of the situation.
Both natural and factory-made food are acceptable for feeding the Central Asian Shepherd. If you prefer to feed your pet with ready-made food, then you should give only premium products. With a natural diet, you need to balance the supply of nutrients, so the diet should include lean meat, boiled sea fish, cereals, vegetables, some offal, kefir, and cottage cheese.
Features of care
Alabai is not whimsical and does not require special care . The same coat rarely looks dirty and matted. It is enough to use a brush a couple of times a week to avoid unpleasant consequences.
However, this rule does not apply to the shedding period, when dead hair from dogs simply falls off.
When examining the ears, mouth and eyes, it is advised to be systematic and regularly remove accumulated dirt with a cotton pad or a special product..
Use water procedures no more than once a month, and then after bathing the dog should be thoroughly dried with a towel.
Education and training
Raising and training such a strong animal is simply necessary. You need to start training at a young age, from three months. You need to practice alabai for at least 30 minutes a day. By the age of five months, he should know such simple commands as “Come to me!”, “Sit!”, “Place!”, “Ugh!”
It is worth remembering that Alabai is capricious and is unlikely to obey you right away. Only patience will help you achieve results. You can encourage your great friend with treats and friendly stroking on the back of the neck. All this will become incentives for the dog.
Males are easier to train than females. It is better to entrust the training of a peculiar shepherd to a professional. Only they are able to turn a puppy into a guard and well-mannered dog.
Alabai puppy
Price range
A pet with a defect will cost an average of 10-12 thousand rubles, without a defect, but nondescript in appearance, a little higher - 15 thousand rubles.
Alabai with a rich pedigree and no less broad prospects - 20-45 thousand rubles.
There are many factors that influence the cost of a breed: pedigree, appearance, coat color (white “bears” are more promising than spotted ones), presence of defects, region. Another thing is the size; it does not affect the price of purchasing an Alabai puppy.
Possible diseases and methods of treating them
The Central Asian Shepherd is one of the strongest breeds. She is muscular and resilient, beautiful and graceful. But even such a dog is prone to illness. The main problem of the Alabais is parasites. It’s hard not to “catch” them, especially if your pet spends a lot of time outside. Even if there are no fleas on his body, still give him medicine for these pests. It should be prescribed by a veterinarian who previously examined the dog. He will also calculate the dosage of the drug.
To prevent an animal from becoming infected with a dangerous disease, such as plague, it must be vaccinated in the first months of its life. The veterinarian informs the breeder about the vaccination plan.
Possible variations
We found out that the Alabai differs from the Asian only in name, but beginners also have to face other difficulties. Let's figure out the difference between the Alabai dogs offered by breeders, and how to avoid being scammed when buying a pet.
Tibetan
The breed is represented by crossbreeds of Asians and Tibetan mastiffs. There is no official standard.
The dog, called the Turkish Alabai (pictured), differs from the Central Asian Shepherd as the result of an unclear crossbreeding
Turkish
A mysterious option from unscrupulous sellers. Even the Turks themselves have no idea about such an animal.
Caucasian
Another mestizo obtained by crossing with Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. Received no recognition.
The Caucasian Alabai's resemblance to the Central Asian Shepherd Dog gives it a touching appearance
Turkmen
The only official version of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, including 2 varieties:
- alabai - classic Asians, with the most attractive exterior and good disposition (they are used not only as guards, but also as faithful companions);
- Coplon leopards are an indigenous variant, characterized by aggression and used to guard livestock.
Coplon leopards are the same alabai, but not for home
