Alabai is a dog that combines a stern appearance and a serious character.
The dog has a massive and harmonious build, strong muscles, a toned belly and dense paws.
Alabais are considered to be quite large dogs, with an average height of 65-80 cm and weight of 70-90 kg.
At the same time, the bitch has a more elongated body and lighter bones.
By nature, Alabai is stubborn, restrained, unhurried and calm.
Is it necessary to dock
Alabai with ears and a tail are allowed to exhibition events along with individuals that have undergone surgery. The issue with the procedure is relevant for dogs participating in the protection of farm animals, tournaments or on duty.
Important! What is the requirement: for service dogs guarding objects or employed by law enforcement agencies, docking is mandatory and reduces damage in the event of a fight with an attacker.
According to standard
Veterinarians' opinion
Many veterinarians are against docking Alabais. The only exceptions may be medical indications. Often specialists refuse to perform such operations, especially if the animal is already a month old. In such a situation, general anesthesia is necessary, and this negatively affects the puppy’s health.
Docking Alabais is not a mandatory procedure. Veterinarians say that it should only be done in cases of extreme necessity. Alabai without cropped ears can also claim victory in the exhibition, like his cropped brother.
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"Pros and cons"
There are a large number of opponents of docking; in many European countries the process is equated to animal cruelty. The positive aspects of surgical intervention are presented:
- aesthetic function - a change in appearance helps to emphasize the thoroughbred nature of the dog, and Alabais with ears and a tail look more like mestizos;
- necessity - service dogs are protected from accidental injuries;
- Reduced risk of tail fracture - a mature pet will not have to deal with unnecessary pain.
The negative aspects of the operation include:
- health risk - any surgical operation causes harm;
- lack of direct need;
- reduction in aggressiveness - studies have proven that pets with a natural appearance are kinder than their operated relatives;
- soreness - the false concept that babies do not feel pain is not true.
Important! Cropping the ears of an Alabai or Shepherd dog is prohibited for individuals with congenital pathologies. Reduced immunity will lead to slow recovery, complications and inflammatory processes.
Month-old puppies without surgery
Possible complications
The cut sites heal completely after two weeks, but complications may arise:
- bleeding. This phenomenon is most often encountered by owners of adult dogs. It is imperative to show your pet to a veterinarian, who will stop the bleeding using a veterinary pencil or a special powder;
- seals or scars appear at the site of the cuts. They do not cause any inconvenience to the dog, but they greatly spoil the appearance. Such negative consequences can be avoided if the docking procedure is carried out from the first days of the animal’s life;
- If you do not properly treat the cut sites, then an infection can get into the wound. Because of this, an inflammatory process develops.
Important! If postoperative complications are detected, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of the procedure are presented:
- prevention of injuries in service and guard animals - intruders and wild animals will not be able to harm the pet;
- medical indications - surgical intervention is prescribed for malignant neoplasms, necrosis, ulceration and trauma;
- aesthetic factors - the operated individuals look more beautiful and meet the standard requirements for the breed.
The list of disadvantages of manipulation includes:
- possible problems with the musculoskeletal system - excision of part of the spine has a bad effect on health;
- problems with coordination of movements - cutting the tail increases the level of stress on the hind legs, causing abnormal development and deformation.
Important! Stopping Alabaev causes anger, decreased communication and mental disorders. If the animal is not intended for service use, but as a pet and companion, then there is no need for intervention. He doesn't need a "hot" character.
Attitude at exhibitions
Deviations from the standard
Serious disadvantages include: significant deviations in the exterior: lightness or looseness of build, long legs, narrow head, long muzzle, high-set ears, close-set eyes, curly hair, tail curled into a tight ring, height below the standard by 2 cm or more . Disqualifying character deviations are: timidity, cholericism, uncontrollable malice.
Albinos
Albinism in the Central Asian Shepherd is considered a disease. If the color is white, be sure to check the dark nose to prevent such individuals from being bred.
Undocked dog
When judged, docked and undocked animals are of equal value; undocked animals are not a deviation.
Alabai is a proud, difficult, but one of the most unique dog breeds. With proper training, your pet will grow into a loyal friend and devoted protector, friendly to children. Significant advantages of the breed are its unpretentious maintenance, good health and resistance to temperature changes. The disadvantages include an increased need for movement and difficulty in learning, as well as the impossibility of keeping them in an apartment.
When to dock the ears and tails of an Alabai
Veterinarians recommend performing the procedure within 10 days of birth. If no complications were noted during childbirth, it is performed on the fifth day. The issue with early surgery is related to the poor development of nerve endings in the ears and the cartilaginous basis of the tail joints.
In one-month-old puppies, the sites of intended docking are fully formed and attempts to intervene will provoke painful sensations. Animals feel pain at any age, but in infancy, recovery and healing of wounds occurs faster.
Post-procedure care
After the operation, the wounds are treated with an antiseptic for at least 10 days, and the Alabai baby’s sleeping place is carefully monitored. Bedding stained with blood is regularly changed.
The adult pet is given stitches and put on a special collar that prevents the animal from licking the incision site. It is important to keep the wound clean so that there is no development of a purulent process.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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If complications arise, the wound surface of the dog needs to be washed and re-treated.
The special Levosin ointment relieves itching and irritation well, and accelerates healing. It is recommended to use chlorhexidine as an antiseptic.
Which ear shape should you choose?
Short-haired breeds require perfect cutting lines on the ears. Otherwise, traces of intervention will be clearly visible. Among the accepted forms, the following options are distinguished:
- “bear” - the cuts resemble a semicircle;
- “Caucasian” - a third of the cartilage is excised, the ears remain conditionally long;
- “standard” - the cuts are made straight or semicircular, the ears become medium in size.
Important! Surgery is performed once. It is impossible to change the shape of the ears twice, so the owner will have to initially choose their permanent appearance.
Pattern procedure
For what?
Initially, the Alabai is a shepherd dog, whose responsibilities include protecting the herd from predators, and therefore fighting with them. In a fight with a wolf, the long tail and ears are extremely vulnerable places, and when wounded, a lot of blood is lost, so shepherds have long been getting rid of them, making the dog a more perfect fighter.
But is this really necessary if the animal is not in danger of fighting a wolf?
Some breeders believe that this is an integral part, emphasizing the characteristics of the breed and making the animal recognizable.
Others, on the contrary, relying on the Animal Rights Convention adopted in 1987, advocate a complete ban on this outdated tradition, in their opinion. They believe that performing cosmetic surgery on an animal is inhumane.
Everyone can choose their side, and at the exhibition, short-eared and long-eared representatives of the breed will be assessed by the jury exactly the same, since the standard includes both types of exterior.
Tail proportions
It is prohibited for Alabai to have their tail docked short because of its functional significance. With its help, the animal expresses emotions and shows the owner its condition. It is designed for balance, helps pets run.
In their historical homeland, it is customary to cut off the tails of animals by half; only males undergo the operation. In other places, the rules have undergone changes: the operation involves excision in the zone of transition of the last section of the spine from thick to thin.
Preventive measures during cupping
The technique for performing tail and ear docking surgery is the same for all dogs. The only difference is in the standards of the cupping itself.
It is always necessary to take into account all possible risk factors, both when performing surgery on a puppy at the age of 2 days, and when performing this operation on an adult dog. To do this, it is necessary to collect a life history of the puppy and its parents: find out from the owners or breeder how the birth went, how the puppies developed, whether there were any complications, what diseases the puppy’s parents have, and what hereditary diseases the puppy may have.
Some dog breeds should have their hearts checked because they are at risk for hereditary diseases, such as Doberman Pinschers.
There must always be the right choice of drugs and consumables for this operation.
It is always necessary to prevent the possibility of wound infection by using antibiotic therapy.
Preparation and technique of surgery
Preliminary preparations include the following requirements:
- a thorough examination of the ears - there should be no signs of inflammation, accumulation of wax or unusual bald spots on the outside;
- checking the coat - pets should not have fleas and ticks, special attention is paid to representatives who permanently live in enclosures;
- stopping feeding and taking away from the female - the puppy is not allowed to eat 12 hours before the appointed time;
- treatment of the future surgical field - internal areas are treated with hydrogen peroxide, the procedure is carried out in an hour and a half.
Important! The tail does not need any preliminary preparation.
Veterinarian advice
Most veterinary clinics prefer to perform the procedure without general anesthesia. Painful sensations during the operation will lead to resistance from the animal, so it will have to be held tightly. Ignoring the conditions can cause errors and incorrect cuts that cannot be corrected later.
The process takes place in stages:
- Ears - the hair is shaved off them. After cutting off the “extra” areas, the surgical field is treated with an antiseptic solution.
- The tail is excised with surgical scissors designed to trim cartilage. A professional performs the procedure in 4 minutes.
Babies under two weeks of age do not need suture material. The blood will stop on its own in a few minutes - the exception is due to poor blood circulation in the problem area.
Important! Manipulations should be carried out on the same day to avoid additional stress for the pet. You can’t do one thing and then schedule ear or tail trimming later. To reduce discomfort and pain, you can ask for local anesthesia to be administered to the animal.
Cupping rules
The ideal time for docking is considered to be the first few days of a puppy’s life, since at this time he is insensitive to pain, he does not need stitches, and the wounds heal quickly. But the main difficulty is to prevent the mother from licking the cuts, as she may accidentally introduce an infection into the blood.
If ear and tail trimming of alabai dogs is carried out in the first days of life, then they are taken from the nursing bitch and until they heal, they are brought in only for feeding.
Older puppies over the age of 2 months undergo the procedure only under full anesthesia, suturing and a long recovery period.
Content
The best keeping option is to freely place the Central Asian Shepherd in the yard, where all protected objects will be available to it. The fence must be high so that the dog cannot jump over it. Any possibility of undermining should be excluded. The booth needs to be installed in a place from where the Alabai could control the entire territory. A chain and an enclosure are not suitable for representatives of the breed - these are freedom-loving dogs, restriction in movement will cause behavior disorders.
Need for physical activity
The Central Asian Shepherd can be kept in an apartment; a necessary condition is a large area of the rooms. You need to walk an adult pet at least 2 times a day, for 1 hour. The puppy is walked more often - 3-4 times a day. Start with 15 minutes, gradually increasing the duration of your stay outside.
Walk an adult shepherd dog on a long leash and wearing a muzzle. It is allowed to be let off the leash only in a special walking area in the absence of other dogs. Alabai are aggressive towards their relatives; they can not only seriously injure, but also bite a stranger’s dog.
Pregnant bitches also need a long daily walk, this increases the likelihood of a successful birth. In the first week after the puppies appear, take the dog outside at its first request. Wash her paws with water after every walk. Wipe nipples with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. If cracks are found, apply a bandage with synthomycin.
When walking, representatives of the breed are quite active, but do not need strong physical activity. Small runs, games, and activities on the playground are enough. It is recommended to choose new routes each time, as Alabai people like variety. These dogs love to swim and are excellent swimmers.
Central asian shepherd dog. Description, features, care and price
Appearance care
The coat of the Central Asian Shepherd does not require special care; it repels dirt, so it always looks well-groomed. Dogs shed throughout the year, more intensely in spring and autumn. To care for the coat, use a brush with medium-hard bristles; combing the undercoat is best done with a fine-toothed comb with mild teeth. Bathing your pet is enough 1-2 rubles. per year using unscented baby soap or shampoo.
It is recommended to trim the claws 1-2 times a month. Inspect and clean your dog's ears regularly using a cotton swab with an antiseptic. Eye care includes examination and removal of secretions. If signs of inflammation appear, wiping with cotton wool soaked in strong tea will help.
Nutrition
Alabai should not be overfed; representatives of the breed are prone to obesity. In addition, overeating causes deterioration of intestinal motility and leads to constipation. A monotonous diet is harmful for a dog.
Recommended diet composition:
- meat products (beef, poultry, offal);
- sea fish (1 rub. per week);
- eggs (no more than 2 times a week);
- fermented milk drinks;
- cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice);
- vegetables (zucchini, carrots, pumpkin);
- greens (dill, parsley);
- fruits (pears, apples).
During the cold season, increase the amount of food rich in proteins and carbohydrates. Feed more vegetables in summer. It is better to give meat raw. First you need to keep it in the freezer for several days, then defrost it. The offal must be boiled. The fish is also fed boiled, with the bones removed. You should not give your pet flour or sweets. Tubular bones are contraindicated.
It is better to include quail eggs in the Alabai diet; they are not a source of salmonella infection and are less likely to cause allergies than chicken eggs.
The frequency of feeding a dog depends on its age:
- from 1 to 2 months - 5 times;
- from 2 to 3 months. - 4 rubles;
- from 3 to 6 months. - 3 rubles;
- from 6 months — 2 rubles/day.
Night interval between feedings: up to 3 months. - 7-9 hours, from the age of 3 months. — 9-12 hours. Adults prone to obesity can be fed once a day. In summer, only 1 feeding is also allowed. Food should be given at the same time.
Asians are prone to food allergies, so be careful when adding new foods to your menu. Portions should be increased gradually, observing the dog’s condition.
Any food can cause allergies in Alabais. It is often triggered by beef.
To identify the allergen, exclude various components of the diet for at least 2 weeks
When purchasing ready-made diets, pay attention to the composition and quality. If your dog has a persistent food allergy, you need to buy special medicated food.
Alabai - description of the dog breed from A to Z
Indications
Let's try to figure out why such a procedure is needed. Let’s make a reservation in advance that cropping dogs’ ears and tails is one of the most controversial and problematic topics of discussion between amateur dog breeders and professional breeders.
Most opponents of this procedure equate it with barbarity and cruelty to animals, while supporters of the practice insist on its necessity.
There is a version according to which initially the ears and tails were cut off only for aggressive alabai, which often attacked people. Seeing such a dog, the person tried not to attract the dog’s attention for fear of becoming a victim of an embittered and aggressive animal. There is no scientific or historical evidence for this theory, so encyclopedias offer a different opinion.
According to scientists, docking the ears and tails of these large dogs began several centuries ago in order to make the Alabai as less vulnerable as possible when fighting with other animals. Thus, an Alabai who entered into a fight with a wolf often died from loss of blood if his tail was bitten. To protect the pet from such dangerous situations, to prevent the risk of death of animals, we began to dock their tails and ears.
Nowadays, the procedure has long lost its significance, since most dogs live at home - the likelihood of meeting a wild animal and receiving damage incompatible with life from it is minimized. The only exceptions are situations when an Alabai works to protect the territory or is in the service of law enforcement agencies, then the procedure is resorted to for the greater convenience of the animals themselves.
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In this case, docking performs the same function - it protects the dog from injury in the event of an attack.
Nowadays, tail and ear trimming is carried out only if there are medical indications for it. Moreover, in some countries there is even a ban on such procedures. However, not all owners are ready to abandon this dubious procedure.
Some breeders cut off the ears of an Alabai for aesthetic reasons in order to give distinctive breed characteristics to their pet - the fact is that an undocked dog is quite difficult to distinguish from a Caucasian Shepherd Dog or Labrador.
Medical indications for circumcision include:
- necrosis of the ears;
- tumor processes:
- ulcers on the surface;
- injury.
There are no reasons for tail docking as such, so the West has long abandoned the practice of evaluating dogs at shows based on this parameter. Moreover, at international competitions, judges even find fault with cropped ears and tails, since these manipulations are legally permitted exclusively in Russia and the states of the former USSR.
Keep in mind that there are conditions in which cupping is prohibited, these include:
- pathologies of growth and development in a puppy;
- pathologies of a viral, infectious or fungal nature;
- recovery period after illness or injury.
The fact is that all the described situations are accompanied by reduced immunity - in this case, healing will proceed slowly and the development of inflammatory processes is possible.
What to feed?
We do not recommend saving on food, as it directly affects the physical characteristics and health of the pet.
Dry food
If you are a busy person and you do not have time to prepare a complete diet, then use special mixtures. They must be appropriate for the dog's age. Give preference to Premium class food. There should be no sudden transition from one food to another.
Straight
If you decide to feed your pet natural food, then stick to a special balanced menu. It is different for each age.
Menu for the week
Meals for the day roughly look like this: cook porridge (500-900 grams) in broth or water, cut offal or meat into it (500-1000 grams), as well as some grated vegetables (100-200 grams).
You cannot feed:
- manna;
- pearl barley;
- corn porridge.
Two to three times a week, meat is replaced with fish. Doberman should not be given: cutlets, sausages and sausages - all this causes gastritis and even ulcers in the dog. Sugar and potatoes are also contraindicated.
It is useful to arrange (for a healthy dog) a fasting day once a week consisting of crackers and water.
Contraindications
Docking the tail and ears of the Alabai is a surgical operation, which means it has a number of contraindications.
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The procedure is not carried out if:
- the puppy is not healthy;
- there are pronounced deviations in the development of Alabai;
- there is purulent discharge from the ears;
- the animal has a fever.
You should also not trust cupping to a non-professional or carry out the procedure yourself in a non-sterile environment.
