The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a breed that developed in Central Asia, which, according to some sources, is about a thousand years old. Also known as Alabay, Turkmen wolfhound or Asian. It is believed that the ancestors of the breed have a Tibetan Mastiff.
The breed developed in natural conditions, by selecting the traits that a person needs. The result of this selection was large, beautiful dogs, staunch shepherds, capable of withstanding heat and frost and without hesitation to engage in a fight with a wolf.
Appearance
Alabai is a powerful, harmoniously built molossus. Males are more massive than females, larger, with a well-defined withers. The head of the dog is in proportion to the body, body with a straight, broad back and well-developed muscles.
The coat is straight, dense, with an undercoat of 5-10 cm. Color - any, except blue, brown and black-backed. Alabai wool in unfavorable conditions is able to knock tightly and protect the dog, like a shell, from rain and wind.
These are tall dogs, with a height of 65 cm at the withers and a weight of 40 kg. It is their size, strong constitution and excellent health that help Alabai to cope with the breed duties of a guard and a shepherd.
It is customary for Asian Shepherd dogs to have their ears cut off at puppyhood. This is done due to the fact that when fighting with wolves or other dogs, the ears of the animal are not damaged.
Character and temperament
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a proud and independent dog. At the same time, she is confident and balanced. Choosing this breed, you need to know for sure that it has a highly developed instinct to protect the territory and its owner.
Since it has historically developed that Alabai is used for grazing livestock, the dog has developed a breed characteristic - an innate quick reaction and a lightning-fast throw at the enemy. She fearlessly enters the fight with any predator, even one that is much larger than herself. It is not without reason that alabai is so valued and revered by the shepherds of Central Asia.
In addition to fearlessness, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are famous for their endurance and performance. These dogs are used to protect large territories, and, while carrying a guard, they can do without shelters. The watchmen of them are wonderful: starting a dog of this breed, you can be sure that a stranger will not penetrate into the protected territory.
It is impossible not to say about the flexible mind of these dogs. Alabai are not only well trained, but also self-taught. The only thing that the owner needs to remember before starting training is that the Alabai dog is quite independent and independent. This is a difficult dog to train, but very loyal to its owner.
A large, unpretentious, quick-witted, well-oriented dog with excellent watchdog qualities - this is Alabai.
