Alabai are called dogs of one of the most ancient aboriginal breeds, formed on the territory of Central Asia. Back in the days of the Soviet Union, canine enthusiasts began to bring animals to Moscow and other large cities, which later became the founders of the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs.
Who are the Alabai: the history of the breed
Alabai has long been very popular among many peoples of Central Asia. Usually these dogs are used in security and guard services. Representatives of this breed belong to the so-called molossians. According to experts, the Alabai were formed as a result of folk selection, the process of which took more than 4 thousand years. It should be noted that there are several breed “foci” with which several types are associated. Basically, different types of Alabai differ somewhat from each other in appearance, while retaining the general properties of temperament, behavior and psyche.
On the territory of Kazakhstan, the Alabai are known under the name "Tobet"; they have been helping the shepherds for a long time, guarding the flocks of sheep.
Currently, Alabai are distributed over a fairly large territory - from the Caspian to China, as well as from the Urals to Afghanistan. According to cynologists, dogs of this breed combined the features of several ancestors at once - in their veins flows the blood of ancient Tibetan dogs, Mesopotamian war dogs, as well as four-legged shepherds, which were bred at different times by nomads. Among the most famous relatives of the Alabai are Mongolian Shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff dogs.
The character and working qualities of Alabai
Since ancient times, these dogs were valued for their working qualities - they guarded livestock and accompanied caravans, and also defended the home of their owners. As a result of tough natural selection (Alabai, as a rule, lived in the number of several pieces from one owner), the harsh conditions of existence and the fight against various predators, the dogs gradually formed a modern appearance and character. Now breeders of Alabaevs characterize their pets as smart, strong and fearless animals.
At the same time, the training of the Alabaevs is associated with a number of difficulties. Classes should be started from a very early age, making sure that the dog understands the hierarchy in the family, that is, considers its owner as the main one. It should be noted that in Soviet times, dog handlers were not able to sufficiently popularize the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, which they initially intended to use to protect state objects. However, not every dog breeder, even one with experience, was able to train the Alabaevs.
In Turkmenistan, thoroughbred Alabai, like horses of the Akhal-Teke breed, are considered the property of the nation - it is forbidden to export these animals outside the country.
According to the breeders of the Alabaevs, dogs of this breed are quite mature - they show aggression only after there is a clear threat to the subject of protection - whether it is a flock of sheep, the owner and his family members, or the territory where the animal “serves”.
