Description

Also called the Alabai or Central Asian Ovtcharka, this is a typical Molosser-type breed. The Central Asian Shepherd is robust, with a large and powerful head. They have blunt muzzles, medium-sized floppy ears, and thick dark lips. This breed has straight and well-muscled back, a deep and wide chest, and a slightly tucked up belly. The Alabai’s tail is thick at the base, arching up in a sickle-shape , or loosely curled. Docking was traditional, but this is banned in many countries to protect animal welfare. The legs are strong and straight, ending in large rounded paws. 

Origin: Central Asia

Look

The Central Asian Shepherd has straight fur, with a coarse texture. The coat is short and thick on the dog’s head and front of the legs, and tends to be longer over the shoulders. Some dogs even have a mane and feathers on the legs and tail. This breed is a moderate to heavy shedder, but fortunately they are easy to groom. Most Shepherds only need to be brushed once a week or so.  

The Central Asian Shepherd can be almost any colour: the only unacceptable colours are genetic blue and genetic brown in any combination and black mantel on tan (according to the breed standard).

Health

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog can suffer from one or more of the following health issues:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

At Newdoggy.com, we recommend that you buy your dog from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines.

Learning

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog was bred to be a livestock guardian. They would live out in the fields or farms, guarding the herds or the property from predators and intruders. As such, this breed has a very independent nature.

Although intelligent and brave, this breed can be stubborn. Without proper training and socialisation, this dog can become aggressive. Training and socialisation need to start as early as possible to avoid unwanted behaviors later on in life. Good handling and training throughout your dog’s life are likely to be necessary. 

A firm and patient trainer is vital. This breed responds well to positive training methods, but consistency is key. Due to these characteristics, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is not recommended for first time dog owners.

Temperament

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is brave and willing to its family at all costs. This means that the breed is at best disinterested in strangers, and at worst hostile towards them. Early training and socialisation will help you to teach your Central Asian Shepherd Dog good manners. Provided that you are consistent and firm, your dog will grow up to be a good canine citizen.

Living with

If you are willing to put in the time and effort needed to keep this breed, you may find that owning a Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a rewarding experience. Although proud and bold, these dogs are also very affectionate towards their family, and make excellent guard dogs. 

This breed is best suited for an experienced dog owner who can bring out its best traits. While not a high energy breed, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog has amazing endurance and should go out for at least one hour of exercise every day. 

It is debated whether this breed is suitable for families with children: on the one hand, they are highly affectionate and gentle to family members (even to other family pets), but their size means they might accidentally knock over small children.  Young children should always be supervised when they are around dogs.