Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog)

Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, or Alabais, are a devoted and strong breed of dog that can be a great companion. These dogs, who came from the vast steppes of Central Asia, have spent centuries breeding them to defend both human families and livestock. Though they are naturally protective due to their enormous strength and size, this breed is much more than just muscle.

Alabais are distinguished by their independence and intelligence. They can be both fierce and gentle because they have a strong instinct to defend. Although they are loving toward their family, they can be suspicious of strangers, which is why it’s important to socialize them properly. Although this combination of qualities can be rewarding, it also calls for a responsible owner who is aware of the needs of the breed.

Providing food and shelter is not the only aspect of caring for an Alabai. For these dogs, regular exercise and training are essential because they thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Although their loyalty and protective instincts can be a great asset, it’s crucial to set firm limits and provide them with training from an early age to make sure they become well-mannered adults.

It’s important to comprehend the history and traits of the Alabai breed, whether you plan to bring one into your home or you just want to learn more about this intriguing breed. Let’s examine more closely at what makes the Alabai such a special and esteemed friend.

Description of the breed Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog)

Alabai, who is a member of the molossers group, has a huge head that resembles a bear’s head slightly due to its massive lower jaw.

1. Country of origin: USSR (regions of Central Asia), under the patronage of Russia.
2. Use: guard, watch dog.
3. FCI classification: Group 2. Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossers, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs. Section 2.2. Molossers / Mountain Dogs. Without working trial.
4. General appearance: harmonious build, large size, moderately elongated format. The type of build is rough with well-developed, voluminous, but not relief muscles. The skin is thick, elastic, very mobile relative to the muscles, which contributes to less vulnerability in a fight with predator. The sexual type is clearly defined, males are more massive and masculine than females. Late maturation, the final formation of personality occurs by 3 years.
5. Important proportions:

1. The height at the withers for males is not less than 70 cm, for females not less than 65 cm.
2. The length of the body exceeds the height at the withers by 3-10%, males are more compact than females.
3. From the front leg to the elbow is 50-52% of the height at the withers.
4. Preference is given to a large dog with a proportional build.

An image of an Alabai sitting next to a wall

1. Skull: the forehead is flat, the cranial part is flat. The occipital protuberance is well developed, but is not very noticeable due to the highly developed, voluminous muscles. Developed superciliary arches.

A close-up picture of an Alabai’s muzzle

1. Lips: thick, the upper lip covers the lower jaw when the jaws are closed.

1. Jaws are wide, the bite is correct, scissor-like, straight, or an undershot bite without a retreat (with a very wide lower jaw).
2. Cheeks: zygomatic arches long, cheekbones with good muscles, but not disturbing the rectangular shape of the head.

Picture of Albai in full development

A picture of a puppy Central Asian Shepherd on the lawn

1. Shoulder blades: close-fitting to the chest, pulled back, the distance between the tops of the shoulder blades is significant.
2. Shoulders: the humerus is long, set with a slight slope, the muscles are well developed. The angles of the shoulder-scapular joints are about 100 degrees.
3. Elbows: directed strictly backwards.
4. Forearms: straight, rounded in cross-section. From the front leg to the elbows is 50-52% of the height at the withers.
5. Wrists: the carpal joints are very wide, thick.
6. Mescarpus: moderate in length, set almost vertically.
7. Paws: massive, rounded, arched in a lump. Paw pads are thick, fleshy, with tough, thick skin. Claws are strong.

1. Hips: with strong muscles. The femur is set with a slight slope.
2. Knees: the knee joints are moderately pronounced.
3. Shin: short with good muscles.
4. Hock joint: massive, moderately pronounced, with good fixation. The heel bones are well developed.
5. Metatarsus: moderate size, vertical. Dewclaws are allowed.
6. Paws: massive, round, arched, tight. Paw pads are thick, fleshy, with hard, thick skin. Claws are strong.

The coat of the Central Asian Shepherd can be classified into three types based on the length of the guard and cover hair:

• short (3-5 cm), tightly fitting all over the body
• long (7-10 cm)
• coat of intermediate type, forms a mane on the neck, feathering behind the ears, on the back of the limbs and tail

1. Height at the withers: Males 70 – 95 cm; Females 65 – 78 cm
2. Weight: Males 60 -100 kg; Bitches 45 – 65 kg

Males ought to have two fully formed, healthy testicles that reach all the way down to the scrotum.

1. significant deviations in the type of constitution and anatomy that reduce the usable qualities (lightness or looseness of constitution, high legs, poor bones, strong high back, narrow, short, sharply sloping croup, saber-like)
2. light, narrow head; rounded skull, sharp transition from forehead to muzzle, upturned muzzle, pronounced cheekbones, high-set ears
3. incomplete dental formula (absence of no more than two molars or premolars in any combination)
4. very light or blue eyes; bulging, large, close-set eyes
5. height below standard by more than 2 cm
6. tail lying on the back or curled into a tight ring

1. cowardice, cholericity, uncontrollable anger
2. unilateral and complete cryptorchidism
3. undershot bite
4. undershot bite with loss
5. incomplete edentulousness (absence of more than two teeth in any combination)
6. odd eyes
7. brown color (with brown nose, eyelid edges and lips) or blue color (with gray nose, eyelid edges and lips), these colors in any combination
8. curly soft fur
9. weak fixation of joints, unbalanced movements
10. males in the bitch type

The hair of the Alabai is straight and hard, and its undercoat is rather thick. Its thick skin shields it from the bites of enemies.

Alabai character

The personalities of the Central Asian and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are comparable.

Aggression against their own kind has been engrained in the Alabai DNA for a long time because they have been trained to defend themselves.

Alabai will be ready to "tear apart" any strange dog that comes into its field of vision, but it treats its fellows who are in the same yard with it quite calmly. Despite its well-developed security qualities, with proper training, it will never attack a person.

The Alabai are known for their bravery, tenacity, and self-assurance. It is one of the world’s smartest breeds, combining fighting prowess with composure. Because of its tendency toward misbehavior, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog needs professional training from a young age as well as socialization. The Central Asian has a fairly lengthy reaction to irritants, so either remove the provoking factor or draw attention to it with another irritant will divert it.

She will be ideal if you’re looking for a casual, trustworthy friend to watch over your property. Alabai’s personality combines characteristics of both mountain shepherds and Great Danes. They are distrustful of strangers, independent, proud, and self-assured, but they are also extremely sensitive to the owner’s mood swings.

A remarkable breed, the Alabai, or Central Asian Shepherd Dog, is renowned for its power, loyalty, and protective instincts, which make it the perfect guardian for families and livestock alike. These dogs have a long history of living in challenging conditions, which has made them incredibly resilient and devoted to their owners. Potential owners can better appreciate what it takes to raise a happy and healthy Alabai by being aware of their distinctive needs and traits, which will ultimately improve the lives of the dog and its family.

Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd) care and maintenance

Puppies from Alabai having fun in the sand

The Central Asian Shepherd requires little work or effort for maintenance and care. The coat is stain-resistant and will still look tidy and well-groomed even in the absence of routine maintenance.

Alabai sheds throughout the year, albeit less intensely, and quite a bit in the spring. The quantity of shedding in the house will be greatly decreased with regular dead hair separation. The Central Asian Shepherd should ideally be combed outside, in a roomy area.

It’s critical to promptly examine and clean the ears. Twice a month is the suggested amount of claw trimming. Alabai is a large breed representative who has a history of joint disease. Therefore, make sure it has a well-balanced diet starting when it is a puppy. In a private home with an aviary, a Central Asian Shepherd Dog would make the ideal pet.

Alabai is not picky about food and can withstand heat and cold quite well. Male alabai are self-reliant, but females are more subdued. Consequently, it is advised to confine people of different sexes to the same space. They require lengthy walks and vigorous physical activity.

Alabai nutrition

The image shows a mother from Alabai with her kids.

A balanced diet that includes the recommended dosage of vitamins and minerals is necessary for Central Asian Shepherd Dogs.

The following are the primary guidelines for giving an Alabai proper food:

1. Have two bowls (enameled or aluminum) – with clean water and for food;
2. The bowls are placed on a special stand, where the height is adjusted. He should reach up for the food, and not lower his head down;
3. Dry food or natural food only high-quality and fresh, food at room temperature;
4. Alabai should always and at any time have access to a bowl of water;
5. Feed at the same time. If he has not finished eating, the bowl with food is removed, do not allow overeating;
6. Do not give tubular bones and sweets.

Basic guidelines for Alabai’s appropriate diet:

1. Since pork fat is poorly absorbed, it is not recommended to give pork;
2. The best meat for Alabai is veal and beef. Give chicken with caution – watch for allergies and the inadmissibility of getting tubular bones;
3. You can replace part of the meat with offal, but do not exclude meat completely;
4. Often, soup is cooked for Alabai – first, meat is boiled, then cereals are added to it and left to cook until half-ready. At one time, it should not eat more than two liters;
5. Sea fish is included in the diet;
6. Cereals – rice, buckwheat and oatmeal;
7. If there is a need to switch to a new food, then this must be done gradually, daily adding new food, for 6-8 days;
8. Fermented milk and dairy products, cottage cheese, eggs are necessarily included in the diet.

Training of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Alabai’s picture within the frame

The training of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog requires a minimum of twenty minutes per day. Participating in the Alabai training while adhering to the general guidelines is done by all family members. Even though the Alabai was designed to be a workhorse, it requires the right training.

Training starts at three months old because by nine months old, the infant needs to be well-reinforced and aware of commands. Imitation training combined with an operational method (motivational training) is the most appropriate for an Asian. The development of several needs in him is highly valued, including the need for play, positive emotions, and social needs (the need to interact with family, pets, and the owner).

An Alabai is a touchy and vengeful animal, so keep that in mind when training him. It’s just not appropriate to treat them harshly. Suppressing and reprimanding the pet nonstop is not advised as this can cause you to lose contact with him.

A private home is being guarded by an Alabai in the picture.

When training an Alabai, developing submission and command execution skills is crucial. Just don’t use beatings to accomplish this.

The most crucial thing is that she should quietly abstain from eating. The command "sit" is very easy to teach. But things get trickier when you add the commands "stand" and "lie down." The instructions "come to me" and "next to me" must be followed. Now that you’ve given the Asian the order, you need to make sure it gets done. It is crucial to teach children to remain calm in the face of external stimuli. To do this, they should walk in various locations, taking a different route each time.

Mastering the art of controlling aggressive behavior toward other animals is a distinct and crucial aspect of training an Alabai.

Introducing a puppy to different breeds at a young age is crucial. Don’t prevent them from communicating with one another. Strict punishment must be applied if unreasonable aggression toward other pets is observed. An Asian who receives the right care and upbringing will grow up to be a fantastic friend and trustworthy guard.

Diseases of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)

The health of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is robust and resilient. Elbow and hip dysplasia is a disease that can affect people who weigh a lot. Avoid overeating and follow a healthy diet to prevent joint and bone diseases from developing at a young age. Because Alabai is prone to allergies, it’s important to regularly check the skin and comb it.

Photo of an Alabai or Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Feature	Description
Origin	Central Asia, originally bred for herding and guarding
Size	Large, typically weighs 90-150 pounds
Temperament	Loyal, protective, and independent
Exercise Needs	Moderate; enjoys daily walks and playtime
Grooming	Low maintenance; regular brushing during shedding
Training	Needs firm, consistent training; can be stubborn

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, or Alabai, is a magnificent breed renowned for its power, devotion, and protective demeanor. These dogs have a long and rich history rooted in Central Asian culture. They were originally bred to guard livestock. They are formidable protectors due to their enormous size and strong build, but they also have a gentle side, especially when it comes to their families.

Understanding an Alabai’s particular needs is essential to providing for them. They do best in large spaces where they are free to run around and play. Since they are intelligent dogs, mental stimulation is just as important as regular exercise. Consistent and constructive training is essential, as early socialization is crucial to ensuring that they develop into well-rounded adults.

Although their natural protectiveness is a benefit, prospective owners should be mindful of their strong personalities. An Alabai requires a self-assured owner who can set firm limits. They can be devoted family members and loving companions if given the proper direction.

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