Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd)

The Central Asian Shepherd, or Alabai, may be the right breed for you if you’re searching for a devoted friend with a fascinating past. These magnificent canines are renowned for their bravery, strength, and intelligence. They are natural guardians because they came from the vast steppes of Central Asia and were bred to protect property and livestock.

Respect is due to Alabai dogs’ impressive appearance and robust build. They are large and majestic, with a thick coat that can withstand a variety of weather conditions. But what really makes them unique is their temperament, not their appearance. They can be quite gentle with loved ones, especially children, and they have a strong sense of loyalty to their families.

Even though they can be independent and even stubborn at times, socialization and appropriate training are essential. These dogs do best in settings where they have jobs to do and can be active. The Alabai thrives when given a task, whether it’s herding sheep or simply being a cautious companion.

If you’re thinking about bringing an Alabai into your home, be ready for a devoted and independent friend. To develop into well-rounded pets, they need early socialization and constant training. You’ll find that this breed is a loving member of the family as well as a protector if you take the proper attitude.

Breed Name	Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd)
Origin	Central Asia
Size	Large
Weight	100-150 lbs
Height	24-30 inches
Temperament	Protective, loyal, calm
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Grooming	Low
Life Span	10-12 years

Brief information about the Alabai

Everything about the Alabai breed, including its history and unique training and care requirements, is covered in this article.

Country ☭

The term "breed of folk selection" refers to Alabai. The Alabai breed was developed in the former USSR, and the Turkmen SSR is home to the registered breed standard. The Soviet Union and its Central Asian territories are recognized as the official birthplace of the Alabai breed.

Group

According to the FCI’s classification, Alabai belong to the following group:

• Pinschers, schnauzers, molossers, mountain cattle dogs.
• Section – molossers, subsection – mountain dogs.

The group "working dogs" is where Alabai are listed in the American Kennel Club registry.

Wool

Angular, tough, and rough. It can measure up to 5 cm in length and 10 cm in width.

Color

The coat color of the Alabai breed can be almost any color, which makes it unique. The Alabai dog is acceptable in the following colors: white, black, gray, fawn, red, brown, brindle, piebald, and spotted; blue and brown in any combination are not acceptable. Dogs with two colors are not uncommon.

Sizes

The sizes are listed in the lowest allowable values within the Alabai dog’s defined parameters.

The Alabai’s average height at withers:

• for males from 70 cm;
• for females from 65 cm.

Weight

What is the weight of an Alabai? Alabai has a proportionate build and is a big, powerful dog. Standards state that an adult Alabai’s typical weight is:

• for males from 50 kg;
• females from 40 kg.

Temperament

The constitution and the Alabai’s temperament are linked. Strong Alabai are energetic, well-balanced, hardworking, and laid-back dogs.

Alabai don’t have high standards for their dogs’ upkeep. It is sufficient to brush the dog’s coat on a regular basis, provide ample room and time for exercise, and take it to the vet on occasion.

Fertility

Alabai prefers a litter size of 6–8 puppies. A dog produces fewer puppies the older it gets. It is not advised to breed dogs after eight years in order to prevent weak pups. Depending on the specific traits of the animal, the conditions of confinement, and the illnesses contracted, the gestation period can range from 58 to 72 days. Pregnancy with low fertility lasts longer. From the start, pregnant bitches become more affectionate, serene, and sleep a lot. Many Alabai bitches who are pregnant continue to be extremely active until the baby is born.

Life expectancy

What is Alabai’s lifespan? The typical life indicator is between 12 and 15 years old. An Alabai’s life expectancy can occasionally reach 17 years.

Use

Alabai are descended from shepherd dogs known as Molossians, who protected herds. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog serves as a shepherd, companion, watchdog, and guard dog.

Cost

The cost of an Alabai is determined by the pedigree and breed purity. An Alabai puppy can be purchased from kennels or breeders. All of the documentation, metrics, and immunization records must belong to the seller. A pedigree puppy can cost anywhere from fifteen thousand rubles to seventy thousand rubles for an adult dog with a title. A dog’s cheap price ought to worry you.

• When buying an Alabai, you need to find out the number of puppies in the litter. It is optimal when the dog has no more than five sisters and brothers. This reduces the risk of developing rickets and other serious diseases.
• A purebred Alabai (puppies) should be "plush". If the puppy has long hair, then most likely it is not a purebred Alabai, but a mix with a Caucasian Shepherd.

It is advisable for owners to learn as much as they can about the dog’s parents. Breeders advise taking into account the following: the Alabai puppies will probably have a similar personality to one of the parents if they are colored similarly.

A remarkable breed recognized for its strength, loyalty, and protective instincts is the Alabai, also known as the Central Asian Shepherd. These dogs, who were originally bred to protect cattle in hostile environments, make loving companions who flourish in close family relationships in addition to their guardian role. Alabais are large, calm dogs that need to be properly socialized and trained in order to develop into well-rounded pets. It can be easier for prospective owners to see why this breed is special and deserving of a special place in the hearts of dog lovers everywhere if they are aware of their unique needs and characteristics.

Alabai: photo

Take a look at the appearance of an Alabai dog in several pictures:

Photo of a Central Asian Shepherd

Description of the Alabai breed

The history of the Alabai dog’s appearance serves as the foundation for systemic information about the breed. One of the oldest dog breeds is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. There is proof that the Alabai people’s ancestors lived roughly 5,000 years ago.

The Alabai’s ancestors were guard dogs and fighting canines from ancient Asia that traveled with nomadic tribes. The primary motivations behind the creation of the Alabai breed were personal safety and property defense. Scholars opine that it is unfeasible to assert that the Central Asian Shepherd Dog originated in a particular nation or that a particular individual or collective is credited with creating the breed. Alabai are different from other breeds of dogs in this way.

The advancement of civilization is linked to the history of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. The Great Silk Road, a caravan route that stretched from China through Mongolia’s mountain ranges to the Kara-Kum desert and beyond, required travelers to exercise extreme caution. Travelers faced harsh weather conditions, on the one hand. However, they had to deal with the harsh reality of the untamed environment and the threat of predators that preyed on caravans. Caravan dogs contributed to the safeguarding of the most precious cargo: human lives. People were able to keep their "transport," which included horses and camels, because of the four-legged protectors.

The long-haired brave dogs of Kara-Kum desert nomad cattle breeders have used them to protect cattle since ancient times. For livestock, calling Alabai guard dogs is insufficient.

Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have effectively "patrolled" areas for years, defending people and their belongings from outside threats and preserving human life and health. This is due to Alabai’s natural ability to sense "their" territory, show loyalty, and guard everything that is given to them as a responsibility.

The Soviet Union started producing Central Asian Shepherd Dogs on a large scale in the 1930s. The dogs were of interest because they guarded various important national treasures. However, due to the breed’s "complexity of psychology" and excessively independent and freedom-loving nature, the task of mass training Alabai was not completed at the time.

In the USSR’s Central Asian republics, efforts to standardize the breed persisted during the Soviet era. In 1990, the Turkmen SSR approved the breed standard for modern Alabai dogs, which is an official document outlining the traits and specifications of the breed.

An Alabai-like clay statue was discovered during the excavation of the Bronze Age settlement of Altyn-Depe in southwest Turkmenistan. Furthermore, the remains of a dog resembling a contemporary Central Asian Shepherd Dog were discovered by archaeologists.

Turkmen carpets and Akhal-Teke horses are among the national treasures of Turkmenistan, as are alabai dogs. In a book about the origins and nature of the Alabai dog, the president of Turkmenistan emphasized the significance of promoting a distinct national ideal.

In Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, a gold-cast monument honoring the Alabai dog was built. The monument is approximately fifteen meters tall when the pedestal is in place. There is a circular screen surrounding the monument that is constantly broadcasting video content about Alabaev’s life. The President of Turkmenistan, who was a great admirer and owner of the Turkmen Alabai, took the initiative to have the monument to Alabai built in Ashgabat.

Dogs are recognized all over the world, and Alabai has won numerous awards and diplomas from international festivals and competitions. American and Australian farmers purchase Turkmen Alabaev cattle guards against wolves.

In 1993, the "Central Asian Shepherd" standard was adopted and approved by the International Kinological Association (FCI). The biggest dog handlers’ association in Russia then raised the minimum requirements for dog growth while relaxing the rules regarding Alabaev’s color and bite. The features of Alaby were modified in light of these developments, and a new rock standard was approved in 2010.

Characteristics of the Alabai breed

The purpose of the breed is emphasized by its origin story. Everything about the Central Asian Shepherd’s assured gait suggests the dog’s strength and bravery.

The standards state that the developed security functions and the capacity for independent decision-making are the foundation of the Alabai dog’s traits. Dogs’ "of its own" territory is where the guard instinct is most evident.

The ideal Alabai dog should have a broad chest that protrudes, a strong neck, a large head, a hard spine, large, clawed paws, and fully developed respiratory organs. This physiology results from the dog’s ability to adapt to a variety of challenges, its propensity for long walks in all types of weather, and its physical prowess and stamina when facing an adversary.

When a dog is agitated and excited, its tail becomes horizontal. The thick, elastic skin of the Alabai dog breed offers defense against bites from enemies. The well-developed back muscles of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog enable it to tolerate intense physical activity. The Alabai dog’s neck folds, which mimic those of a Shar Pei, enable it to turn its head away from a foe.

The coat of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is thick and mostly smooth, with a dense undercoat. The typical coat length of the short-haired Alabai is three to five centimeters.

An Alabai with long hair, reaching seven to ten centimeters on its chest, neck, upper paws, and tail, is found in mountainous regions. Long-haired Alabai are known to have a shifted center of gravity, which aids in the dogs’ ability to stay balanced when traversing mountains.

One unique aspect of owning long-haired Alabai is that winter enclosures do not require insulation. It is thought that the short-haired Alabai is easier to train and has a more malleable mentality.

Glossy hair Alabai is widespread in the areas of steppe. Its coat is shorter in the front of the body and slightly longer at the withers.

Types of Alabai

Alabai have historically been widespread among the peoples of Central Asia. In Asian nations, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is employed as a status symbol and for protection in households. Alabai is a breed of dog that drives livestock and protects shepherds when they breed livestock in pastures.

Four varieties of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by breeders:

• Tajik – heavier and long-haired dogs;
• Uzbek – a smaller type, with an elongated muzzle and an elongated body. The character of the Uzbek Alabai (Buribasar) is reserved and docile;
• Kazakh – large, unpretentious strong animals. Friendly to adults and children;
• Turkmen – cynologists recognize the Turkmen Alabai as the strongest and most resilient.

Because they were more isolated from other breeds of dogs in Turkmenistan due to their location between mountains, the sea, and deserts, the Alabai were better able to retain their natural appearance. The Alabai Turkmen are a harmonious and dependable physical group. The Turkmen type of Alabai is regarded by numerous cynological organizations in the CIS as the breed’s standard.

What other varieties exist of Alabai?

• Tibetan – a shaggy large, harmoniously built dog;
• Siberian – a mix of a Siberian husky and a German shepherd, distinguished by its developed intelligence, obedience and sociability;
• Afghan Alabai — the oldest breed, prone to dominance.

One type of Alabai is known as the bear-type. The dogs’ anatomical characteristics give rise to this name. Large, proportionate dogs with long, thick hair and a "collar" around their necks and chests are known as bear-type Alabai. The dog’s convex forehead and round head have some bear-muzzle resemblance.

Let’s contrast the Alabai dog with other comparable breeds. Alabai’s historical origins are connected to fighting dogs. Cynologists draw attention to the ancestry of one of the oldest guard dogs, the Tibetan Mastiff, and the Alabai. A member of the Wolfhound family is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. A traditional group of large dog breeds is the wolfhound. These breeds’ dogs were originally bred for hunting or to protect pastures ("from wolves").

Among the wolfhounds are:

• Alabai – known as the Central Asian wolfhound.
• Turkish Kangal – an ancient dog breed, distinguished by its endurance, courage and independence.
• Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound – a guard dog with good health.
• Nagazi – one of the most ancient breeds in the world – "Georgian wolfhound".
• Gurdbasar – Azerbaijani wolfhound.
• Pyrenean mountain dog – a cattle and guard dog of mountainous France.
• Caucasian Shepherd.
• Irish Wolfhound – one of the largest hunting dogs in the world.
• Maremma-Abruzzese Shepherd – a guard shepherd dog from Italy.
• Taigan – a Kyrgyz dog for hunting in mountainous areas.
• Tazi – a hardy breed for hunting in conditions deserts.
• Riesenschnauzer – "giant" Bavarian Schnauzer.
• Russian Borzoi.
• The South Russian Shepherd Dog is an ancient species, an old shepherd dog.
• Gampr – Armenian wolfhound.

More than just a beautiful breed, the Central Asian Shepherd, or Alabai, is a reminder of a long history of coexisting with humans. These dogs, who are well-known for their remarkable size and strength, were bred for herding and protection, which makes them extraordinarily devoted friends. Because of their innate instincts, they are excellent at protecting homes and livestock.

It can be satisfying to live with an Alabai, but it’s crucial to recognize their needs. They need frequent exercise and do best in large spaces. These dogs are family members, not just pets, and as such, they must receive the right training and socialization to ensure that they fit in with the family. They may not always obey at first due to their independent nature, but they can be trained well with perseverance and patience.

Alabais are renowned for having a kind nature despite their rugged appearance, particularly around kids. They make excellent guardians due to their protective instincts, but they can also be cautious around strangers. In order to help them discriminate between friend and foe and avoid unwelcome aggression, early socialization is essential.

In the end, having an Alabai is a commitment that offers both special difficulties and enormous benefits. This breed might be the ideal choice for you if you’re searching for a devoted, perceptive, and strong friend. An Alabai can flourish in the correct conditions and provide years of happiness and security for your house.

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