ALABAI

Brief description of the breed

Alabai have many good qualities, including excellent performance security and fighting dogs. It is known that in many countries dogs of this breed were actively involved in dog fights. Before the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs began to be recruited into the Russian army, the breed was almost on the verge of extinction.

Alabai were also popular among farmers. They did an excellent job of protecting livestock. Due to its diversity, the nature of the dog differs from dog to dog, and there is still no single breed standard. Representatives of this breed have some very interesting anatomical characteristics: false ribs, flexible joints.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is large dog breed, which was first recognized in Soviet Russia at the state level. Today this breed is becoming more and more popular in many countries of the world.

Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are smart, calm, have immense courage and fearlessness. Alabai are dogs that have a strong guard dog instinct. With good socialization, pets of this breed will become invaluable helpers and true friends.

Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are characterized by perseverance, so it is difficult to convince such a dog not to do certain things. Pets of this breed are wary of strangers, but Alabai can even show aggression towards other animals.

Representatives of this breed, despite their size and difficult nature, are distinguished by their affectionate and gentle attitude towards family members, especially children. However, you should never leave children alone with Alabai.

Sheepdogs need to be introduced to their environment from an early age. It should be understood that Alabai is not suitable for beginner dog breeders. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a reliable dog that has quite a lot of strength. She is distinguished by her independence, curiosity, attentiveness and steadfastness.

The length of the Alabai is slightly longer than its height. It has a short to medium length coat with a thick undercoat. As a rule, the ears of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are cut short, the tail is also docked to medium length (the exception is countries where operations for dogs are prohibited at the state level). The most common colors are black and white, fawn (various shades), brindle.

The head of this dog is quite large, without clearly defined skull boundaries. Some representatives of this breed have a black mask. The neck of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is short, the body is wide, proportional, with strong muscles. The chest of the dog seems to be somewhat elongated due to the development of the so-called. false ribs. The legs are straight, with heavy bones, but moderately developed knee joints. The typical manner of movement for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is gallop and trot.

Most likely, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai) appeared in the area located between the northwestern border of China, the Caspian Sea and Asia Minor. Nevertheless, attempts to standardize the Alabai took place only in Russia, as well as in other regions that were once under the control of Russia.

local wild dogs, inhabiting Central Asia, in principle, have been widely known since the 18th century. After the communist revolution of 1917, the Soviet government made efforts to breed an ideal working dog that would become an excellent assistant for the Red Army. At that time, an extensive breeding program was launched, in which both dogs bred earlier in Russia and animals brought from abroad took part.

Subsequently, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog was bred in the form in which it is familiar to us now. Of course, in the process of selection, the breed has changed. Throughout history, the Alabai have been highly valued for their superior fighting ability and stamina. In some areas, this dog even began to be called "wolfhound".

Today, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is the most popular in Russia. It is recognized by most kennel clubs, with the exception of the British Kennel Club.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a loyal dog that will always protect its owner. She has very strong guarding instincts, which sometimes leads to dominance behavior. Dogs of this breed are very attached to their environment, imbued with love for children. At the same time, in the circle of strangers, Alabai will be cautious and distrustful.

Alabai needs a competent and experienced trainer. The fact is that the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by their independent character, they easily cope with difficult tasks, they are distinguished by courage and strength. This is not a dog whose territory you can easily enter. The animal is very territorial, so it is better for uninvited guests not to encroach on the dog's space.

One of the distinguishing features of the Alabai character is devotion, as well as responsiveness, obedience towards the owner. But these dogs need an experienced, self-confident trainer who will command authority in the eyes of the animal. If the owner shows self-doubt, the dog may become uncontrollable.

The average life expectancy of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 8 to 10 years. This is below the average for other dog breeds, which have an average life expectancy of around 12 years. Although this duration, in principle, approximately corresponds to the life expectancy of dogs with a similar physique and body size.

This breed today is one of those that are represented by a large gene pool. As a rule, such dogs suffer the least from various diseases, but they also have certain problems. Most often they are associated with diseases of the musculoskeletal system.