The Central Asian Shepherd, the Alabai, or the Central Asian Ovcharka is strengthening its reputation in Europe and America as one of the best guard dogs.
This massive and powerful dog of above-average height has a bear-shaped head, a harmoniously built body with a large chest and wide back, covered in a thick and elastic, longer or shorter coat that can be one of many colors. The eyes of the Central Asian Shepherd are deeply set, dark, and alert, the nose is big, and its ears and tail are usually cropped very short.
The Central Asian dog breed which is thought to date back about 4000 years is probably the oldest of the ancient Molossers in the world. It developed as a result of severe natural selection on a huge territory along the ancient Silk Road from China to the Caspian Sea. Throughout its history the Central Asian Shepherd was used for livestock herding, flock, and caravan guarding, hunting, and protecting property. Left outside the house these dogs became hardy, healthy, and very self-sufficient. Many of them were used for dogfighting, just as the Caucasian dog.
The breed consists of numerous types and lines which differ in size, color, head, and coat. Most of these types have their own names, like Alabai (Alabay) in Turkmenistan. The kennel breeding of the Central Asian dog began in the former Soviet Union in the 30s of the last century. The Russian-made Central Asian Ovcharka (sheepdog in Russian) or Sredneaziatskaya Ovcharka (CAO) is the internationally known breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.
Protective Guard Dog
This Russian dog breed is of a dominant type with a very strong protective instinct. Being generally calm and serene, the Central Asian dog has a very fearless and courageous personality. As a very independent guard dog, it doesn't need commands to control its territory, attacking and taking down an intruder on its own.
Fortunately, it is not as aggressive and fierce as the Caucasian dog. (click for video) When challenged it will stand its ground, but it will be usually good for the entire family. It is very important whether your dog comes from working, fighting, or livestock guardian line. The last one is the best for an intelligent and well-mannered house dog.
Owning Central Asian Shepherd
The lifespan for the Central Asian dog is about 12 years. Its health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, and sometimes bloat. Though shedding every spring this dog does not require much grooming.
The Central Asian Shepherd is best suited for experienced and strong-willed owners ready to work on the dog's broad socialization from the very beginning. It will adapt to living indoors but prefers to be outside in a securely fenced yard. This Russian dog is bright and capable of learning but it needs proper ongoing training.
Alabai size:
Height: 24 to 32 inches (males 27-32, females 24-27)
Weight: 88 to 176 pounds (males 121-176, females 88-143)
Breed Names: Central Asia Shepherd Dog, Central Asian dog, Central Asian Shepherd, Central Asian Sheepdog, Central Asian Ovcharka, Sredneaziatskaya Ovcharka, CAO, Central Asian Ovtcharka, Alabai, Alabay, Aziat, CAS, Russian: Среднеазиатская овчарка
Say it in Russian:
Central Asia Shepherd Dog Breed Standard
Find a name for your Central Asian dog in Russian.
Learn some Russian dog commands!
harris says
hello people…i want to ask something…i have labrator 2 years old female and i had alabai 3 months male and i want to know if these 2 dogs can live together in the field and if the labrator can teach my alabai how to survive…pls answer..
Jeannine de Palma says
Sure what hips scores does the parents have>? are they working livestock dogs? if not what temperament tests have they had for protection? Are they in standard 42 teeth? . What type the russian CAO? or the Alabai? which can have undershot or Shepherd dogs that have scizzor?
Stacy George says
If u want true aggression then the caucasian ovcharka is the way to go! But they need early socialization as a puppy, as not to take part everything & everyone in their path! The Central Asian Dog is more protective with their aggression it is not just straight forward in ur face here I am aggression! It is a laid back approach u try & harm what I love & protect we going to tussle!
Jeannine de Palma says
That is the best lamens terms ive seen i a long time. The CO had the word aggressive to strangers, CAO still has strong distrust. I dont use words like aggressive due to attraction of US small men syndrome. I say they are territory aggressive vs human or dog. My sheep, my mom., my house so no one or anything allowed in. Each breeder selects, trains and tests for certain functions. I have been selecting away from dog aggression , want pack dogs, mid to high human distrust .I want a stable dog that defers to me in public but acts on its own when alone. Which to be is a defensive dog from a aggressive one.
yılmaz says
It is not a russian breed.it is a natural breed in middle asia….russians mixed all central asian dogs and they claim that it is a russian breed.this dog belongs to the nomadic turkic peole of middle asia.in the past it was called turkish sheepdog.later on they called it turkmen dog.by the way most turkish people are turkmen.
so,this dog is not russian.it belongs to turkic peoples.
Jeannine de Palma says
Watch Central Asian Shepherds on Prime time Animal Planet in Canada and soon UK. Not available in the USA. Breeder of the pack on today 2.13 130 pm and again in 6 weeks. First time for this landrace of breeds to be shown in a full episode.
admin says
Thank you for this input.
khaled says
hi…im egyptian livin in egypt…actually im willing to have the most furious and aggressive dog ever..and im so confused between the alabai and the caucasian ovcharka and the kangal…would u pls send me on my mail tellin me which of them will give me the most aggressivness i want..thanks alot :)
MOHAMED TAREK says
hi, my name is Mohamed Tarek, i'm egyptian to :) and i have the same QUESTION you have.
so can you please tell me what did people tell you about this. (caucasian, alabai or kangal) and which one is aggressive?
Thanks
Jeannine de Palma says
Read the standards you can find them on this site. The old standards used the word Aggressive with Caucasian Ovcharka Aggressive to Strangers, Central Asian shepherds should have a strong distrust of strangers must be amendable to handling, Kangals are about the same. However if a breed is breeding a out of standard dog such as a aggressive can not be handled CAO or Kangal it may be ignorance of standard or crossbreeding other dogs. The Russian ovcharkas were known for crossing breeding in the red star army days when they created the test tube breed known as BRT. So CO or CAO bred from factory lines can be more human aggrressive than others….Hope this helps.