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!
Frances says
July 26, 2017
I am fortunate enough to have a Turkmenistan Alabai. I trained her with the help of a professional trainer, at 4 months old, as soon as we brought her to live with us. I would have liked to have had her a bit younger however, she responded very well to training at four months. She already weighed about 40 pounds. She is protective but very loving and and when our son came to visit she picked our youngest grandchild of 2 years, to follow, guard and lavish with attention. Of course, this warmed my heart and I knew I had made the right decision in adding her to our family. I chose this breed of dog because most dogs that have been in America for any length of time have been so interbred (because irresponsible breeders) that it has ruined them in temperament and health. We needed a large dog, to live outside in our yard and go into the pastures to help with guarding our place and our livestock. She a perfect fit. She is now 7 years old and I do not know how I would ever find another one of these dogs. The person that I acquired her from had her mother and father and both dogs have died. Her mother and father had newly arrived from Turkmenistan.
RussianDog says
Thank you for your comment. We’ve published it on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RusDog.
Edita says
Central Asian Shepherd Dog / Alabai/ Central Asian OVcharka kennel
http://www.medzhalala.cz
RussianDog says
If you send us a story about your kennel and your dogs (with a few pictures) we can publish it on our website. Ref. https://wp.me/p25TKd-1Hi
Guardian Dog says
Hi would you be interested in doing a story about our Kennel? We specialize in breeding and training Central Asian Shepherd Dogs :) Our website is http://GuardianDog.net – Please feel free to email me if you’re interested. Also we have tons of amazing pictures we’d be willing to let you use if you give us credit for them :)
RussianDog says
We would love to. Please view our message.
alabaika says
alabai Bush and york..Mele Gush even see that before someone jumps .. they were good friends .. now Mele Gush living in Slovakia…
sometimes leads to problems when live together two males and bitches come into season..then they do not break out area and both want to be leaders..
http://youtu.be/JxbiVHT46AU
alabaika says
Hy,never..female with male live friendly..
my dogs have been living together five years and I don't have problem..
You can see it here:
http://youtu.be/VfZkd_3DwyE
☺☺☺
harris says
alabaikka…so you dont have problems and everything is okey????
alabaika says
Hello..I also have a labrador male and two alabai females. my alabai girls learned to handle labrador but not it..they never will despite and I do not the problems ..
sorry for my english..☺
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.
omid haghighat says
hi alabay yest ochi kharasho parod afchark TOLKA ALABAY
sara maleki says
Hello,how do you do . I live in Iran and my boss want to BUY a alabai puppy that their parents were winner of the famous cahmpionships of fighting , pls if you have give your price ,
Thanks for your attention .
Y.A.I. says
You are dumb dog fighting is bad not good do you understand??? Dirty people
TALLY says
hello admin…
i am looking for an alabai breeder in india…can u tell me if there is any? if not, then where do i import it from? please suggest me a reliable breeder from ur list..thanks
chandu says
hi there, i have an alabai which is 2months old, if u want 2 buy it mail me, my mail id is chandu_netala(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)yahoo.com
Elite Squad Kennel says
Visit our website http://www.EliteSquadKennel.com. We are First to Introduce Alabai Breed in India. We are based in Ludhiana – Punjab .
Eric Welch says
Hello!
My name is Eric Welch. I am respectfully seeking assistance/recommendation in communicating with the best breeder/trainer (someone who actually competes, years of experience, and consistently wins) from Russia. Preferably working dogs – dogs that actually compete. But will accept show dogs.
Again, looking for a breeder from Russia.
Can you offer any assistance?
Thank you kindly!
Eric
admin says
The reply sent to your email.
admin says
Please visit our Dog Names pages.
Xojiakbar says
Hi Ms/Mr
Send me the Alabai names, please.
Thanks
Best regender