Central Asian Shepherd DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest dog breeds. It was shaped by natural selection over more than 4,000 years, across a huge territory stretching from the Caspian Sea to China and from the southern Ural Mountains to Afghanistan.

It was not created by a particular person or country, but by the climate and the harsh life of nomadic peoples. It guarded flocks, caravans and homes against wolves and other large predators. In Turkmenistan, where it is called the Alabai, it is considered a symbol of national pride.

How the breed developed

• More than 4,000 years – The dogs are shaped by natural selection in Central Asia.
• 25 January 1989 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1990 – Turkmenistan approves the standard for the “Turkmen Wolfhound” breed.
• 13 October 2010 – The current FCI standard is published.
• 2020 – A gilded statue of an Alabai is unveiled in Turkmenistan.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a very large, powerful and massive dog. Great size is desirable, but the body must remain well proportioned. Males and females are clearly different.

General appearance

The oval, brown eyes are set well apart and look straight ahead. The thick, triangular ears hang down. The tail, thick at the base, is carried in a sickle or a loose ring. The coat may be short or longer, with a mane on the neck and feathering.

The standard accepts any colour except genetic blue and genetic brown in any combination, and a black mantle on a tan background.

The AKC says it is extremely independent and intelligent, and obedience training can be difficult, but not impossible. It is brave and has a natural instinct to defend its territory.

It is a protective breed that needs supervision throughout its life and is not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it intensively as a puppy. New people, dogs and situations, all the time.
• Be calm and consistent. It needs a self-confident owner.
• Use the lead and the fence. The AKC recommends always keeping it fenced in or on a lead.
• Do not leave it unsupervised with strangers. It is very protective of its family and home.

The AKC describes it as a low-energy dog, but with good stamina on walks and hikes. It knows how to conserve its energy.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be very solid.
• It is not suitable for inexperienced owners.
• Indoors it is usually calm.

Coat and skin care

The coat should be brushed now and then, and more often during moulting periods. An occasional bath keeps it clean. The nails grow quickly and must be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says it has fewer hereditary diseases than most man-made breeds, but breeders should test their dogs for hip dysplasia. As with any very large dog, the stomach is also worth watching.

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Wipe its mouth: it drools moderately.

The AKC recommends a food for giant breeds, chosen together with the vet and the breeder.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Puppies need growth food suited to very large breeds.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• Created by nature. It was not created by people, but by the climate and the harsh life of the nomads.
• It has a gilded statue. In 2020 a gilded statue of an Alabai was unveiled in Turkmenistan.
• Many names. It is called the Alabai, the Tobet or the “Turkmen wolfhound”.
• On the Silk Road. The AKC says its history can be traced along the old Silk Road.
• It conserves its energy. It stays calm until a real danger appears.

The golden statue in Turkmenistan

In Turkmenistan, the Alabai is considered a symbol of national pride and heritage. In 2020 a gilded statue of a dog of this breed was unveiled there.

What is an Alabai?

It is the Turkmen name for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

How big does it get?

Males measure at least 70 cm and weigh at least 50 kg; females at least 65 cm and 40 kg.

Is it suited to beginners?

No. The AKC says it is not a breed for first-time dog owners.

How old is the breed?

It was shaped by natural selection over more than 4,000 years.