Alabai: characteristics, types, tips for choosing and care

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a breed with a century of history. These dogs managed to preserve their beautiful original features and amazing external characteristics inherited from their ancestors.

Due to their amazing qualities, these large dogs are the third strongest dogs in the world. Alabai and today do not lose their relevance, as they are good companions, excellent watchmen, loyal friends.

Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are classified as Molossians. This name was given to breeds derived from pickling dogs, they were grown in Egypt and Assyria in antiquity. Then, thanks to their unique characteristics, they spread in Hellas, Italy and eventually spread to other countries. There are also other names for the Alabaevs: Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Tobet, Turkmen Wolfhound, Asian.

The formation of the breed took place over about 4,000 years in wide areas stretching from Central Asia to China.The blood of the most ancient Tibetan dogs, who accompanied numerous nomads of that time, flows in the veins of these animals. In addition, they are relatives of the mastiffs that lived in the Tibetan mountains and the fierce, ruthless fighting dogs of Mesopotamia.

For the first time, a standard regulating the main characteristics of Turkmen wolfhounds was drawn up and approved in 1990 in Turkmenistan. A few years later, they adopted the standard for the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs.

Alabai are incredibly large and one of the strongest dogs in the world. They are characterized by a massive body with thick hair, predominantly short or medium in length, with a rather thick undercoat.

According to FCI standards, the indicators of sexually mature individuals are as follows: the height of the dog is 70 cm, the bitch is 65 cm. The minimum weight is 50 kg and 40 kg, respectively. Other characteristics of the breed: large body, massive sternum and voluminous back. The head is large with a flat forehead, large muzzle with a large black or brownish nose.

The eyes are widely spaced, mostly rounded. The ears are small, in addition, cropped ears are acceptable. The paws of the Alabaevs are compact in relation to the body, while strong. Both natural fluffy tail and docked tail are allowed.

Let's consider the characteristics of the breed in more detail.

In terms of its external characteristics, Alabai is more like a real calf. The average weight of Alabai boys is about 70 kg. The girls' weight is from 55 to 65 kg.

At the withers, the height of an adult male is 70 cm. It reaches its greatest growth by the age of three. Like other breeds, females are predominantly shorter than males. Their height is 62-67 cm, but even this is quite impressive. The largest are the shepherd's Alabai from Asia, whose height at the withers is 90 cm.

Alabai can have different varieties of color - black and white, reddish, brindle or even gray... All color options are acceptable, except for the only one - a mixture of gray and brown shades.

Alabai live quite a long time. The life expectancy of a pet with quality care is from 11 to 15 years old.

Asians are famous for their coarse coat with an incredibly thick undercoat. The coat forms a massive mane on the neck, a ridge behind the ears and on the back of the legs and tail. Thick skin and coarse fur protect the dog's body from enemy bites.

Alabai have a large, symmetrical head with a blunt muzzle that does not taper towards the nose. The skull is flattened with a pronounced occipital protuberance.

A sense of one's own superiority is noticeable in the look. This effect is created by the heavy brow ridges and small, wide-set, rounded eyes. The color of the eyes is the same as the color of the coat or a darker shade. The look in dogs is often sullen, slightly inquisitive and incredulous.

Asians have a very developed intellect.

They also have a stable and balanced nervous and mental state.

Asians have large white teeth wide at the base, close together. There are 42 of them. The incisors are located like a guillotine, which provides a stranglehold. The jaws of Asians are very massive, the lower jaw is covered with fleshy lips. It should be noted that single broken incisors, which do not affect the bite, do not affect the dog's assessment in any way.

Small and low ears are characteristic of this breed. Ear cropping depends on the legislation of specific states. Most often, the ears, like the tail, are docked in childhood.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a short, but muscular and powerful neck.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are characterized by a perfectly balanced body with a muscular high withers. Their backs are straight, slightly short, while rather strong, the loin is convex. The croup of these dogs is wide, with developed muscles. According to the standards, the height at the withers should be 1-3 cm higher than the height at the sacral part.

Corresponding to their large size, the Alabai humerus are too long, with massive forearms and large wrist joints. The limbs have developed muscles. According to generally accepted standards, the length of the forelegs to the elbows should be 50-52% of the height at the withers.

Forefeet straight and always parallel. The shoulder blades should fit snugly against the chest.

Due to their outstanding parameters, the alabai look menacing. The best security guard is hard to find.

Many breeders treat their pets very responsibly. Such behavior helps to quickly identify health problems and take appropriate measures in a timely manner. The following table with average indicators will help to track the development of the Alabai puppy.

Before you get such a large pet as an Alabai, you should carefully study all the characteristics of the breed, as well as familiarize yourself with the rules of maintenance and character traits. Particular attention should be paid to the positive and negative qualities of these dogs.

Breed advantages:

• well-developed intellectual abilities;
• special devotion to the owner;
• good nature to household members;
• high security qualities;
• a sense of pride, courage and bravery;
• patience;
• good health;
• perfectly tolerates content in outdoor conditions and temperature drops;
• neat look even with minimal maintenance;
• unpretentiousness, lack of selectivity in food;
• moderate appetite with outstanding size.

Not without its drawbacks, which include the following points:

• aggressive behavior when strangers appear;
• difficult social adaptation;
• the need for a large area for content;
• regular need for systematic physical activity;
• unpredictable behavior in unfamiliar conditions;
• annual molt;
• large sizes, requiring certain skills from the owner;
• not very good getting along with dogs of other breeds.

In such conditions, the dog will not allow itself to show aggression towards household members, but it will not listen to their commands either. They need a confident owner who can demonstrate his superiority to the dog, with bright leadership qualities.

It is quite difficult to correct behavior in adult representatives of the breed, therefore experts recommend taking a responsible approach to training from a puppy's age and stopping all attempts by pets to disobey.

When breeding the existing factory variety of Alabay, the Turkmen Alabay was used as the basis. And also there is a connection between Alabai and Afghan Shepherd Dogs, Spanish and Tibetan Mastiffs.

Each country has its own requirements for an ideal, quality Asian.

There are several types of Alabai.

This species is a mestizo of a German shepherd and a Siberian husky. It is characterized by its large size and thick coat. Among the qualities of a dog are obedience, intelligence, sociability and excellent protective reflexes.

These dogs appeared after crossing with the Tibetan Mastiff. This variety is quite expensive. The Tibetan Alabai reliably guarded the herds of nomadic tribes. Dogs are characterized by special endurance. Only strong and seasoned dogs with excellent muscles could survive in the harsh Himalayas.

Thick and durable hair in the neck area forms a voluminous mane, which protects the dog from the cold and predators. Height - 60-67 cm, weight - 60 kg. Among other characteristics - slanted eyes, predominantly brown. Possible color options: black, pure gray and gray with slight tan marks, coffee and even golden. The character of the Tibetan Alabai is calm and stubborn.

They are also called malamutes... Outwardly, they are similar to wolves. Living in the harsh northern conditions, the Alaskan species is especially hardy and unpretentious. The main application of the Alaskan Alabai is the movement of goods in a severe cold climate.

Individuals are quite tall - about 77 cm at the withers, weight - 55 kg. Lean and wiry dogs. They are sociable, friendly, love to be in the spotlight. Dogs are characterized by high intellectual abilities and stubbornness. Their friendliness and any lack of aggressiveness prevent them from becoming good guards.

The ancestors of the Turkmen Alabay are Tibetan Mastiffs. They are tall and heavy dogs. The owners make them great watchmen. They do not belong to fighting dogs, but they will be able to defend themselves without any problems.

They are characterized by a fierce disposition and devotion, mental stability and poise. They always strive for leadership, so dog handlers do not recommend keeping them near children and the elderly. These huge dogs can pose a serious danger to them.

The oldest variety. The main application is the protection of territories, as well as hunting and fighting dogs. They are famous for their swift reaction, endurance, courage. They retained a kind character. Height - 70-80 cm, weight - 55-65 kg.

The color is mostly gray with yellow or brown splashes. They are most widely used in the field of security. They need a lot of free territory in an open space, as well as systematic physical activity.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are incredibly brave, level-headed and unflappable defenders. They are quite independent dogs, not used to retreating. Alabai are capable of combining fighting skills with regularity and calmness, they are classified as one of the smartest breeds in the world.

Due to the waywardness inherent in the breed, shepherd dogs require professional training from an early age and socialization. It should be noted that the reaction to stimuli in the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs is quite long; to distract them, it is necessary to eliminate the provoking factor or divert attention by using another stimulus.

The people around are impressed not only by the very large size of the adult Alabai, but also by such basic character traits as courage, endurance, and pride. They can stand up for themselves in any situation. At the same time, aggressive behavior towards other dogs is inherent in them. This character trait has been formed in shepherd dogs for many millennia.

For them, this is a colossal cause for concern, which shepherds cannot cope with. An Asian without a preliminary signal can grab a dog by the head and instantly bite it. No one can stop Alabai! That is why owners should carefully choose a place for jogging and walking, not forgetting about the safety of others.

These watchdogs love to bark at night and do it loudly, which can ruin relationships with their neighbors. The rest of the time they are calm and patient, do not make much noise. Like other pets, they cannot resist affection and comfort.

Alabai is the very embodiment of tranquility and greatness. It is interesting that they are wary of strangers only, while they are very attached to their masters. Sheepdogs can be classified as family dogs that love close interaction with people. When kept in homes, Alabai quickly become family members. They show sincere love for children, with the right upbringing, they get along with other pets.

It should be noted that watchdogs are not suitable for everyone. They need an intelligent and self-confident owner who can show their dominance. Representatives of the breed will not obey timid people with a gentle character. In the circle of people whom they consider to be their family, Alabai behaves kindly and playfully.

As puppies, the Alabai are the most friendly. As they grow older, their naivety and good nature significantly decrease, they are replaced by the desire to take a dominant place in the pack and expel strangers from their territory.

This is the only way to ensure that they do not pose a threat to the life of family members and other pets, to teach them to limit themselves.

When socializing, it is important to explain to the dogs who is the leader. Alabai living in a family consider family members as their pack and strive for domination. It is important to clearly define responsibilities and define rules. It is important for shepherd dogs to show that a person occupies a higher position in the pack, that it is a person who has the right to make a decision. This is the only possible way to establish the right relationship.

Choosing a purebred puppy that meets all the requirements and standards is a very difficult task. You cannot simply choose by appearance. The breed is characterized by a large breeding heterogeneity, which can be reflected in the standards.

It is recommended to buy an Alabai at the age of a puppy from experienced Alabaev breeders or in nurseries specializing in breeding Central Asian Shepherd Dogs. This is a guarantee of pedigree, as well as mental and physical health of the dog. They can evaluate the litter and get acquainted with their pedigree, look at the parents of the puppies.

Experts advise paying special attention to some important details.

It is recommended to acquire Alabay at the age about two months... Usually, upon reaching this age, breeders conduct a mandatory vaccination course. Puppies can already do without a mother, they are ready for training.

The offspring obtained from bitches at the age of 2-8 years is considered to be healthier. Childbirth should take place at an interval of at least a year.

Experts say that the maximum number of babies in a litter is six.

Girls are curious and active without being overly confident. If small children grow up in the family, the choice is better for girls.

Alabai is a natural born leader by nature. These traits should definitely be visible in the puppy. To check, drop something on the floor or tap on the enclosure. The puppy who is the first to pay attention to the sounds or run up to the grating of the aviary is the right option for you.

The puppy should be active, have a good appetite, a shiny short coat. Excessively long coat in puppies may indicate a lack of purity of the breed, a possible mixture with Caucasians. The nose must be moist, and the ears and eyes must be clean. Traces of an eating disorder are unacceptable under the tail. The puppy should be chosen medium in size relative to the litter siblings.

The most important thing is to make sure that you need an alabai before purchasing a puppy. A big dog is a big responsibility.

Please note that along with the puppy, you must be given a veterinary passport, which contains all the information about the vaccination of the animal. Further responsibility for vaccination falls on the owner of the dog. And also the puppy's metric is transferred to the owner, which is further exchanged for the pedigree. Remember that buying an Alabai puppy without the appropriate documents is fraught with unpredictable consequences!

Future owners are tormented by the question of what gender to buy a puppy. You should know that females are smaller in size than males, and it is easier to care for them. Regular heat can be the only problem. If you are not going to breed, it is better to spay the dog.

The owners often face the question of how to name the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, which name is better to choose for a boy, and which one for a girl. The same questions are often found on the forums of avid dog breeders. Oriental names are more suitable for Asians.

Here are the most suitable pet names.

Alabai are not spoiled dogs. The formation of the breed took place in difficult conditions, unpretentiousness was passed on to today's Asians... This does not exclude the need to provide appropriate pet care.

Those wishing to have an alabai must remember that not everyone can find a common language with this difficult animal. This is due to the dog's cocky and proud nature.

From the timely upbringing of a puppy directly depends on what it will become in adulthood - whether he can be a faithful friend, a responsible watchman, whether he will not be dangerous for family members.

Due to its large size and free disposition, the dog is not adapted for permanent life in an apartment. The most suitable option is living in the courtyard of a private house.

These conditions apply to an adult, and it is better to keep a small alabai in the house at first, making it a place away from drafts. The pet should have an opportunity and a place to have a secluded rest in silence from household members. The puppy needs a soft bed that protects the animal from the cold and creates comfort.

If the pet likes the place, he will not start looking for a more comfortable place in the apartment. If you still keep an alabai in an apartment, it is imperative to walk your pet twice a day, the walk should take about two hours. Be sure to use a strong leash and muzzle.

From puppyhood, the pet remembers family members and other pets living with him in the same territory. Only an Asian perceives them in adulthood. On top of that, he is often aggressive. These instincts went to the shepherd at the genetic level. She protects the territory entrusted to her around the clock, so if the potential owner likes to often receive guests, then this breed should be abandoned.

Keeping an Asian at home is a troublesome and difficult task. An adult dog also takes a lot of time and effort.

You can create a diet suitable for Asian Shepherd dogs yourself. The main rule is that feeding should provide Alabai with nutrients to the full and meet his needs for an active lifestyle. The dog does not need a lot of carbohydrates, so if you see that your pet is gaining weight rapidly, you need to adjust the menu to avoid obesity.

Despite its impressive size, Alabai has a moderate appetite. Compared to other large breeds, Asians do not eat much, so feeding is usually not a problem.

By historical coincidence, Alabai is a dog breed that prefers natural food. The bulk of the diet should consist of meat, grains and a significant amount of fiber found in vegetables. Experts recommend adding dairy products to the diet.

But do not force the dog if it refuses them, the same applies to fish. These foods are not essential in the diet. It is risky to give river fish to a dog, it may contain parasites that are dangerous to the health of the pet. Breeders recommend adding vitamins to the natural diet, intended for a certain age of shepherd dogs.

Among the mandatory foods in the dog's diet, the following ingredients should be included:

• raw beef (for puppies, the meat must first be steamed);
• offal;
• poultry (chicken, duck);
• cereals;
• vegetables (cabbage, carrots, herbs, zucchini);
• apples;
• eggs;
• fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt).

Prohibited foods include:

• chocolate;
• White bread;
• tubular bones;
• pork;
• potato;
• peas, soy;
• pearl barley and semolina;
• spicy food.

It is forbidden to feed the dog from your table. Pet food must be prepared separately and always fresh, and leftover leftovers must be removed from the bowl.

If you are a proponent of feeding your dog artificial pre-prepared food, this is also okay. Be sure to consider that for puppies or elderly dogs, you should buy super premium food. Premium food is also suitable for young animals. Poor quality foods are not acceptable for Asians.

Care should be taken when choosing ready-made rations. It is necessary that the food fully meets all the nutritional needs of the dog and is not harmful. It is better to buy premium and super premium food in specialized stores.

These feeds include products of the following brands:

• Pro Plan;
• Hills;
• Acana;
• Pronature;
• Savarra.

It should be borne in mind that quality feed is expensive. You cannot skimp on the nutrition of these large dogs, as the health and longevity of your pet depend on a balanced diet.

The powerful jaws of the Alabaevs require regular training; for this, solid foods should be included in the menu. Special bones made from bovine veins work well.

Another advantage of high quality feed is they do not contain artificial flavors or flavor enhancers... It is for this reason that dogs are not always willing to try them. The animal takes longer to adapt.

Alabai wool is capable of self-cleaning, so it is often unnecessary to wash it.Particular attention should be paid to other hygiene procedures. Here are the main ones.

• You need to brush Alabai's teeth twice a month. This procedure helps to prevent the formation of tartar. In addition, it is necessary to periodically examine the teeth to detect trapped foreign bodies and remove them if found.
• The ears should be cleaned once a week, it is necessary to wipe the inside of the auricle with damp wipes. Abundant contamination is removed with a bandage soaked in hydrogen peroxide solution.
• Eyes are cleaned daily with a weak decoction of chamomile.
• The claws are shortened if necessary, most often the dogs themselves grind them on the asphalt. Only Alabai, who mostly walk on the grass, have to help. It is necessary to cut off with a claw cutter only the hard, dead part of the claw without blood vessels. Then the sharp edges are sanded with a file.
• You rarely need to bathe an Asian, about two to three times a year, one bathing must necessarily be carried out after the seasonal molt.
• Abundant molt occurs in spring. To prevent the thick coat from getting tangled, the dog needs to be brushed with a medium-hard brush. First, when combing, all dirt is removed, then the procedure is continued with a thick comb with rounded teeth. You should scratch according to the growth of the coat. Experts recommend teaching the Alabaevs to combing from puppyhood.

Training an Asian Shepherd is a complex process that requires special skills. To achieve high results, it is better to entrust this to an experienced dog handler. First, the puppy goes through a course of obedience, then he is taught to walk in a muzzle and on a leash. These are important skills, since the Alabaevs have an extremely unpredictable reaction to external stimuli. Asians should be trained for at least half an hour a day.

During training, do not forget that Asians are extremely vindictive and touchy... It is not recommended to apply harsh measures of upbringing to them and suppress their will, scold pets. This can lead to loss of contact.

At about three months, the Alabai's character is finally formed, after which it will be very difficult for you to change the established model of animal behavior. It is strictly forbidden to hurt this breed. You do not need to raise your voice to screams, make sudden movements. In response to such actions, the shepherd can lose control of itself and even severely cripple.

From an early age, it is necessary to teach how to give food to the owner, in this way the pet understands who is the leader of the pack and the authority. In no case should you indulge the whims of a pet - he can take the reins into his paws.

Alabai quickly learn standard commands. This is facilitated by the high mental abilities of the animal. Most often, some problems in training arise from a complex nature and willfulness.

Alabaev is trained in all basic commands, namely:

• "To me!";
• "Nearby!";
• "Sit!";
• "Lie!";
• "Stand!";
• "A place!";
• "Walk!".

Commands should be given in a voice and must be accompanied by clear gestures. The dog needs to be trained to respond to both options. You should not expect an Asian to begin to happily perform a circus command "aport" or something similar. These huge dogs have learned to live in constant energy saving mode, so they will not do anything without good reason.

Of course, Asians have a complex character, far from flexible. Training takes a lot of time and effort. Experts recommend paying special attention to three main points.

• Puberty. At the age of 8-12 months, the puppy goes into adolescence. This is the time of maximum disobedience and obstinacy. The owner needs to show special patience during this period. A similar situation usually repeats by 2-2.5 years.Fortunately, this is temporary.
• A clear leader by nature. For centuries, Alabai have considered themselves leaders, these qualities are passed on from generation to generation. They can concede a leadership position only to someone whose leadership qualities will manifest themselves brighter. This is not surprising, they have led the flocks for centuries and did not allow disobedience. It is not easy to become a follower of an animal that has been a leader from time immemorial.
• Food aggression. This moment is most clearly manifested in young individuals. Feeding is preceded by an aggressive reaction, which often becomes the cornerstone. To eliminate this problem, non-stop systematic work, showing the pet that you are giving him food, and not a bowl or refrigerator, helps.

In their reviews, the owners of the Alabaevs unanimously agree that this is the best watch breed in the world. In addition, they note that dogs are not particularly demanding in food and care, they can live in a booth and an aviary without any problems.

According to numerous reviews of the owners of the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, they always fiercely guard the territory entrusted to them, they will never let strangers in and never give offense to household members. The owners also note some of the difficulties that they had to face after purchasing the pet. These include difficulties in training, the need for regular classes and the use of volitional education.

Additional difficulties include the need for daily long walks and jogging, without which the shepherd can lose shape, gain excess weight or joint problems... People who are just going to purchase this big dog for themselves should definitely pay attention to these points.

Besides, the owners agree that alabai have high intellectual abilitiesare loyal friends and brave defenders. Hardy dogs that love freedom, especially suitable for people living in rural areas, as shepherd dogs need a large area for walking. With the right upbringing, these huge animals can become real family favorites!

You will learn even more information about the Alabai from the following video.