Comparison of Alabaev and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs
People who love large dog breeds want a strong and reliable protector. And some of the best options are the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Alabai. And many people have a question, what is the difference between these two breeds, how can they be compared? To answer the questions, you will need to figure out what are the main characteristics of such dogs.
Description of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog
This name was given to this dog because it appeared in the Caucasus. This breed was formed thanks to the actions of the indigenous people. For a long time, shepherd dogs have guarded the house and property of the owners. That is why the Caucasians have an excellent hunting quality. They have good intelligence and are very determined. But this breed is not suitable for everyone.
The dog is strong and hardy, can live in any climatic conditions. Her physique is powerful and muscular. The body is massive and wide; dog handlers also note its elongation, but they tend to believe that this is rather a drawback. The neck is of medium length, the nape is pronounced. Dogs know how to analyze the current situation and do not give in to panic. They have good vigilance, dogs are distrustful of strangers.
Positive traits:
- great guard and protector;
- distrustful attitude towards strangers;
- self-control;
- developed intelligence;
- love for the owner;
- restraint;
- the ability to analyze and assess the situation.
Negative qualities:
- very stubborn;
- wayward;
- the owner must have a strong character and great patience;
- careful care of the coat is necessary;
- requires a lot of effort to train;
- you can not get people with a soft character;
- cannot be kept in the apartment.
By nature, such dogs are very calm, restrained. They trust only family members, and when there are strangers, they are very suspicious of them. And this mistrust appeared, because the main goal of the Caucasian dogs was to guard the house.
Description of alabay
This breed of dog is called the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. And it has already existed for over 4 thousand years. The Alabai are descended from the dogs of Tibet and have undergone rigorous natural selection due to the harsh conditions and constant struggle with the enemy. And this is what influenced the character and appearance of the dog.
Positive traits:
- developed intelligence;
- calmness;
- does not need special care;
- distrust in strangers;
- moderate appetite;
- loves the owner;
- congenital protective instinct.
Negative qualities:
- waywardness;
- demanding;
- training is hard;
- prone to vagrancy;
- you can not get people with a soft character.
The dog is serious and confident. Alabai are also owners, but this is manifested only on their own territory, but they do not show this when visiting.
And when strangers approach the house, the males react very sharply and are ready to attack immediately, but the females in this regard are careful and attack only when strangers come close.
Differences in appearance
There are several points by which you can determine which of the breeds is in front of you. You should rely on the differences in the following parts of the body:
- wool;
- paws;
- the shape of the head and muzzle;
- eyes;
- tail.
The Caucasian Shepherd has a long, hard and thick undercoat, while the Alabai has the opposite. In the spring, each of the breeds molt. The first ones need to be combed out every day, or at least every other day, so that the coat does not get tangled. Alabaev does not need to be combed so often, and in order to avoid skin diseases, it is necessary to do it more often during molting.
Caucasian paws are shorter but thicker. They also have a bigger head. In the Alabai, the shape of the muzzle is sharper at the nose. Their eyes are not lifted up, and therefore they do not squint. But in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, they are small, deep-set and mowed.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog has a short tail, because at birth it is cut off, but Caucasians do not do this operation. Therefore, they have it long, fluffy and bent into a ring. But nevertheless, stopping is not necessary, it is carried out only at will.
And the breeds are similar in their large form. And since they have an excellent physique and a thick undercoat, they can keep their owner company in any business. They endure various difficulties without problems, for example, lack of water and food. Also, these breeds initially guarded sheep, so they can make decisions themselves.
Who is bigger?
The growth of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog at the withers is approximately 60 cm, and in the Alabai it is from 70 to 80 cm. In some cases, a Caucasian can reach 75 cm. The weight category can be from 45 to 75 kg, and an Asian from 45 to 80 kg. Nevertheless, both breeds are very large, and they have well-developed muscles. Usually Central Asians are much larger, but it all depends on feeding and physical activity. Their life expectancy also differs. Caucasians live 10-11 years, Alabai 12-15.
Who is stronger?
Both dogs have almost the same strength indicators, but they fight a little differently. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog attacks fearlessly and can predict the subsequent actions of the enemy, when the Central Asian Shepherd Dog quickly reacts to everything and acts on the move. Also, the former will act to the last. The Caucasian wins due to his strength, and the Alabai due to dexterity and cunning.
Comparison of breeds by other criteria
Since these breeds are also shepherds, they stand out among the rest for their intelligence and ingenuity. Because security work requires an adequate assessment of what is happening.These dogs are very courageous and can act on their own. Caucasians love freedom, and that is why it will be difficult for them to obey the owner, but the alabai will look forward to attention and approval. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is cunning and complaisant, also gets along well with children and can become a "nanny" for them.
Who is content on the street suitable for?
For any large breed, including the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, it will be more comfortable in a private house with a large plot than in a small apartment. Since this dog loves freedom, it needs constant physical activity. This breed is perfect for the role of a guard. But the loyalty and devotion of the dogs to the owners will need to be earned.
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are one of the best guards, they will serve the family faithfully. Relationships must be built on respect. But since shepherd dogs love freedom, they cannot sit on a chain, they evaluate it as a humiliation, because they cannot move freely, and this negatively affects their morale.
The best option would be a spacious aviary with a house. Thanks to its coat, dogs can easily tolerate any temperature conditions.
And even when the animal lives in an aviary, it also needs to be walked, because it needs walks to develop its muscles.
How to feed?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can eat anything. You can feed your dogs dry and wet food. An adult dog should be fed meat (up to 1 kg per day), boiled chicken, fish and vegetables. There should also be cereals: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, wheat and pasta. The consumption of fruits and greens is very beneficial for animals, but they should not be given in large quantities, they must be raw.
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are completely unpretentious in food, but since they may have problems with joints, it is simply necessary that the diet has a high calcium content. This breed must be fed with meat (beef and veal), seafood, lean fish, raw or boiled vegetables, cereals. Chicken should not be added to the diet.
It is strictly forbidden to give both breeds: pork, bones, beets, potatoes, citrus fruits, legumes, various spices, smoked meats and canned food.
Whom do you choose?
Of course, it is always difficult to make such a choice between these two breeds, since the difference between them is not very big. Also, everything will depend on the character of the owner, whether he will be able to establish a relationship with the dog.
The main thing is not to forget that these breeds have different characters, and if a person is going to raise a dog alone, then it is worth stopping at the Caucasian Shepherd. For a large family, Alabai is suitable, which loves a lot of attention.
A cross between Alabai and Caucasian Shepherd
This process takes place exclusively on an amateur level. Therefore, there will be no new breed. Puppies are called mestizo. Their appearance comes from both parents. Puppies come out large, very easily trained, they are always transferred to guarding and guarding qualities. They are also very distrustful of strangers and always guard their territory. Also very stubborn and always dominant. Not everyone can cope with the character of such a dog and his leadership qualities.
For the characteristics of these two breeds of dogs, see the following video.