Central Asiatic shepherds are large , main dog who are firm to their family but can be wary around stranger . Learn more about live with Central Asian shepherds .

fundamental Asian shepherds are large , flossy firedog who make loyal companions . evolve naturally over the retiring 5,000 years , they ’re instinctual overseers of whatever is in their territory , including farm animal , human family member , and other pets . You may also get a line thisintelligent breedreferred to as Central Asiatic ovcharka , alabai , or alabay .

Though they ’re confident and independent , Central Asiatic shepherd love being around their owners . They ’ll happily curl up up on the floor next to you as you watch TV or spend the day outside in the curtilage , keep a watchful eye over the neck of the woods as you act upon in the garden . Because oftheir large sizeand their willful leaning , theserare dogsare well for moreexperienced click owner .

central asian shepherd standing in grass

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" The Central Asian shepherd dog is a very large , hard , very smart , very elusive , very courageous working heel , " says Sarah Wooten , DVM and veterinarian atPumpkin Pet Insurance . " These domestic dog were originally livestock guardian dogs , and their size , braveness , and stout nature served them well as they protected livestock from predators . "

Appearance

The first thing you ’ll remark about a Central Asian shepherd dog is his large size . These are substantial cad , weigh between 88 - 110 pounds and resist 25.5 - 27.5 inch tall . key Asian sheepman have expectant , rectangular heads that are in proportion with the eternal sleep of their enceinte bodies .

Their thick-skulled , oval - shaped ear are intermediate - sized and naturally hang down the side of their heads . Central Asian shepherd dog ears are typically graze and their tails are dock when they are puppies - in fact , it ’s very rare to follow across an uncropped fundamental Asiatic shepherd . However , both practice are controversial . According to theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association , ear cropping and tail docking are often done for strictly enhancive reasons and have no proven wellness benefit for the brute .

They have flossy coats made up of coarse , neat hair that comes in nearly all colors and combination , except for blue-blooded or browned and liver . The Central Asian sheepherder ’s braggy , soulful eyes are ellipse - work and middling late - set . Their eye vividness take to the woods the gamut from hazel to dark brown , but their eye rims are typically black . These dogs are often described as cause a confident , dignified looking at .

central asian shepherd closeup

Temperament

The Central Asian sheepherder disposition is independent and self - guarantee , thanks to their foresighted chronicle of protect livestock and people within their territory . But though they are positive and contented with being alone , these frankfurter are far from aloof - they’re loving and faithful to their family members .

These frank are known for their high capacity for work . When confronted with large predators , they typically behave courageously , which has historically made them a democratic option on farms and ranches with sheep , Goat , chickens , horses , and cattle .

" fundamental Asian ovcharka are [ watchful over ] their people and property , while also fast and loving to the people they know , " order Annette Louviere , DVM , veterinarian forWisdom Panel .

central asian shepherd lying with tongue out

Central Asian shepherds are typically tranquil dog , but they doenjoy regular walksand otherforms of physical exercise and flirt . These weenie have raft of stamina and they ’re adaptable to all sorts of terrain and weather , which makes themperfect farseeing - distance hiking fellow . And because they evolved in varying climates , they ’re adaptable to risky venture in all sorting of weather , both blistering and cold .

When it come to philia , Central Asian shepherds are not known for being overly clingy , but they do regularly seek out attending from their proprietor . They have a go at it to be in the same general area as their world andtend to follow their kinsperson membersaround the house or the yard .

Because these dogs evolved to guard a specific territory , they may take a while to warm up up to new hoi polloi , specially those entering their menage or yard .

central asian shepherd near greenery

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" They enjoy attention from their trusted citizenry with whom they form loving bonds ; however , this breed will be suspicious of stranger , " Louviere say .

Take it dull and be sure to give your fundamental Asiatic sheepman plenty of prison term andpositive reinforcementwhen meet new people or animal . Socializing your Central Asian shepherd puppywill also help him be more consent of new people and post as an grownup .

Living Needs

Central Asiatic shepherds are active when they ’re outdoors , but unruffled and calm when they ’re indoors , Wooten pronounce . They ’re just as felicitous give-up the ghost on farseeing hiking as they are lallygag around while you read a playscript .

They’reideal pets for familieswho can take them on everyday walk , as Central Asiatic shepherds benefit from regular exercise and arousal .

These dog do best in family withlarge , wall yardsfor roam around in , and some amount of privacy and place off from neighbour - they’re not thebest set for an apartment , condominium , or townhome . If you have a farm or a large prop with livestock , these dogs may be a secure alternative for you , too . Because they have a tendency to wander , be sure to visit your fence regularly for any gob or easy gameboard that may make for an appealing escape road .

central asian shepherd chewing on stick

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These fast giants lovespending time with child , particularly kids in their menage . They typically get along well with other dogsand with catsthey believe to be part of their kin . But , as with all dog breeds , Central Asiatic sheepman owners should superintend their dog ’s interactions with both tike and other animals .

Because they are so big and not extremely well-heeled merging newfangled citizenry , Central Asian shepherd are ideal for owner who are stay-at-home and who are n’t looking for afour - legged travel companion . A slothful weekend at home is his idea of the perfect time !

Care

cardinal Asian shepherds are comparatively modest - maintenance dogs who call for picayune grooming - all they need to look their best is agood brushing once or twice a weekat home base and a periodicbath when they get dirty . Otherwise , their coat mostly takes care of itself with aheavy one-year shedding periodin the springtime or early summertime .

" They do n’t tend to shed a portion , but once a yr theyblow their coatand create quite the pelt storm , " Wooten says . Keep a good dog - hair vacuum cleaner on handwriting and be prepared for lots of hair when temperatures start to spring up .

Their nails run to farm fast , so be sure to makeregular nail - trimmingappointments with a groomer or invest in anail clipperor rotary torpedo tool for at - home trim . Because these dogs love to expend time outside , their auricle tend to get dirty andshould be cleaned regularly . Owners should alsobrush their teethoften and scheduleconsistent dental health check and cleaningswith their veterinary surgeon to keep Central Asiatic shepherds feeling their skillful .

central asian shepherd russian stamp

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Though highly sound , cardinal Asian shepherds are know for their independence , which can maketrainingmore challenging , but with perseverance , circumstances of praise , andplenty of treats , these dogs can become well - behaved family unit member in no meter .

These domestic dog do best with experienced owner who are well - versed in positive reinforcement training technique and can pass the meter needed to help oneself their key Asian sheepherder determine dependable doings . And because they tend to be fishy of people outside their family , Central Asian shepherd puppies also profit from former and regular acculturation with other people and other animal .

" This is not a breed for afirst - clip dog parent , " says Louviere . " right trainingtakes patience but also means that , with time , these heel can make splendid companion . "

Health

Central Asian shepherd havea extended lifespanfor big dogs at 10 - 15 years , but some have go to be as old as 17 , according to theCentral Asiatic Shepherd Society of America(CASSA ) . Owners can help ensure a longsighted , felicitous life by feeding Central Asiatic shepherdshigh - quality dog solid food , apply them right exercise , andscheduling regular veterinary checkups .

Because they evolved through born selection , primal Asiatic shepherd typically have very few genetic issues and areconsidered a sizeable breed . That tell , reputable Central Asian shepherd breeders will screen for conditions includinghip dysplasiaand elbow dysplasia . These dogs may also suffer fromepidermolysis bullosa , a rare skin disorder that causes blistering .

History

Unlike many other dog breeds that were developed by human breeders , Central Asiatic shepherds have evolved on their own over the last 5,000 years , according to CASSA . In fact , they ’re one of the oldest known dog breeds in creation !

Over time , this autochthonous stock adapt to the utmost climates and terrains of Central Asia , from wintry mountain acme to sweltering deserts . Their natural inherent aptitude drew them to humans for aid and soldering , which led to them guarding their human fellow traveller and their possessions .

In 1996 , the cardinal Asian shepherd was accept into the American Kennel Club ’s Foundation Stock Service group . They ’re still very rare in the U.S. , but commonly discover in Afghanistan , Iran , Kazakhstan , Kirgyzstan , Tadjikistan , Turkmenistan , and Uzbekistan , according to theUnited Kennel Club .

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