About the breed
The Central Asian Shepherd, also known as the Alabai dog, is a versatile working dog native to Russia and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. The breed is used for several purposes, including the protection of livestock, the protection of personal and property, fellowship and military work. The Alabai is one of the most popular breeds in its region of origin, although it is still quite rare elsewhere.
Central Asian Shepherd
This breed is known to be one of the largest, strongest, and most protective of all breeds, as well as its ability to not only survive but also thrive in some of the most hostile environments on Earth. But, at the same time, it is a dog that also adapts to life in family homes, with a particular predisposition to appreciate with the little ones.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and neighboring regions)
- Size: Large
- Weight: 121-174 pounds (55-79 kg)
- Head shape: Square
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat Type: Dense, double coat, can be short or long
- Colors: White, fawn, brindle, black, gray, and mixed
- Temperament: Independent, protective, courageous, and calm
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing required, especially during shedding season
- Exercise Needs: Moderate; enjoys walks but doesn’t require intense exercise
- Best For: Experienced dog owners, rural or spacious environments, those looking for a guard or livestock protection dog
The Central Asian Shepherd, also known as the Alabai, is an ancient breed known for its guarding abilities and independent nature. It was historically bred to protect livestock, making it fearless and protective. This breed needs a confident owner who understands their strong-willed temperament.
The standard of the breed
Impressive size, strong build and thick coat are the main exterior characteristics of the Central Asian Shepherd.
The height at the withers is 65 – 78 cm for males and 60 – 69 cm for females. The weight is 55 – 79 kg and 40 – 65 kg respectively.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
The Central Asian Shepherd is very fond of children. However, it should always be supervised when playing with children, as it can accidentally knock over or injure the little ones due to its extremely large size.
Alabai is a shepherd, which makes him accept as part of his order the animals he knows from the first moment. Or those dogs he gradually associates with. But he is also a dominant and very protective dog, so relationships with dogs are not always easy.
Physical qualities
Massive, tall, broad, proportionate to the physique. The shape, seen from the side and from above, resembles a rectangle. Flat and long skull with a well-developed occiput. Developed arches above the eyebrows.
The hanging and low landings have a triangular shape. From the first days of life, the ears are bought briefly. Undockings are also allowed.
Medium sized, oval, set wide and straight. Eye color can vary from light brown to dark brown. Black eyelids.
Straight or “scissor” bite. Jaws are strong and broad. Lips black.
The Alabai dog breed has a broad, muscular and strong body structure. It is a large, muscular and Mastiff type dog breed. Its height is slightly longer than the body length. Its shoulders are long and muscular. Alabai dogs are of a sturdy type with large bones, a large chest and a broad back structure. It has strong hips and back. Due to its developed and bulky bones, the rib cage appears longer than it is. The Alabai breed appears as a larger than average sized dog, strong and sturdy.
The coat is very thick, with a good undercoat that holds the temperature well. Does not curl. Depending on the length of their coat, dogs are divided into short-haired (up to 5 cm) and intermediate (7-10 cm) types. In the spring, a period of heavy shedding begins.
Forelegs. Medium length, strong bones. Thick, fleshy pads with tough skin. Strong claws.
Hindlegs. Straight, relative to the wider forelegs. Strong hips, strong bones, thick pads of skin, tough claws.
Alabai colors can be completely different: from brick to ivory or deep black. Dogs with light fur are more common. Only colors of any kind of blue, as well as chocolate and saddle black, are not allowed.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
FCI
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs – Molossoids – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.2: Molossoids/mountain type.
What to expect when taking care of a Central Asian Shepherd
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog most often suffers from the following diseases:
- Diseases of the joints (arthrosis, arthritis, myositis, etc.) – the cause of the disease is the heavy load of the dog’s heavy body on the paws. You can prevent such joint problems if you formulate a correct and balanced diet.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart attack, arrhythmia) – heart problems often occur in Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, who are kept in cramped apartments. A sedentary lifestyle leads to similar diseases.
- Diseases of the endocrine system – the affected dogs are not tall; they have a dull coat. Problems with the endocrine system negatively affect the metabolism in the body, the appearance of pets.
- Joint dysplasia is a disease that leads to destruction of the hip joints. As a treatment, various therapies and drugs are used to help stop this problem.
The Central Asian Shepherd does not require special care. It is enough to comb the coat with a special brush 1-2 times a week. Clean the ears, bathe the dog and trim the nails as needed.
Although they may seem lazy when guarding their homes and gardens, their action is instantaneous. As they lie down and seem to be about to sleep, they may suddenly get up and run. They are said to have low energy, but they still have great stamina.
With the right incentives, exercising brings them pleasure. However, you should not do too intense and fast exercises until their bones and joints are mature. Intense exercises are not recommended until they are a healthy young adult dog.
You can meet the Central Asian Shepherd breed’s daily exercise needs by having them do 60-minute activities or 3-3.5 kilometer walks during the day. Just as they enjoy walking and running, they also enjoy playing games such as catch and release, fetching, and participating in various canine activities.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai) thrives in a home with a fenced yard, providing space for exercise and territorial patrols. While they can adapt to apartment living with consistent exercise and socialization, this is less than ideal due to their size and exercise requirements. Regular walks and access to outdoor space are crucial.
Alabai are protective and need supervision around strangers. Proper training and socialization from an early age are essential to their well-being. Their thick coats are suited to cooler climates, but in warmer regions, shade and hydration are necessary. Overall, Alabai thrive in environments that are appropriate for their size, exercise needs, and protective instincts.
Character and behavior
Dogs of this breed are calm and patient, it is natural for them to analyze the situation and not act hastily. In the family, the Central Asian Shepherd shows an extreme degree of devotion and affection.
Alabai is a fearless, very loyal and intelligent dog. He has the innate skills of a security guard, he always carefully monitors his territory, knows every corner of it, ensuring maximum protection and safety of the property and the health of the owners. If you live in a private home, you won’t find a better security guard. Moreover, the character and innate properties of the dog are such that it is better for him to be on the street.
The Central Asian Shepherd, whose character has its specificities, is not recommended for inexperienced or shy owners. On the other hand, mistreatment and injustice will cause internal conflicts in the animal, which should be avoided.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Price and budget
Here’s an overview of the Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai) prices and estimated annual maintenance costs across various countries:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €1,200 | €2,500 | €1,000 | €1,800 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500 | CAD 3,500 | CAD 1,200 | CAD 2,000 |
| Belgium | €1,200 | €2,500 | €1,000 | €1,800 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,500 | CHF 3,000 | CHF 1,300 | CHF 2,200 |
| USA | $1,500 | $4,000 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Germany | €1,300 | €3,000 | €1,100 | €2,000 |
Explanation:
- Purchase Price: The cost to acquire a Central Asian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder. These prices depend on factors like breeder reputation, lineage, and health clearances.
- Mini: Lower range, generally for pet-quality puppies without exceptional lineage.
- Maxi: Higher range, for show-quality dogs or those with prestigious bloodlines.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: This covers food, vet check-ups, grooming, and training. As a large and powerful breed, the Central Asian Shepherd has significant needs, especially regarding diet and health monitoring.
- Mini: Basic care including regular food and vet visits.
- Maxi: Premium care including higher-quality food, specialized health care, and possibly extra training or security needs.
Additional Considerations:
Central Asian Shepherds are known for their guarding abilities and independent nature. They require strong leadership, early socialization, and consistent training. Due to their large size, they also have high dietary and veterinary needs, contributing to their higher annual maintenance costs. Their natural protective instincts make them excellent guardians but also require owners who understand how to manage such traits effectively.
History of the breed
Almost nothing is known with certainty about the origins and early life of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. It was maintained almost exclusively by nomadic herders who left little or no archaeological evidence. And this documentary silence is compounded by the remoteness of the breed’s home and the transient nature of its inhabitants. All that can be said with certainty is that the breed originated in the steppes and mountains of Central Asia, a region now divided between the countries of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and which has protected the livestock of local shepherds since time immemorial.