Central Asian Ovcharka in breed portrait (+ pictures)

Our following breed portrait is all about a Russian livestock guardian dog, the Central Asian Ovcharka, also Alabai or Alabay called.

This breed is far less well known in this country than in its native Russia.

So that this changes a bit, we will now tell you all the important information about health, posture, upbringing & Co.

Central Asian Ovcharka wanted poster

Size Male: 65 to 78 cm, female: 60 to 69 cmWeightMale: 50 to 79 kg, Female: 40 to 65 kgColorsBlack, Gray, White, Reddish, Rust, Pied, Fawn, BrindleLife expectancy12 to 15 yearsOriginRussiacharacter/temperamentstrong, bold, adaptable, curious, independent, robust, resilient, imperturbable, nerve of steelFCI groupGroup 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molosser – Swiss Mountain Dogs and other breeds, Section 2.2: Molossoids, mountain dogs

Look

The Central Asian Ovcharka has one muscular, powerful and compact body, with relatively slender legs will be carried.

The dog’s head is large and angular, and appears almost a little bulky. The rather small, slightly bent ears also contribute to this.

The small, oval eyes, which are usually dark brown, reveal that the dog has a calm temperament despite its protective instinct.

The tail is usually long and bushy, but can be quite short in some cases.

By the way, the appearance of the alabay is differentiated according to climatic zones, which affects not only the fur, but also the physique and character.

A distinction is made between the following climate zone types:

• mountain guy
• desert/steppe type

The mountain types are bulkier and stockier in physique, the legs are quite short. The fur is denser and longer due to origin.

Desert and steppe types are lighter and more agile. The body is narrower in stature, these dogs also have long legs.

Height Weight

There is no question that the Central Asian Ovcharka is one of the larger dog breeds. The size and weight also confirm this.

Males weigh between 50 and 79 kilograms with a shoulder height of 65 to 78 centimeters.

Bitches are slightly smaller and lighter with a height of 60 to 69 centimeters and a weight of 40 to 65 kilograms.

Coat, coat texture & coat colors

The fur of the Central Asian Ovcharka may be bred in the following 8 colors or color combinations:

• Black
• pinto
• brindle
• White
• rust
• Fallow
• Gray
• Red

You can find these colors on a straight, coarse textured coat accompanied by a dense and softer undercoat.

History & origin of the Central Asian Ovcharka

The Central Asian Ovcharka or Alabai/Alabay is a Russian breed of dog.

However, Central Asian may reveal to one or the other that the origins are spread over the whole of Central Asia, so to speak.

These range from Afghanistan to Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia and Siberia.

Everywhere there the Alabai was and is an important livestock protection dog. The FCI officially recognized the breed in 1989.

Essence and character of the Central Asian Ovcharka

It is hardly surprising that a Central Asian Ovcharka might shock one or the other at first sight.

After all, a dog that’s waist-deep for most of us is already imposing. But is the creature so supposedly frightening?

The clear answer: no, it is not. The Alabai is considered to be a very calm dog with a balanced temperament and an inquisitive nature.

Nevertheless, the livestock guardian dog should not be caught on the wrong paw.

Because a distrustful nature and an initial aversion to everything foreign are also inherent in him.

Does he fear that this foreign country could become dangerous to his people? Then the bold and fearless alabay attacks without warning.

Of course, this quality has its pitfalls, because here an aggressive trait of the otherwise strong-nerved and unshakable dog shows.

As a herd protection dog, the Central Asian Ovcharka is a very independent dog that also searches for and carries out tasks on its own.

Nevertheless, he builds up a close bond with his human – and he will only accept him as his pack leader, but he will always put him to the test.

When it comes to being left alone, this condition makes little difference to the Alabai. Nevertheless, training to be left alone cannot do any harm, even for puppies of this breed.

attitude & upbringing

What role do you think they play? Size, temperament and character in the upbringing & keeping of the Central Asian Ovcharka? The following lines tell you that.

Upbringing

Herd protection dogs are hardly ever suitable as beginner dogs.

Training guardian dogs requires a lot of consistency, patience and assertiveness.

The size and weight of the Alabai also exclude training and keeping by dog ​​newbies.

Because it can quickly happen that a dog that weighs more than its owner pulls them around with insufficient attention and physical strength.

attitude

While he may not appear like the liveliest of furry friends, the Central Asian Ovcharka really likes to get plenty of exercise every day.

We do not recommend keeping this dog in an apartment. He is only really happy if he is kept in a species-appropriate manner in a house with a large garden.

Health & Care

Outdoors boy with robust health or prone to illnesses and problems? How about the Health & care of the Central Asian Ovcharka is ordered, you will now find out.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Central Asian Ovcharka is 12 to 15 years.

Health

Breed-typical diseases and health problems do not await you with the Central Asian Ovcharka.

Due to his size, however, he is prone to knee problems and joint problems.

The following things, which you should always keep in mind, have a positive effect on health and thus life expectancy:

• Check-ups by the veterinarian
• All-round protection against the most common dog parasites
• All-round vaccination protection for puppies and adult dogs

By the way, the health of the dog stands or falls with the right nutrition.

So please make sure that your Alabai’s food contains everything he needs for a healthy life.

General Grooming & Grooming

Of course, you don’t want inflammation to develop into a health burden for your new roommate.

That’s why you should always keep an eye on the eyes, ears, mouth/teeth, paws/claws and anus of the alabay.

The fur of the alabai is less demanding. Even if it is available in the longer version.

Thanks to its resistant properties, it is sufficient if you brush it out and thoroughly once a week.

Is the Central Asian Ovcharka right for me?

After all the important information, one important question remains:

You fulfill all Characteristics and requirements with a Central Asian Ovcharka to live together?

The correct answer awaits you in one of the following statements.

• You trust yourself to hold the tall and physically strong Alabai.
• You are looking for a dog with a particularly strong protective instinct.
• You have enough space to offer the alabay a species-appropriate attitude.
• You know that not only physical exercise is important, but also mental work.
• You already have dog experience and know what you have to consider in training.

Fun facts about Central Asian Ovcharka

Finally, a few Fun facts that we have put together for you about the Central Asian Ovcharka have.

Would you like to live with a Central Asian Ovcharka? Then you should budget around €1,000 for a puppy.

Typical for the Alabai are the skin folds on the face, which appear sunken, especially on the muzzle.

The alabay is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

The dog is a national monument in Turkmenistan – with its own monument made of gold, which is almost 6 meters high!

Central Asian ovcharkas are still popular state gifts today.

With this last fact, we would be happy if you shared other helpful tips and interesting stories about the Central Asian Ovcharka in the comments. 😊