Dog Asian Shepherd belongs to a very ancient breed. For several millennia, she is popular as a reliable watchman. This large dog appeared in the countries of Central Asia, which in the past were part of the Soviet Union. As a factory breed formed by Russian dog handlers.
Today in Russia, an Asian is a dog, one of the four most popular guard breeds. This animal harmoniously combines a good character and unpretentiousness, a bright, memorable appearance and excellent watchdog qualities.
In Russia, often the Asian Shepherd (whose photo you see in our article) becomes a reliable companion, but most of these beautiful giants continue to serve as guard dogs and guard the herds. The modern Central Asian Shepherd has found fans in many countries of the world.
From the history of the breed
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, which received widespread names - Alabai, Asian Wolfhound, not only was able to survive in the course of natural selection, but retained its external data and character almost in its original form. Experts are sure that such an ancient breed is not the result of artificial selection. Asian is a dog that has been formed through natural selection for a long time. Throughout the world, this type of shepherd has become popular. The Asian breed has spread over vast territories of Russia, Europe and Central Asia.
Dog handlers are sure that the modern Central Asian shepherd originates from ancient Tibetan dogs. From this we can conclude that the Asian (Alabay) is a relative of the Tibetan mastiff. In addition, there is a version about the relationship of the Asian with many types of shepherd dogs that in ancient times were accompanied by nomadic tribes - the Mongolian shepherds and fighting dogs of Mesopotamia.
Rock formation
The most severe natural selection and harsh living conditions not only developed tremendous power in this animal, but also influenced the formation of its character. This is an absolutely fearless dog. This is a very formidable adversary for many animals, capable of developing great speed over short distances.
The struggle for prey, as well as competition with many predators, forced the "Central Asian" to harden endurance, learn how to use energy economically, without wasting it. Inexperienced owners sometimes believe that their dog is just lazy, but it is not.
Breed development in the Soviet Union
In the USSR, the breed began to develop in the 30s. Mass breeding of these dogs was planned to protect military installations and state borders, but, given the ambiguity of the nature and instincts of the Central Asian Shepherd, these plans were difficult to implement. As a result, the Asian did not receive mass distribution.
The breed was officially registered in mid-May 1993. The 1989 standard was taken as the basis.
External data
Asian Shepherd, photo of which can be seen in all dog books, belongs to the group of giant dogs. Their height at the withers is at least 70 cm, and their weight is from 50 kg. She is a kind of “heavyweight” among other guard breeds. In addition to the Central Asian Shepherd, this group includes mastiff, St. Bernard, Caucasian, Great Dane.
"Central Asian" has a massive and gross physique, with excellent muscle development. The body is voluminous, but not embossed. The skin is dense and thick, mobile relative to the musculature.
Historically, an Asian dog, a cattle guard dog, was forced to exterminate predators that posed a serious threat to herds or violated the borders of its territory. Free skin, for example, in a fight with a wolf, made the animal invulnerable.
Other parts of the body (tail and ears), which usually suffer in a scrum, are eliminated by a person using a surgical method - stopping.
Unfit and weak individuals disappeared, the most fit and strong strengthened the gene pool and continued the genus. As a result, the Asian today is considered a real wolfhound, who is able to withstand several opponents at once.
Asian is a dog slowly growing up. The complete formation of the psyche and skeleton occurs only in the 3rd year of life. The size of the animal is inversely proportional to its life span. In other words, the larger the dog, the less it lives. However, some individuals survive to 15 years. They are centenarians.
Hazard behavior
An important feature that characterizes this breed is its manner of behavior in situations associated with danger. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog will not enter the battle without a good reason - be it a threat to her own life, the safety of the owner or violation of the borders of the territory she is protecting.
On the territory that is not accountable to her, the dog is quite loyal to strangers, she is not prone to unjustified aggression. An Asian will never attack without warning. This is due to a well-developed territorial instinct. In their territory they are ideal watchmen.
The basis of the behavior of the Asian are calm and leisurely. As a rule, the animal reacts to the stimulus for a long time, in which case it can be distracted by an even stronger, but different stimulus.
White Asians
Central Asian Shepherd dogs of a white color are most demanded at present. And this is not surprising. More common (white-black, sand, white-brown, etc.) are quite common. The white Asian is unusually beautiful. This mighty dog is very reminiscent of a polar bear.
Immediately make a reservation that this color is extremely rare. Even the smallest speck of a different color is disqualifying.
White Asians are smaller than their spotted brothers. In addition, they often have problems with their health. The fact is that the white color is considered weakened, so the animal may have a tendency to allergies, metabolic disorders.
Character
Asian is a breed of dog whose character cannot be called typical. It can differ greatly in individual individuals, depending on the upbringing, environment, attitude of the owner to the pet.
Many people think that Asian is a difficult dog. However, this is more a myth than the truth. It is indisputable that during the upbringing of this animal some difficulties may arise, which not all novice owners know about. But they are caused not by the fact that the Asian has lived in a somewhat wild state for centuries. Rather, this can be explained by the own psychology of these animals. Having understood it, the owner can find an approach to the proper education of this giant.
The Central Asian Shepherd is a herd of animals with a well-developed hierarchy. She will always strive to take a leading position in the pack.
Behavior features
In the family, the owner should play the role of leader, and in case of improper upbringing, the dog manages to take a dominant position, then the grief-owner tries to get rid of it quickly. From such situations, rumors arise about the uncontrollability and aggressiveness of these animals. This is completely untrue. In this case, a gross mistake is made by the owner, who was then unable to take responsibility for her upbringing. He could not fulfill the tasks of a leader, did not earn the respect of a pet, and therefore was overthrown.
It is not uncommon for a dog to unconditionally recognize his leader in the owner with the "firm" hand, but at the same time he puts himself in second place. She does not obey the rest of the household, she becomes naughty. In such a situation, the owner (recognized as a leader) must correct the situation. This can be achieved by subjecting the Asian to strict discipline and work to correct behavior. It is better to connect an experienced dog handler to this work.
With proper upbringing in the family circle, an Asian becomes a loving and faithful friend, a member of the family, and generously gives his warmth to all family members.
Maintenance and care
I must say that theoretically this dog may well live both in an apartment and in a private house. But taking into account the protective instincts of the animal and its size, it is not recommended to keep it in the apartment. Imprisoned in a small space, an Asian can cause many troubles.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is used to feeling freedom, the apartment will “push” it. Long walks in the park will not correct this feeling. The most comfortable such a large dog will feel in the spacious courtyard of a private house, a country villa, a summer residence.
Feeding
For a dog of any breed, proper nutrition is of utmost importance. This giant is no exception.
It is important to properly organize the diet, determine the portion. Of course, you need a balanced diet. Asian is a breed of dog that needs to get food twice a day.
Your pet's diet should primarily be animal food. In addition, cereals will not be superfluous. You can feed the dog with dry food, but in any case, fresh meat / offal must certainly be present in the diet.
Since Asians are most often kept in the yard, the problem with the coat will not bother you much. In order for your pet to always look well-groomed and beautiful, it is advisable to comb the dog regularly. In the offseason, it is important to carefully comb out the undercoat. Otherwise, it will interfere with the dog in the heat.
Puppy selection
This is a very important and responsible matter. To get started, visit the large exhibitions where adult animals and puppies of the Asian Shepherd are always represented. Here you can negotiate with the owners of the animals you like about the conditions of a future purchase. For pedigree breeding, a pedigree approved at dog handlers' clubs in Russia and abroad must be submitted.
If you choose a dog for protection, then you will need Asian Shepherd puppies from manufacturers with a diploma of guard duty (“KS”).
Watchdogs should be chosen just as carefully. They should be distinguished by balance, obedience. A puppy should not have birth defects and hereditary diseases.
Therefore, it is better to buy a dog in a kennel, whose "graduates" have established themselves as reliable guards.
Take an interest in your baby's parents. As a rule, a bitch is kept in a kennel, and a male dog is also a “visitor”. But you need to know that the characteristics of the psyche and character of the puppy inherit from its mother. The father "gives" him only physical parameters. You can familiarize yourself with them in absentia, carefully studying the manufacturer's form.
Puppies of the Asian Shepherd Dog are ready for a change of residence no earlier than 6-8 weeks after birth. At this time, he had already received the first vaccinations.
Pay attention to the mobility of the puppy and its leadership qualities. To do this, throwing, for example, a bunch of keys, put next to a saucer with a treat. That puppy who will not be afraid to approach the saucer will subsequently become a fearless watchman.
Exterior puppy is of great importance. It should not have a coat too long - it may turn out to be a cross between a Caucasian shepherd and an Asian. In a purebred puppy of the Central Asian Shepherd, the head has the shape of a drop. The transition from the nape to the muzzle is smoothed. Pay attention to the massive lower jaw with a scissor bite. The distance between the front legs and the width of the chest should be equal to the width of the palm of an adult. Croup is massive and wide. Tail puppies Asian keep high raised.
Market or nursery
In no case do not buy Asian in the market or from unknown breeders. It may turn out to be just a cur, to whose pedigree the Asian may not have anything to do. Undoubtedly, all puppies of the Asian Shepherd are adorable. Photos of these babies will decorate the cover of any publication about animals, but you must remember that you choose a friend, companion, guard for at least 10 years, so you need to be very responsible in choosing a puppy.