ALABAI - Know the Great Pastor of Central Asia

He Pastor of Central Asia, also known as ALABAI, it is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Without a doubt, its dimensions and the expression of their eyes make it a dog capable of imposing respect. This is why the International Cinological Federation (FCI) officially recognizes it as a dog Moloso. Thanks to its strength and intelligence it is one of the preferred dog breeds to guide cattle.

• Size: Large/giant.
• Weight: Between 40 and 79kg.
• Hair type: Average and very dense length.
• Character: Strong, curious, imperturbable, bold, independent, adaptable
• Health: Healthy
• Life expectancy: Between 12 and 15 years.

Origin of the Pastor of Central Asia

This dog is also known with names such as Alabai, Tohmet, Sage Koochee, Sredniaziaziatskaya and Ovcharka. In fact, the word Ovcharka In Russian he describes this race perfectly, since it means "guardian dog" or "pastor dog." So far there is no exact definition of its place of origin. However, as the name implies, it is known that It comes from the rocky areas of the center and south of Asia. In particular, there are data that prove that this dog is originally from the region that extends from the Caspian Sea to the Pamirs and from the border between Afghanistan, Russia and I will go to southern Siberia. Currently, it is still a little known race outside its hometown. On the other hand, it is known that it is a - or perhaps the oldest - of the dog's breeds in the world. It is estimated that it exists for approximately 4,000 years, and is considered a pure race.

 

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALABAI

It is characterized by having a considerable height and an imposing physicist. Males can grow up to 65-90 cm, while females have an average of 60-75 cm. In addition, males weigh between 55 and 90 kilos and females between 40 and 65 kilos. They have a harmonious body and wide back. And despite its large dimensions it is an agile, fast and resistant dog. His life expectancy goes from 12 to 14 years, under normal conditions. In general, they are very muscular and robust dogs, but they have a fairly thick fur that gives them an appearance of "bear." This makes them tolerant of the cold and, throughout history, they have been subjected to extreme climatic conditions during their tasks as pastor dogs. The hair color of this can varies between white, brown, black and cream, including its combinations. With respect to hair length, there are dogs of this short hair race (between 3 and 5 centimeters) and long hair (between 5 and 8 centimeters). Another important feature of this race is the shape of the head: rectangular and considerably larger in males than in females. The nose is wide and black, although in white shepherds it can be a bit clearer. The snout is wide and imposing, but not too long, and refines slightly towards the nose. A feature of these dogs that attracts a lot of attention are their eyes. In fact, he is known for having an incredibly penetrating look. His eyes are dark, sunk and very separated from each other, with the slightly fallen upper eyelids. In normal conditions, the lower eyelids do not fall and are black. The lack of pigmentation in the eyelids of these dogs could indicate that something is not well in their health. Due to the role they play, the tail and ears are traditionally amputated. However, it is a practice that has fortunately been prohibited in many countries.

Central care and maintenance of Central Asia or Alabai

Being a mountain dog and historically work under adverse climatic conditions, it does not require particularly delicate care. In spite of this, it is convenient to start training it from its first months if the intention is to tame it. In general, this shepherd must be bathed at least once a month, always protecting the ears and eyes.

 

Most of the year they give off little hair and just a weekly brushing to maintain its fur in order. However, especially when they have long hair, it is advisable to comb them regularly in the direction of hair growth. This need increases mostly during the summer or the change of hair, periods in which at least every two days must be brushed. Like every dog, it needs permanent control by the veterinarian. This includes all antiparasitic and antihelmíntic vaccines, and any other type of preventive measure against the spread of bacteria and infections.

Feeding

With respect to food, our partner must have a meat -based diet. It can consume it both raw and cooked and must preferably be lean or veal beef. You can also consume some waste such as kidneys, heart and liver. The pig is not the best option to feed this race, since the fat contained in this type of meat is not absorbed by its body. In addition, they can feed with cereals such as rice and oatmeal, and with fresh or steamed fruits and vegetables. The vegetables represent the main source of vegetable fiber, so it is good to include zucchini, carrots and spinach in our dog's diet. In adulthood to Alabai, it can be fed twice a day, in the morning and at night, using portions that correspond to its weight and height. Of course, feeding a dog with food prepared at home can represent a problem for people who have a frantic lifestyle. In these cases, packaged or canned food will always be a good option. However, it is important to ensure the origin of these products in order to meet all the nutritional needs of the dog. This type of food can be found in our store, of course. In addition, in the Alabai or Pastor diet of Central Asia, some solid foods must be included that help you develop your powerful jaw.

Physical activity

From ancient times, this can played a role of guard dog. He is able to guide cattle, protect its owner and his property. Work that, over time, have strengthened their character both physically and morally. It may seem a bit lazy when it is focused on its guardian's role, but it is a dog with a lot of energy that needs to be released to grow in good condition. For this reason, Physical activity is another main requirement in the life of this race, since you must develop your strength and resistance. Generally, he is able to withstand demanding physical efforts, but he also needs long periods of rest.

 

Ideally, it would be to jog or give long walks daily. It must be in a wide space, where you can run and practice jumps. Otherwise, you can start suffering heart disease, weight gain, diabetes or joint problems. If at least two hours a day of physical activities for him are not allocated (walking, playing, jumping, active walks) his life expectancy could decrease.

Most common diseases in the Pastor of Central Asia

This is a very healthy dog, if it meets an adequate food plan and exercise routine. But in general, he does not develop many diseases throughout his life. This is because it was born and was predisposed to develop in really extreme conditions such as living with minimal resources, outdoors and undergoing the effects of natural selection over time. Among the most common diseases that this race can develop are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a very frequent condition in giant breeds because of its weight. In addition, it is a hereditary disease, which means that certain races can be prone to suffer from it. It can produce a lot of pain to the dog, to the point of bringing it to the incapacitation, and it is a degenerative pathology. However, it is a condition that develops during the group's limb growth phase and is detected after 2 or 3 years of age. It can become an osteoarthritis in the animal's hips. For this reason, it is recommended that the puppy be subjected to sudden games or important falls during its development. Although specific studies have been carried out to determine other incident conditions, other diseases recorded for this race are: heart problems, back problems, arthritis, swelling, deafness, glaucoma, cataracts and heat intolerance.

Alabai temperament

This furry friend was born to be a leader, and his physical appearance definitely confirms it. It is a dominant but quiet and balanced race. In addition, as long as you do not consider them a threat, you can even get along with other animals, such as cats or other smaller dogs.

 

Now, when they are in unknown territories, they could behave with a much more reactive attitude. After all, they have evolved with a well -defined mission since their appearance on Earth: protect. That is why this breed needs a owner who is able to understand and manage their behavior in any situation. It has even been classified as a potentially dangerous breed, so it requires typical licenses for this type of animals. They must be raised and domesticated from puppies With a quiet but defined character, so that they can comply with the rules since childhood. They have a great sense of responsibility and fulfill their work with an impressive ethic. In environments where more than one copy of this race is found, puppies tend to accompany adults to grazing from an early age (around 4 months). Thus, even the little ones learn the trade imitating older dogs. They are brave, intelligent dogs with a very defined personality. In fact, they tend to evaluate themselves when they should intervene and when not. Generally, they enjoy outdoor walks and live in spacious places, which does not make them suitable for life in the city or in small apartments. They do not usually bark, so they usually go unnoticed when they are working.

Relationship with people

As mentioned above, this is A quiet dog that does not intimidate. They are very independent, reliable and are not aggressive unless they determine a reason to attack. When they are raised since childhood in a family environment they become a faithful and devoted partner. Despite being a sweet and jovial dog, it is not suitable for any type of family. A person who helps him handle his instinct needs an early age. It is not the best option for inexperienced or weak owners. He must be a person capable of making him understand who is the one who puts the rules.

 

It usually offends very easily if he scolds for him without any reason and is also able to remember that offense for a long time. It is a dog very sensitive to the emotional environment that surrounds it. Normally, it does not know how to handle stress, conflicts or fights. These types of situations have a negative impact on their health. When they are puppies they are characterized by being very playful, but this trait is disappearing as they grow. As an adult, it is a dog that is dedicated to its work and, usually, it is positioned at strategic points to see the entire territory they must protect. This attitude could make them seem a bit indifferent or unfriendly, but the truth is that they are paying all their attention on every detail. Actually, This dog is extremely good and affectionate with children and family. It is also very obedient and is always very attentive to the needs of those around it. However, it is important to pay attention to interaction with the smallest of the home due to their large size.