Alabai Dog Breed

Also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, the Alabai is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. There is about 4,000 years of history behind this particular dog breed. It is a breed that arose by natural selection, likely originating from Tibetan Mastiffs and Mongolian shepherd dogs.

Their origin took place in the nomadic tribes of Central Asia where these large and stocky dogs were used to protect livestock and other property against predators and thieves. Today, they are still used as a working dog, particularly for guarding. They can be most commonly found in:

• Afghanistan
• Iran
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan

The Alabai (sometimes spelled Alabay) is a large dog breed. They are stocky, robust and have powerful muscles. Unlike most other dog breeds, the Alabai boasts significant sexual dimorphism. Males are bigger and more temperamental than females. Specifically, males usually reach a weight of 50-79 kg (110-174 lb) and a minimum height of 70 cm (28"), while females weigh between 40-65 kg (88-132 lb) and measure at least 65 cm (26").

The International Canine Federation (FCI) includes the Alabai in group 2, made up of Pinscher and Schnauzer-type dogs. These include Molossoid, Swiss Mountain Dogs and Cattledogs. Specifically, it is found within section 2.2. of Molossoid dogs, mountain type.

The most notable characteristics of the Alabai breed standard are the following:

• They have a massive head: rectangular in shape, with a moderately defined fronto-nasal depression (stop). The truffle (nose) is black, although in white or beige specimens it may be somewhat lighter.
• The eyes convey a confident and dignified expression: they are medium in size. Eye color can range from dark brown to hazel. The rim of the eyelids is usually black.
• The ears are hanging: they have a medium size, triangular shape, and a low insertion. It is a breed in which ears are traditionally cropped. However, we must point out ear cropping is a strictly prohibited practice in some countries and is something we believe should be outlawed since it threatens animal welfare.
• The neck is strong and muscular: it ends in a deep and wide chest.
• The limbs are strong: they have powerful muscles, especially the thighs.
• The tail is thick at the base and set a little high: it hangs down to the hock in the shape of a sickle. When the animal is alert, it rises to the level of the back or higher. Similarly, it is common to find specimens of this breed with the tail docked, although we feel the same way about this as we do ear cropping.
• The hair is double-layered, abundant, smooth and thick: the majority of specimens have hair of about 3-5 cm in length, although in some cases it can be longer.

It is a very resistant breed, capable of adapting to a wide variety of climates. Now that we have seen the characteristics of the Alabai dog, let's take a closer look at their coat colors and patterns.

Alabai dog breed coat colors

The Alabai's coat can be almost any color (white, black, gray, reddish-brown, grayish-brown, brindle), except genetic blue or genetic brown in any combination or a black on tan coat.

The harsh living conditions and work as a guard dog have influenced the character of the Alabai. In general, they are dogs with a strong temperament, being self-confident and proud. They are protective of their family, yet at the same time quite independent dogs who expect to be treated with respect. They are distrustful dogs, who tend to be suspicious of unknown people or animals.

Despite having a strong character, they are stable, calm and quiet dogs that adapt well to changes in the environment. They are guard dogs that stand out for their resistance, their courage against predators and their natural instinct for territoriality. When they feel threatened, they react quickly, with complete security and seriousness.

Like any breed of dog, the Alabai requires a series of care needs to be met in order to stay healthy:

• Grooming: brushing a week and bathing once a month will be enough to keep the Alabai's coat in perfect condition. Nails should be trimmed regularly and ears cleaned weekly to prevent wax buildup. In addition, tooth brushing should be done every 2-3 days to prevent the onset of periodontal disease.
• Exercise: despite the fact that the Alabai is a calm dog with a low energy level, it is not advisable to keep it confined to an apartment. They should have a large patio, at the very least. They are dogs with great resistance, so they are ideal for caregivers who like daily walks. For safety, during walks they should always be on a leash and should only be released in fenced spaces.
• Food: their daily diet can be commercial or homemade, but must be adapted to the age and activity level of the animal. As it is a large breed, taking care of its diet will be essential during their puppy stage. Overfeeding during this period can be responsible for important developmental diseases.

The Alabai is a breed that takes time to mature. Their character is forged during the first three years of life. It is essential that during this period they receive an appropriate education. They generally require extensive socialization and the use of patient training techniques throughout their lives. Being a breed with a strong and proud character, it is not recommended for inexperienced caregivers or those without knowledge of canine education and behavior. If they have had poor socialization or neglect when young, they can be difficult to socialize as an adult dog.

The Alabai or Central Asian Shepherd is a hardy dog, which has fewer genetic diseases than most other breeds. However, it is not exempt from suffering from pathologies that reduce their wellbeing and life expectancy, with joint pathologies being the most frequent in this breed.

The alabai is a very rare breed in Western Europe and elsewhere outside of Asia. Finding a specimen of this breed in your country can be a complicated task. In case you have thought about including an Alabai in the family, you can contact a club of this breed to guide your search. Not many areas will have one, but it is always worth a look.

Remember that what is truly important when adopting a new member of the family is not that they meet any breed standard, but that you can adapt to their needs and lifestyle. We also recommend adopting a dog from a shelter to help dogs in need find a home.

Find out about other dogs from this region with our guide to Asian dog breeds.