The Alabai is part of the list of giant dog breeds. Also known as the Central Asian Shepherd, the pet has a highly developed guard instinct, but behind this characteristic there is a friendly personality. The Alabai dog does everything to protect his family, being a friend for all hours. Little known in Brazil, the dog arouses curiosity for its characteristics.Are you curious to know more about this dog breed? Check out a complete guide to the Alabai below that will make you fall in love with the breed!

Alabai: dog is one of the oldest dog breeds

The Central Asian Shepherd is a breed that arose by natural selection about 4,000 years ago. The nature of these dogs was developed from dangerous conditions. In confrontations with predators, only the strongest survived. This reality made the breed an excellent example of a guard dog. The animal arose in the expanse of Central Asia that runs from the Caspian Sea to China and from theThe ancestry of the breed comes from the oldest dogs of Tibet, cattle dogs and nomadic tribes.

Alabai: the breed's giant size is one of its most striking features

The Alabai dog is a representative of the large dog breeds. The height of the animal ranges from 62 to 70 cm, weighing from 40 to 80 kg. The head of the animal is large and wide, making a contrast with its triangular-shaped ears. The wide muzzle and round, dark eyes are other striking features of the Alabai breed. The jaw of this dog is strong and can cause serious injuries.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog can have a short or long coat, always with a well-developed undercoat. Regardless of the variety, the coat is rough, due to its ability to withstand severe frosts. The dog usually has a bicolour coat and all coat colors are accepted in the breed, with the exception of blue in any combination and black under brown.

The Central Asian Shepherd is a dog with a protective, courageous and companionable personality.

Coexistence:

The Alabai is known for being protective, loyal, and courageous, which makes them excellent watchdogs and trustworthy companions. When it comes to socializing, Alabais have an independent nature but are extremely attached to their owners and family. They tend to form strong bonds with their guardians and can be quite territorial, instinctively protecting their space.

Socialization:

Socialization is an essential aspect of raising an Alabai puppy. Alabai dogs generally do not get along well with strangers, as they are suspicious and reserved. However, with proper socialization from puppies, they can learn to get along in a balanced and respectful manner with unfamiliar people and animals. It is important to expose puppies to different environments, people and animals,so that they get used to different situations and learn to deal with them appropriately.

Lack of socialization can make the puppy fearful, aggressive or wary of different situations. The Alabai has a territorial and protective nature, and puppy socialization can help him understand which situations are safe and present no real threat.

Training:

Training the Central Eurasian Shepherd requires patience and a firm but gentle approach. They are intelligent dogs and can be quite stubborn at times, which may require more challenging training. It is important to establish early on who the pack leader is (in this case, the guardian) so that the Alabai respects and follows commands.

Using the positive training technique, with rewards, praise and play, is an effective way to motivate Alabai during training. With a firm and gentle approach, Alabais can learn basic commands, such as sit, lie down and paw, through to more advanced training.

4 curiosities about the Alabai dog

1) Alabai is known in Uzbek as "boribosar", which means "wolf-crusher".

2) The Central Eurasian Shepherd is highly territorial and has a very strong sense of ownership. It may demonstrate guarding behavior towards objects such as toys and dog feeders, protecting them as if they were its most prized possessions.

3) Although there was Soviet government involvement in the standardization of the Alabai during the 20th century, the breed existed long before that. It is considered a symbol of Central Asian culture and tradition, and its breeding and development took place over centuries by the local people of the region.

4) The rough characteristic of the Alabai dog's coat helps to remove dirt more easily, keeping the coat relatively clean even in harsh conditions.

How to care for a Central Asian Shepherd puppy?

Every puppy has a lot of energy, and with the Alabai it is no different. To take care of a puppy of this breed it is important to provide adequate nutrition, with high quality food specific for large breed puppies. Socialization from an early age, exposing to different people, animals and environments is also essential. Training must be done with patience and consistency, usingIt is also essential to ensure that they receive daily exercise appropriate for their age and size. Provide a quiet place to rest and ensure regular visits to the vet for health monitoring, always keeping dog vaccinations up to date.

Important care for Alabai routine

Bath: The Central Asian Shepherd does not need to be bathed very often because of its coat. It is best to bathe only when they are very dirty or smell bad. Always use a pet-specific dog shampoo. Dry the animal completely after bathing to avoid skin diseases such as wet dermatitis.

Brushing: regular brushing is essential to keep your Alabai's coat healthy. Use a brush or comb suitable for your dog's coat type. Brush at least twice a week to remove loose hair, prevent knots and keep the coat shiny.

Nails: check your Alabai dog's nails regularly and cut at least 1x a month. Use a dog nail clipper and be careful not to cut too close to the nail's barb. If you are not comfortable cutting the nails, consult a professional to do this procedure.

Teeth: Oral health is important for the Alabai. Brush his teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps prevent plaque build-up and the development of dental problems such as tartar. Also, provide dental toys and treats to help keep his teeth clean.

Ears: check your Alabai's ears regularly for signs of infection, earwax build-up or dirt. Clean your dog's ears with an ear cleaner recommended by your vet, using a cotton ball or soft cloth. Do not insert sharp objects inside the ears, such as cotton buds and tweezers, to avoid injury.

What do you need to know about Alabai dog health?

Alabai don't usually have many health problems, but there are some conditions that can affect the breed. They can develop problems such as hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, skin problems and some genetic diseases. It is important to carry out regular examinations, provide a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight and offer adequate exercise for the animal. In addition, it is essential to ensurethat the Central Asian Shepherd has all vaccinations up to date and is protected against parasites. Regular visits to a veterinarian experienced in large dogs is essential to monitor and care for the Alabai's health.

Alabai: breed price can reach R$ 8 thousand

The price of an Alabai can vary depending on the lineage of the parents. Generally, Alabais have a higher price compared to other dog breeds because they are rare in the country. The price of an Alabai puppy in Brazil is on average R$8,000. It is important to research and choose a responsible and reliable breeder, ensuring that the puppy is raised in healthy and ethical conditions.In addition to the purchase price, you also need to consider ongoing costs such as feed, veterinary care, training and accessories.

Alabai dog x-ray

• Life expectancy: 17 years.
• Weight: 40 to 80kg
• Height: 62 to 70cm
• Coat: short or long, with well-developed undercoat.
• Colors: all except blue in any combination and black under brown.
• Personality: protective, independent, companionable, loyal and courageous.