Central Asia Shepherd Dog
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| Central Asian Shepherd Dog | ||
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| Alternative names | ||
| Central Asian Ovcharka | ||
| Country of origin | ||
| Central Asian Republics of the Former USSR | ||
| Common nicknames | ||
| Alabai CAO CAS Aziat |
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| Classification and breed standards |
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are a landrace of breeds which originates from all over Central Asia from Iran to Tibet - along the ancient Silk road.
It is believed that the ancient Central Asian dogs are the ancestors of all breeds. This is debatable, but it is almost certain that the Tibetan Mastiff is a close relative of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and not its ancestor, as often thought. Regardless of which breed came first they are consisidered the most ancient Molosser breed of dogs in the World.
Central Asian dogs are are a wonderful reminder of what a natural dog looks like. The common misconception is that all Central Asian Shepherds are over 4,000 years old, when in fact the Russian version known as CAO is a fairly recent creation. Since these dogs don't exist in a single country, but are found all over eastern Europe and Asia, thus the breed has different names depending on the nomadic tribes that use these dogs as guardians of the nomads today.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a name used to describe quite a few different breeds. It should be noted that using the word "Alabai" to describe the C.A.O. is incorrect, since the breed variety known as Alabai is only found in Turkmenistan. Although it is popular to use the word "ovtcharka" these days, it needs to be kept in mind that it is a Russian word, whereas most of these breeds are indigenous to non-Russian regions of the former USSR.
These dogs come in many different types of varying sizes, coats, colours and temperaments, depending on their primary use and region of origin. The dogs' temperaments vary depending on the working ability they are selected for. Prior to the invasion of Central Asia during Stalin's reign all the dogs were used as guardians for people and flock. Large dark dogs were used in the villages and taller less heavy dogs in colors to match the Karakul sheep were used as the guardian of the shepherds.
The Russian dogs differ from dogs in Central Asia today. Due to the 2000 change in the Russian standard which differs greatly from the FCI and UKC Standards used threw out the world.
It should be noted that only a small number of truly pure dogs is found in main cities of the Central Asian Countries, so having a Turkmen or Uzbek heritage listed in a dog's pedigree doesn't necessarily mean that the dog is truly a CAS. When the Russians left the Central Asian cities in a rush in 1990 they left behind German Shepherd guard dogs that were let loose to interbred with the native Shepherd Dogs creating what natives call "Ovcharka".
Although there are three different head-types and three body-sizes to be found in the CAS. And that is exactly what Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are - they're working dogs. Whether their job is livestock herding, flock guarding, hunting, or protecting property, the dogs under this name are the main progenitors of all working breeds.
Massive and powerful, this breed is best suited for experienced individuals willing to work on the dog's broad socialization skills from an early age. The Central Asians make excellent guard dogs as well as companions for people . Usually with docked tails and cropped ears, the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of coat types, ranging anywhere from being as short as one inch to those that are over seven inches in length. Coming in all colours except liver or blue " RKF 2000 Revision"
Black-n-tan, tricolour, brindle and even uniform black dogs can be found in certain regions
