Central Asian Shepherd Dog

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Central Asian Shepherd is recognized by both FCI & UKC. It is considered a landrace of breeds developed by natural selection versus the more common purebred dog created by modern man. This dog of legends were developed in Central Asia along the silk route over 4,000 years ago.

History

Country of origin: USSR (regions of Central Asia), under the patronage of Russia Central Asians most likely originated in a geographical area between Ural,Caspian Sea,Turkey, and Northwest border of China.Aboliginal Central Asians as well as mixes still can be found in countries, located at place of origin, such as Tadzhikistan,Turkmenistan,Kazakhstan,Afghanistan,Uzbekistan and surrounding countries.

Brief historical summary

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the most ancient dog breeds, a typical Molosser. The breed developed as a result of popular selection over the period of more than four thousand years on a huge territory expanding today from the Caspian Sea to China and from southern Ural to Afghanistan. Within the veins of this breed there is blood of ancient dogs of Tibet, of shepherd dogs of various nomadic tribes and of fighting dogs of Mesopotamia, it is a close relative of the Mongolian Ovcharka and the Tibetan Mastiff. Throughout its history Central Asian Shepherd Dogs served mainly as guardians of livestock, caravans and the master’s dwelling, the breed underwent severe natural selection. Hard conditions and constant fighting against predators formed the looks and strengthened the character of this dog making it strong, courageous and energy-saving. In places of origin Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are used most often as watchdogs as well as for protecting livestock from predators. Kennel breeding began in the USSR in the 30s of the 20th century.

By working qualities, modern Central Asians had been bred into different directions, depends on the demand for their abilities. Most Central Asians used for modern fights come from fighting lines Vast majority of breeders are aware of their dogs’ background, and will tell, if the dog comes from lines used for fighting, or not. And one can always expect high level of agresivness towards other dogs from CAOs with dog fighting background.

Livestock guardians still in demand, but not nearly as much, as they used to be. These dogs differ in terms of being protective against human intruders, very territorial, safe with children, love and respect elderly people, protect all small animals from predators, and very gentle with family members.

Personal protection, or working dogs originated from livestock guardian dogs, being selectively bred by Russian breed experts for working abilities. As a result, they excel in obedience, territory protection and personal protection, very intelligent, and make perfect house dogs. They do not need any complicated training to learn basic house rules, and treat the owner with the same great respect, their ancestors treated the herder. These dogs were introduced to sheep breeding community worldwide with a great rate of success. Dogs must be able to work as a team, protection sheep against predators, thus excessively dog aggressive CAOs, as any other dogs, cannot be members of the pack, and will not pass this simple test revealing compliance of modern generation with breed origination purpose.

To conclude temperament differences description, Central Asians can come from working lines, fighting lines and livestock guardian lines, and behave accordingly, regardless of the country they come from. Simple pedigree research and conversation with the breeder will reveal what basic instincts one can expect from the dog. Central Asians from pure show lines still very rare, because most registries require working test prior to breeding. The hight of this dog is very big some male dog's can stand about 7ft tall on there back end. but the size of the dog is the same size as a american black bear 32-38 inch at the withers.they are much taller then great dane's and irish wolfhound's.

General appearance

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Molosser of Asian origin) is a harmoniously built dog, of above average height, of medium length. Build type - coarse with well-developed volume but not prominent muscular system. The thick skin is elastic against muscles which makes the dog less vulnerable in fights against predators. Gender differences are well-expressed, males are more massive and masculine than females. Maturity falls on the age of 3 years. This breed consists of numerous breed types. They differ in size, color, head types, hair types. Coat. The hair is thick, straight, coarse with-developed undercoat. Coat on the head and at the front of the legs is short and smooth. According to the coat length dogs are divided into those with the short and smooth coat (3–5 cm.) and those with the longer one (7–10 cm.) of intermediate type that forms the mane on the neck and tows behind the ears, at the rear of the legs and on the tail.