Central Asian Shepherd Dog

This breed is descended from the molosser-type dogs that originated on the plains and steppes of central Asia. Today, Russian kennels often rank it as the number one most popular dog breed in the country. It was bred as a livestock guardian dog, and today is still used for that purpose, as well as to guard property and do military work. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (also called the Central Asian Ovcharka) is a very large and powerful dog. Because it was originally developed across a large geographical area, and within those disparate regions developed according to use and crossbreeding with local dogs, its standard allows for quite a bit of variation. The average Central Asian Shepherd Dog stands from 25 to 31 inches at the shoulder, with the males being the larger. The typical male weighs from 120 to 145 pounds. This dog shows powerful musculature and is thick of bone. It is slightly longer than tall, and has a wide back. Its chest is well-sprung and deep. Its head is large and solid, and may carry wrinkles. Many individuals of this breed have their ears cropped very short (the tail is also docked), but this depends upon the laws in the country of birth. This dog has a stocky, strong neck and shoulders, with a short dewlap. The coat is double and consists of a short or moderately long top coat that is coarse and weather resistant, and a very dense, heavy short undercoat. This coat traditionally made the dog fit to work in a variety of harsh climactic conditions. The coat color varies widely, but some common colors are black and white, any shade of fawn or red, and brindle. Dogs from the Russian sentry lines are typically black. Other dogs are seen in yellow, sable and gray. This breed may have a black mask, and may or may not have white markings. As early as 4000 years ago, molosser-type livestock guardian dogs were following the nomads of central Asia from what is now Iran and Turkey to the south, to Siberia in the north. Through the centuries this dog type split into many breeds according to specific use and crossbreedings with local dog breeds. All of these guardian breeds were large, had mastiff/molosser features, and were valued as loyal guard and working dogs. Their differences developed in response to the demands of lifestyle and climate. It is likely that some of these dogs traveled with tribes such as the Huns and Mongols when they moved west into what it now Europe, and set the foundation for the development of various livestock guardian breeds there. In the early 20th century, the newly formed Soviet Union was working to centralize its culture, military and government. The large livestock guardian dogs that were common to the nomadic and formerly-nomadic tribes of the Republic were taken by the government and put in breeding kennels and training programs to serve the needs of the military and police, as well as the many new factories. Over time some lines were bred to favor the traits which led to superior guards of material property rather than livestock. When the USSR dissolved, many newly-independent republics set to work rediscovering their unique heritages. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, this heritage included the large livestock guardian dogs that had traditionally protected their herds, families, camps and homesteads. In 1993, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized these dogs collectively as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. In recent decades the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is declining in Russia, as it is replaced in favor by the larger Caucasian Ovcharka. It has gradually increased in popularity in North America as a livestock guardian dog, an all-around farm worker and a therapy dog. It was admitted to the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service in 1996. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is remarkably healthy, and it is not uncommon for individuals in North America where the quality of their lives and veterinary care is higher than in their land of origin - to live to be 17 years old. Breeding stock should be screened for hip, elbow and shoulder dysplasia. ACL injuries occasionally occur in this breed. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog needs a lot of room; it does not mentally do well in a small home environment. As are many livestock guardian dogs, it is prone to digging, and may resort to excessive digging if bored. If this dog is contained within a fence, owners should take care to see that the fence is securely built, and monitor it often for damage. This breed does best if it is given a purpose and a task. Fanciers of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog often caution that dogs obtained from breeders in Russia must be carefully screened for temperament and ability. Those dogs which come from Russian sentry lines are highly trainable, but have lost much of their livestock guarding ability. For livestock guardians, the dogs from the agricultural areas of central Russia and south, are the best quality. Great caution must always be taken when obtaining a Central Asian Shepherd Dog from Russia that it has not been bred to fight. Many of this breed have been used in recent decades in fighting rings in Russia and in many of the former Soviet republics, where dog fighting has increased in popularity. The practice has affected temperament of certain lines. These dogs sometimes have an undershot jaw (thought to improve their biting grip) and are likely crossed with other fighting breeds. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is very good with family. It is unusual amongst livestock guardian breeds in that it tends to bond strongly with the human members of the pack. This dog is protective and territorial by nature, and needs a very strong leader and early and consistent training, to be safe around people. Caution should be taken when introducing this breed to other dogs, because it has a natural tendency to dominate other canines. For the family that offers good leadership and room to run, this breed is an exceptional companion and guardian.

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