BREED STANDARD
WORKING GROUP
Central Asian Shepherd
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is considered the most ancient breed of dog. They became a breed through natural selection over the course of more than four thousand years, spreading their reach through the present-day Caspian Sea to China and from Southern Ural to Afghanistan. It is linked to the most ancient dogs of Tibet, Cattle Dogs of various nomad tribes and is closely related to the Mongolian Shepherd Dog and Tibetan Mastiff.
The CASD were primarily used to protect cattle, caravans and the owner’s dwellings, having been primed through their natural evolution. Hard living conditions and constant struggle against predators have had influence on physical structure and dog’s character. Time has made it strong, fearless, and taught it to conserve its energy. In the places of primordial habitation, the CAS were used mainly to protect herds from predators and also as guard dogs. The work with the breed started in the USSR in the 1930s.
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General Description
Temperament & Behavior
Temperament is that of being self-assured, independent, proud, and intuitive. The breed as a unique capability of rationalizing and has a hardy, courageous demeanor. Fearlessness toward large predators is a breed hallmark, not to be absent. They are hard workers with an incredible capability for endurance and are inherently protective of their established territory.
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Alabai have a harmonious build and large stature, with a moderate length of body. Dog possesses a muscular body without appearing overly defined, with more emphasis of volume. Sexual dimorphism is clearly defined. Males show increased size and courage than females which are more pronounced in the withers and have a larger head. Full maturity is reached by the age of 3 years.
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The average breed height is between 25.5 and 27.5 inches.
Average weight is between 80 and 110 lbs.
Color and Patterns
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The Central Asian Shepherd is one of the most diverse breeds in terms of coat pattern, ranging from the wild agouti to attractive sable.
While they do appear to come in nearly every color available to dogkind, they are always genetically black.
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A wide variety of alleles constituting their genotype affect this black and in turn, how it displays. In some cases, while being black, they are masked in patterns that cause them to appear to be a liver or even dilute.
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All patterns may present where color has not been entirely deleted. To the left, we've included the extent of how
spread of white - among other factors - can affect pattern location within the breed.
