Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Alabai: Distinguishing Breeds

When choosing a breed, potential dog owners are guided by various factors: the expected conditions for keeping a pet, their potential functionality, size, appearance and the possibility of training. To protect a private home, breeders offer to make a choice between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Alabai. What are their features?

Both breeds are large, require competent training and a large free space.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Caucasians, as the name implies, were bred in the Caucasus, on the territory of the former USSR. Some experts are sure that the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, or Alabai, was the ancestor of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. These dogs, both then and now, are designed to perform several functions: the protection of a residential building and pastoral activities. The breed was registered with the International Cynological Association in 1990.

• Appearance. The Caucasian is a very large and powerful dog with pronounced musculature. The height at the withers reaches 65 cm, weight – up to 75 kg. Representatives of the breed have a massive head and a wide chest, a high-set tail, large ears and dark eyes. The dogs are very fluffy, their coat is dense, with a thick undercoat. Among the colors there are gray, gray-brown, brownish with light spots.

• Character. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a very serious dog that needs proper training from an early age. Caucasians have a remarkable mind, they clearly divide people into friends and foes, they are able to make independent decisions. They quickly distinguish a real threat from attempts at provocation. If the dog decides that the owner is not authoritative enough, he will not obey. Very independent, not very good with children.

• Keeping. Caucasians are not suitable for keeping in a city apartment – such a large dog will be uncomfortable there. The ideal option would be a country house with a large territory, where the pet will have its own aviary and booth. At the same time, the dog cannot be put on a chain – it will bark non-stop and cause inconvenience to home and neighbors. The coat of the Caucasian Shepherd requires careful care: you will have to comb out the tangles at least once a week. It is important to carefully monitor the diet of your tailed guard – some representatives of the breed have a predisposition to metabolic disorders.

Alabai

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, or Alabai, according to the ICF classification, belongs to the Molossian group. Bred on the territory of Central Asia, in Turkmenistan. In Uzbekistan, such dogs are called wolfhounds, which, in principle, is not far from the truth. Alabai is one of the most ancient breeds that has come down to our time with virtually no selection changes. Its representatives are used to guard houses, graze livestock and as guard dogs.

• Appearance. Alabai is considered one of the largest breeds: height at the withers can be up to 65 cm, and weight – up to 80 kg. The average life expectancy is about ten years. Powerful muscles are hidden under a thick and fluffy coat. Ears are low and hanging. The eyes can be either light or dark brown. According to the breed standard, almost any color is allowed, with the exception of blue, brown and black-and-red.

• Character. Alabai is a dog that needs professional training. In no case should you try to force this dog to obey with the help of force: this can provoke aggression. If the pet recognizes the authority of the owner, he will unquestioningly follow the commands. This is a fairly independent pet that will protect family members without an additional team.

• Keeping. Alabai is not very suitable for keeping in a small city apartment, prefers large spaces. The dog needs plenty of walks and physical activity. On the territory of a country house, a private aviary and an equipped booth are preferable. Alabai wool requires proper care and combing. These dogs have excellent immunity, but there are also hereditary diseases.

Regardless of the chosen breed, it is worth remembering that both Caucasians and Alabai are very serious and independent animals that people with a small amount of time and not the toughest character should not have. They require special approach and care. Having spoiled such a dog, you can get an aggressive animal that will obey only its instincts.

See also:

• What shepherds are and how to choose the right one

• Determine the size of an adult dog from a puppy

• How to choose the right guard dog