Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Developed over millennia across Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and surrounding regions, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog (CAO/Alabai) guarded flocks, homesteads, and caravan routes against wolves, thieves, and harsh climates. The type was later standardized (often under “Central Asian Ovcharka”) emphasizing weatherproof coats, sound movement, and resolute, territorial temperaments. Today the breed is recognized by FCI (Group 2, Molossoid—Mountain type), UKC, and AKC Foundation Stock Service, with small but growing numbers in North America.

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A powerful, rectangular Molosser with substantial bone and a dense double coat.

• Weight: ~90–170+ lb (41–77+ kg)
• Height: Males 27.5–31.5 in (70–80 cm); females 25.5–27.5 in (65–70 cm)
• Coat Type: Double coat; short, medium, or long varieties with abundant undercoat
• Coat Colors: Wide range—white, cream, fawn/red, sable, gray, black, brindle, piebald; masks common
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Broad head with strong muzzle, deep forechest, strong topline, thick tail (carried low or over back), catlike feet, steady, ground-covering trot; weather-hardy

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Low trimming; high de-shedding during seasonal coat blows.

• Brushing: 1–2×/week; daily during spring/fall blowout (line-brush to the skin; undercoat rake)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; fully dry dense undercoat to prevent hot spots
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 2–4 weeks
• Hot Spots/Mat Zones: Behind ears, ruff, breeches, tail base—check after wet weather
• Shedding: Moderate, heavy seasonally
• Note (Canada): Ear cropping/tail docking are restricted or discouraged in many provinces—confirm local policies

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A serious guardian that needs moderate, joint-friendly outlets and mental work.

• Daily Duration: 45–75 minutes total (split calm walks + training/enrichment)
• Great Activities: Perimeter/boundary training, scent games, hiking on soft surfaces, carting/draft at slow pace, obedience/rally basics
• Puppies/Adolescents: Grow slow—avoid repetitive stairs, forced running, or high-impact jumping
• Climate Notes: Heat-sensitive; exercise in cool hours and provide shade/water

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Independent, shrewd, and handler-sensitive—clarity, consistency, and management are everything.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; short, purposeful sessions; avoid harsh corrections that damage trust
• Focus Areas: Leash neutrality, reliable recall, impulse control (doors/visitors/livestock), calm place/settle, quiet on cue
• Socialization: Early, controlled exposure to people/dogs/urban surfaces; aim for neutrality rather than forced friendliness
• Management: 6-ft+ secure fencing, visitor protocols, and muzzle training for cooperative vet/groom care

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Keep lean to protect joints and longevity; grow steadily, not fast.

• Food Type: Large/giant-breed adult or balanced fresh diet; giant-breed puppy formula for growth
• Daily Quantity: ~4–7 cups/day total, split into two meals (adjust to size/season/workload)
• Add-Ons: Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; joint support (glucosamine/green-lipped mussel) for adults
• Bloat Safety: Deep-chested—avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals; consider slow feeders and discuss prophylactic gastropexy (GDV) with your vet

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Temperament transparency, health screens, and lifelong support are non-negotiable.

• Breeders: Choose FCI/UKC/AKC FSS preservation breeders who provide orthopedic/eye (± cardiac/thyroid) results, sound guardian temperaments, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Guardian/giant-breed rescues; ask about fence needs, behaviour with strangers/other dogs, and prior livestock exposure
• Canadian Resources: Not widely CKC-recognized—verify municipal/provincial bylaws & insurance for guardian breeds; join provincial working/obedience clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training and community

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Generally robust, with size-related and guardian-type considerations—screening is vital.

• Orthopedic: Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, osteochondrosis in fast growers
• Eyes/Skin: Entropion/ectropion; hot spots if undercoat remains damp
• Cardiac/Endocrine: Occasional cardiomyopathies; hypothyroidism in some lines
• GI: Gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat/GDV) risk
• Other: Ear infections (moisture), heat intolerance, obesity
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), CAER eye exam, cardiac evaluation as advised; disclose thyroid/GDV family history and orthopedic records

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Are Central Asian Shepherds good family dogs?
Yes—in experienced homes that provide early socialization, clear rules, and supervision due to size/guardian instincts.

Do Central Asian Shepherds shed a lot?
Moderate to heavy seasonally. Daily de-shedding during coat blow helps.

Are Central Asian Shepherds hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Central Asian Shepherd need?
About 45–75 minutes daily of low-impact walks, training, and enrichment.

Are Central Asian Shepherds good apartment dogs?
Generally not ideal—possible only with strong routines, secure management, and ample outdoor time.

Do Central Asian Shepherds drool?
Moderately—especially after drinking or exertion. Keep towels handy.

Can they live with other dogs or livestock?
Often dog-selective/territorial; careful introductions and management are essential. Many can be reliable livestock guardians with proper upbringing.

Central Asian vs Caucasian Shepherd—what’s different?
CAOs are typically more heat-tolerant with a drier (often shorter) coat and a broader range of working types; Caucasians tend to be heavier-boned with denser coats and strong territoriality. Lines vary—meet breeders’ dogs.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips/elbows, CAER eyes, and (as advised) cardiac/thyroid screening; discuss GDV family history and growth/joint management.

How should visitors be managed?
Use leashes, place/settle, gates, and rehearsed introductions; prioritize neutrality and never leave strangers unsupervised with the dog.

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