Dog Breed
Central Asian Shepherd Dog

- Full Name
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog
- Alternate Names
- Central Asian Sheepdog, Middle Asian Ovcharka, Turkmen Alabai, Aziat, and Volkadov
- Your PupScore
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- Life Span
- 12 - 14 years
- Weight
- 88 - 100 pounds
- Description
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an ancient dog breed, and some even say that they are the oldest known dog breed. Unlike many breeds today, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog was not man-made based on traits, or for any particular service to man. Rather, they evolved by the climate and other factors over 5000 years ago.
With this sort of history comes confidence, independence, and a territorial and loyal demeanor. They are very calm and quiet until they have to protect their family and loved ones. If they are well trained and socialized they can be excellent farmhands or guard dogs.- Origin
- RussiaMongolia
- Bred For
- Guarding sheep and goat herds, as well as to protect and for guard duty
- Attachments
- FCI Breed Standard
- Family Considerations
- Child Friendly
- Stranger Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Likes to Cuddle
- Playfulness
- Service Dog Ability
- Overall Ease of Breed
- Ease for Novice
- Training Potential
- Amount of Shedding
- Ease of Grooming
- Exercise Need
- Personality
- Intelligence
- Amount of Barking
- Guard Dog Ability
- Tolerates Being Alone
- Home and Environment Considerations
- Good for Apartment Living
- Size
- Tolerates Heat
- Tolerates Cold
- Potential to Run Away
- Physical Characteristics
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Amount of Drooling
- Prey Drive
- Athleticism
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog good with children? Nearly all dogs enjoy playing with small children, but some can play too rough, or be a bit careless. In some cases dogs can get jealous of small children, or try and "herd" them due to their natural instincts.
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog friendly with strangers? Getting a dog that is friendly with people really depends on what your lifestyle is. Dogs who are more cautious with strangers oftentimes make good guard dogs, which can be a great fit for some owners. If you are social, live in the city, or frequently have guests over, you may want to consider getting a stranger friendly dog.
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog friendly with other dogs? Of course this is particularly important if you already have another dog at home. However, it's an important factor to consider as well if you plan on frequently going to the dog park. Otherwise, even a dog who is not automatically friendly with other dogs can be an excellent fit, as they can still be affectionate with their human family.
Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog like to cuddle? All dogs want love, but they have different boundaries when it comes to physical affection. If you plan on frequently having a dog on your lap or pushed up against you, then you should consider whether this breed enjoys that.
Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog like to play? All puppies are playful, but as adults certain dogs are more playful. If you have children, or otherwise want to keep your dog active with plenty of play, there are plenty of options of breeds who will be happy to play all day.
Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog make a good service dog? When looking to train a service dog it's important to consider how they were historically bred, and if their personality makes a good fit. A service dog must be smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner. Working dogs are a good fits since service dog 'work' gives them a feeling of accomplishment from doing a job.
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog good for first time owners? Dogs that are good for first time owners are ones who are easy to train, and are eager to please their owner. Very large dogs, or dogs with very high energy may also not be the best for first time owners since it adds a layer of complexity.
How well can the Central Asian Shepherd Dog be trained? This rating is about the training potential of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Dogs with high training potential oftentimes are good service dogs, police dogs, and dog show competition dogs. This does not necessarily mean they are the easiest to train, since many will be very intelligent and demanding.
Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog shed a lot?
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog easy to groom?
Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog need a lot of exercise?
How smart is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?
How much does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog bark? Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog bark too much? It depends on your lifestyle, and where you live. Dogs use barking to communicate, keep guard, and alert. A strong bark can be a good characteristic for guard dogs, or flock guardian dogs who need to be vocal.In apartment living you should consider getting a dog who is less vocal.
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog a good guard dog?
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog good at staying alone? Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog independent?
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog a good apartment dog? Can the Central Asian Shepherd Dog live in an apartment without becoming frustrated or destructive? Typically people immediately consider the size of the dog, but energy level and historical habitat are also factors.
How big is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?
How much does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Central Asian Shepherd Dog?
How much does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Central Asian Shepherd Dog?
Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog try to run away? Some dogs have natural wanderlust and are escape artists... they will do everything to get out and explore.
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog a healthy dog? The general health of a Central Asian Shepherd Dog should be measured not just by how many years they live, but how often they have health issues during their lives. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.
How energetic is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog? Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog too energetic for your lifestyle?
How much does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog drool?
Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog have a large prey drive? Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals? Prey drive can be bothersome at the park, but really an issue at home if you have small animals, since this comes as a natural instinct for dogs with high prey drive, to chase cats, birds, etc.
Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog atheltic? Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog fast and strong?
Breed Variations
White
Fawn
Black
Brindle
Gray
- Working
- Shepherd / Sheepdog
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog
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