Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Also called Alabai, Alabay, Sredneasiatskaya Ovcharka, Tobet, Central Asian Ovcharka
From Central Asia, from the Caspian Sea to the borders of China, with Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran all part of its range.12
At a glance the quick version
FCI gives minimum weights only.
Coat and looks how to spot one
coarse double coat, short or long
A straight, harsh outer coat over a dense undercoat, either short (around 3-5 cm) or longer (7-10 cm) with a mane and feathering. The dog has a broad, massive head and big rounded feet.12
Personality what they are like
Quiet, proud and self-assured. It thinks for itself after centuries of working alone with flocks, stays loyal and gentle with its family, and keeps a watchful eye on strangers.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate daily exercise and space to roam and patrol; it matures slowly, so calm routines suit young dogs.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing of the double coat, more during seasonal shedding.12
Home where they are happiest
Built for extreme heat and cold; needs a large, securely fenced property and an experienced owner.2
Company who they like around
Devoted to its household; needs thorough, early socialisation and ongoing guidance.2
The story where it all began
Nomadic peoples of Central Asia used these dogs for thousands of years to protect sheep, goats, caravans and camps, and harsh natural conditions shaped the breed. Soviet breeders began more formal selection in the 1930s, and Turkmenistan approved its own standard in 1990.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In Turkmenistan the Alabai is a national symbol, and a 15-metre gilded statue of one was unveiled in Ashgabat in November 2020.3
- 2
Turkmenistan has celebrated a national Alabai holiday on the last Sunday of April since 2021.3
- 3
An Alabai was the mascot of the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat.3
- 4
The FCI traces the breed's natural development back roughly four thousand years.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 335, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, mountain type; standard dated 13.10.2010.1
- UKC
- Guardian Dog Group; standard revised 2 January 2023.2
- Turkmenistan
- Breed standard approved by the State Agroindustrial Committee in 1990.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Central Asian Shepherd Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 335 Sredneasiatskaya Ovtcharka fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, temperament, history
- UKC Central Asian Shepherd Dog breed standard ukcdogs.comused for origin countries, coat, colours, temperament, care
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, Turkmenistan facts, history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.