Sarabi
Also called Sarabi Dog, Iranian Mastiff
From Iran, from Sarab County in East Azerbaijan province.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Figures as given by Wikipedia; no official breed standard was found.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short double coat
A short outer coat over a protective undercoat, on a very large, heavy-boned and powerful frame.1
Personality what they are like
A calm, controlled and independent guardian with great strength and a strong protective instinct towards the flock and household it looks after.1
Home where they are happiest
A traditional working guardian best suited to rural settings with livestock and plenty of room.1
Company who they like around
Works independently alongside the herd it protects; needs an experienced owner who understands guardian breeds.1
The story where it all began
The Sarabi is regarded as one of the oldest and most powerful native dog breeds of Iran. For centuries shepherds around Sarab relied on it to protect their herds against large predators such as wolves, bears, hyenas and leopards.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- None
- An Iranian landrace livestock guardian; no recognition by a major international kennel club was found.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sarabi. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Sarabi, and at what times?
Feed your Sarabi at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. A consistent schedule helps digestion. Check the food label for portion guidance and ask your vet for a tailored plan.2
What should a Sarabi eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food appropriate for a large, active breed is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet before adding any human foods.3
How often should I bathe a Sarabi?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your Sarabi gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Sarabi need brushing?
Brush your Sarabi weekly to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Their short double coat benefits from a weekly brushing session.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Sarabi's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you the technique.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Sarabi need?
Your Sarabi needs daily exercise like walks and playtime. As a working guardian breed, they thrive with space to roam and a job to do. Adjust intensity to their age and health. Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Sarabi's teeth and ears?
Brush your Sarabi's teeth at least every two days, daily is ideal, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly and dry them gently to prevent moisture buildup. Never insert anything into the ear canal.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Sarabi live?
Lifespan varies by individual health and care. Ask your vet or a reputable breeder for an estimate for this breed.
Is a Sarabi good with children and other pets?
Sarabis are calm and protective, making them good with children when raised together and properly socialized. They are independent and may be wary of unfamiliar pets, so early introductions are key. An experienced owner is recommended.1
Can a Sarabi be left alone?
Sarabis are independent guardians and can be left alone for reasonable periods, especially if they have a job or livestock to watch. However, they need plenty of space and should not be left isolated for too long. Ask your breeder for specific advice.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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.
- Wikipedia: Sarabi dog en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary; no registry standard found)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.