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he Central Asian Ovcharka (CAO) is supposed to be the ancestor of all breeds. You can dispute about it, but it seems almost probably that the Tibetan Mastiff would be a descendant of the CAO and not his ancestor, as often believed. However, the possibility is high these dogs are being the direct descendants of the legendary Armenian Gampr and the Sage Kooche Dog from Afghanistan, with which they are related without any doubt. There is some general misunderstanding that the CAO is said to be older than 4000 years, but he is a relatively new Russian creation. The breeds building his basis are indeed older and really ancient; however the modern Central Asian Ovcharka has been formed only in the 20^th century. Before 1935, this breed was known by the name Turkish Shepherd and that because some Russians and western authors made no difference between Turkmenistan and the Turkey. As these dogs not only existed in one country, but could be found all over Eastern Europe and Asia, they officially were registered as Central Asian Ovcharka and from 1938 were shown on shows. Besides the Kavkaz Dog and the Youzhak the Central Asian Ovcharka is part of the famous troika, being recognized as Russian Shepherds.

Therefore the term “Central Asian Ovcharka” has been used for different shepherd breeds. However, the expression “Alabai” only applies to that breed being found in Turkmenistan and distinguishes from its other Asiatic relatives. Most of these breeds come from non-Russian regions of the former USSR. They are found in different types, varying sizes, coat, colors and character, always depending on their principal use in their native region. The Turkmen Alabai is the only one which already has an own standard and could be recognized as a breed in the future. Other countries, like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kirghizia, Afghanistan or Pakistan don’t show any interest for that, as for thousands of years their dogs have been bred for work and not for the show. Since the 1950’s breeders have tried to breed a homogenous type of the CAO, however it’s rather difficult as there are great differences in the various strains. The bloodlines from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are highest estimated, but even in these countries there only exists a rather small number of real pure bred dogs. Even if a dog has Turkmen or Uzbek ancestors in his pedigree, it doesn’t mean necessary that it really is an Alabai (Turkmenistan) or Sarkangik (Uzbekistan).

Alabai, owner Tasice, Ukraine (Photo Almaz Kennels, USA)

All CAO strains have a common appearance and quality of work. The Central Asian Volkodav (= wolf dog) is used for the fight and for guarding the cattle. Only those dogs acquiring a Champion title for fighting are used for breeding. The working dogs are tested in this way to secure that only those give the genes to the next generation, which have the necessary drive, stamina and power to face and kill a wolf. Depending on the bloodline and regional preferences there are only little differences in the appearance, but temperament and the potential of aggression can vary significantly. So called “native” dogs would differ totally from the show type, in the same way as the Russian military lines, being more aggressive than those CAO, being bred as companions for the family.

There exist minor differences of the head or in the size. This is the result from a selective breeding over centuries for special tasks in the respective region. And that’s the CAO – a working dog, be it they herd and guard the cattle, be it they hunt, coarse, fight or protect the property. These dogs are the ancestors of all working dogs, either directly, as for example with the Alaunt, or by their Greek and Roman descendants, which had been taken to the west by traders and had been used for creating many modern European breeds.

The Central Asian dogs are excellent watch dogs and good companions for people, living on farms. However, they are definitely not suited as a dog for an apartment. The Central Asian Ovcharka is not as protective and unfriendly to strangers as the Caucasian Ovcharka. Like his Caucasian cousin, he is a dog which thinks, calculates and does his work intuitively; he only acts as soon as he overlooks the situation.

Normally, ears and tail are cropped. The coat can vary from very short to longer. All colors are represented; most of the dogs either are white with darker markings or colored with white markings, of different size. In certain regions you can find black & tan, tricolor and even one-colored dogs, which are very estimated by some breed fanciers. The pure CAO wouldn’t have such high set ears and wouldn’t be so heavy built like the Caucasian Ovcharka. Good bones, muscular, with strong legs and a strong neck. The head is broad, with a moderate broad muzzle and a strong jaw. Dark pigmentation, the nose and the edge of the eyes has to be black. The CAO moves easily and is appreciated for his agility and speed. However, most of them are not very active, when they don’t work. Size and weight vary considerable, the height at the shoulders ranges from about 25 to 30, and even 34 inches.

The following pictures we’ve got from Almaz Kennels, USA:

Akelo, Ukraine

Kurazh, Almaz Kennels, USA

It’s difficult not to become enthusiastic about the three described breeds – Illyrian Shepherd, Kangal and Central Asian Ovcharka; therefore I would like to add some personal words:

We’ve chosen these three breeds as an example for working dogs, which have done their work for centuries and until now, have remained mainly in the hands of those, breeding and using them for that. Therefore these dogs remained largely genuine, healthy and robust, characteristics, which most of today only for show bred breeds largely are missing. However, I learned to know that from the three mentioned breeds the Central Asian Ovcharka already has gained certain popularity, especially in the East European countries. I would refer that to his great variety in size, length of coat and above all the color, which is very varying and makes him more colorful and distinguishes him from the others.

Though I notice a new trend the last time – the herding dogs are always more discovered by those who some years ago first had been occupied with the Molosser breeds and then with the Bull Terrier breeds. One could also say, after they had ruined these breeds, their health and look, they turn to something new now – the herding dogs. For there they still can let off steam! There you can select, but not for use or healthiness, but for size, color of coat, length of coat and so on. And they also have to be “civilized” for you can show them in the show ring that means only the dog, which puts up with all or almost all, then will get a chance. Sooner or later some incidents will happen with other dogs or people. The newspapers will have finally a “new fighting dog”, that will be the “Turkish fighting dog”. Again one will demand a character test, in which this dog will have to put up with some idiots pressing him, stumbling in front of him, putting up umbrellas and so on. If he reacts according to his natural character and what always has been demanded of him, that is to take it as a threat of his master, then he will be rated as dangerous. A ban of keeping might threaten and finally he might end up in an animal asylum. There he will be put to sleep or if he is “lucky”, he will be only castrated to make him calmer.

These valuable and proud dogs don’t deserve that. I hope this will be spared them, however fear that my hope will be in vain.

Former the wolf, now the mail carrier

At this point I would like to thank all those that supported me with information and pictures: Deltari Illir, Kosovo; Lutfullah Ayan and Mehmet Yalcin, Ankara; Boz Kennels, Istanbul; Almaz Kennels, USA.