The Alabai is considered the most unique dog breed today. It is very popular among dog breeders. These dogs are known by various names: Asian, Turkmen wolfhound, Central Asian shepherd, and others. The Alabai is believed to be the oldest breed on the planet. Researchers confirm this. This breed is estimated to be 4,000–6,000 years old, but its appearance has remained virtually unchanged during this time.
Pages of history
This breed is so ancient that many diverse legends have been created about it. The oldest tale, however, is considered to be the one that tells of the breed's origins. According to this legend, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog descended from the Syrtlon.
It is known that Syrtlon is an animal that existed in the mythology of TurkmenistanAs elders recall, this mythological beast combined two completely different animals in both its internal and external appearance:
- A hyena that is cunning, insidious and vindictive.
- A dog that is smart but huge in size.
This mythical creature was disliked by the local shepherds. He constantly attacked the flocks they were guarding, destroying all the sheep, leaving not a single one. When they began to drive the flocks home, Syrtlon used various tricks to lure the best shepherd dogs into the forest, but in such a way that they would never be able to find their way back. Soon after the first Syrtlon raids, a new generation of dogs, a cross between a dog and a Syrtlon, suddenly began appearing in the steppes. The new offspring were enormous in stature and had excellent physical characteristics, but they also had a willful nature.
Habits of the Alabai
The Central Asian Shepherd is very distrustful and will not trust a stranger. However, Turkmenian wolfhounds will always demonstrate loyalty and devotion to their master. If necessary, they will rush into any fire or water for their master, even giving their life.
Their main character trait is endurance: these four-legged pets will never show pain. Unless there's a serious reason, they won't even moan or squeal. They can only love their owner and no one else.This Turkmen wolfhound will become a reliable protector for the entire family and home.
As they did many years ago, Alabai dogs continue to fulfill their role as guard dogs. However, they always retain complete freedom and independence. If you look at the dog closely and intently, it will return the gaze with an equally attentive and intent gaze. An Alabai fears nothing; it is not a slave, nor even a servant to humans. It is well known that even a tasty bone won't make it serve if it doesn't want to.
It's worth noting that Alabai dogs are large and athletic. If a person cares for one of these four-legged friends from birth, they become attached to that person. But they also have an instinct: They not only love their owner, but also protect himConfident, they never give up their territory, which they consider theirs and always guard.
Evolutionary changes in the Central Asian Shepherd breed
In ancient times, when they had to guard flocks of sheep, these dogs were vicious and very distrustful. But they always knew their territory and did not allow strangers into it. But when the Alabai found themselves outside the flock they were guarding, they became kind and friendly. This is the result of the most brutal natural selection.
The upbringing of this breed of dog took place in the harshest natural conditions. So, withscarce food and a dry desert climate, lack of water, the need to constantly repel attacks from predators All of this influenced the dog's upbringing, shaping its physical development and creating its unique character. But these same conditions also helped this four-legged animal acquire strength and fearlessness.
During its evolutionary changes, the Alabai honed its fighting skills in encounters with predators and learned to use its extraordinary strength wisely and effectively. To protect its flock, the Alabai must be able to defend itself. Therefore, its first strikes are aimed at grabbing its opponent by the neck and then using its powerful jaws to sever vital blood vessels. However, this is impossible with the Turkmen wolfhound, as this vulnerable area is hidden from the enemy. This dog's massive skull is known to extend into a very short neck.
Qualities of the Alabai
The Alabai's appearance stands out among other dog breeds. Its forehead is flat, with only slight roundness. The muzzle is wide, deep, bluntCompared to the muzzles of other breeds, it doesn't taper to the nose. The lips are fleshy, even slightly thick, as they should cover the lower jaw well, with a bit of extra room. The nose is most often dark black, but can be slightly lighter in light-colored dogs.
The respiratory system is well developed. The Alabai has a broad chest, a strong loin and strong limbs.An Alabai requires careful grooming from birth. For example, dewclaws on the paws, which are oval and large, must be trimmed. It's advisable to dock the tail as early as three or four days old. An adult male Alabai reaches a height of 65 centimeters, and a female reaches 60 centimeters.
The color of dogs of this breed can be very different: spotted, white, black, black and tan, brindle, tricolor and others.
The largest alabai
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is the eighth largest dog in the world. The largest Alabai lives in Russia. Its owner is Alexander Khudyakov, who lives with his family in Stavropol. This record-breaking dog's nickname is Bulldozer.
The dog was given his name as a puppy. As a small puppy, he ran through the snow, scooping it up with his paws, which grew larger with each passing day. As Bulldozer grew up, he became an excellent breeder. Thanks to him, large and healthy Alabai puppies were born.
Currently Bulldozer the dog weighs 125 kilograms and is already 9 years old.If the dog stands on his hind legs, he would reach over two meters in height. Despite his large size, he leads an active lifestyle. He actively participates in raising the Khudyakov family's children and their friends.
Alexander Khudyakov is a dog breeder who has been raising four-legged animals since childhood. He never imagined becoming a professional breeder. After graduating from the Grozny Oil Institute, he struggled to find work. He worked several jobs, which led him to consider breeding dogs. The hobby initially captivated him, and eventually began to bring in money.
Bulldozer's character is tempered in dog fightsAlexander Khudyakov believes that if a dog fails to prove itself as a true fighter in its first fight, it should be disposed of. If it failed its owner in such a test, it can no longer be a reliable companion.
Bulldozer's first fight took place when he was already three years old. That's how the Alabai learned the taste of victory. To date, Bulldozer has won many victories: it's difficult to count the number of medals and certificates he's won. Here are just a few of his titles from a long list:
- Champion of Russia.
- Pride of the Country.
- European Champion.
Of course, achieving such high results isn't easy, but diligent and regular training has contributed greatly to this. Each day, his walks last at least six hours, and Bulldozer covers dozens of kilometers during this time.
Bulldozer's diet is standard, but it helps him stay in good physical condition. His daily ration consists of a bucket of porridge and one kilogram of meat. Bulldozer, the Alabai, is the largest and most legendary dog in the world, a record-breaker who proves himself a fierce and courageous fighter in the ring, while in life and at home, he is kind and charming.
