The Asian Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds, remaining unchanged even after thousands of years. Research suggests the breed is approximately 7,000 years old, although precise information is lacking. Many scientists believe this shepherd is only 3,000-4,000 years old, while others believe otherwise.
But their opinions agree on one thing: the breed originated in Asia, and the descendants of the Asian Shepherd Dog were Tibetan wolfhounds and Great Danes. And if you look at a photo of the Asian Shepherd Dog, you can see that it does indeed bear many similarities to the Tibetan Great Dane.
Asian Shepherd Dog: Photos and Breed Description
Asian Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by their large size and relatively large massFor thousands of years they have been used for:
- Protecting flocks of sheep from various predators and thieves. They also guarded the shepherd and his home. This is what distinguishes the Asian Shepherd from the traditional European Shepherd, which could only herd flocks, not guard them.
- The characteristic dog fights. This entertainment has remained popular to this day. The peoples of Asia actively enjoy themselves by staging bloody fights between these large dogs.
Today it exists There are four varieties of Asian Shepherd Dog:
- Turkmen;
- Tajik;
- Kazakh;
- Uzbek;
The most common of these is the Turkmen Shepherd, often called the Turkmen Wolfhound or Alabai. Alabai, in turn, translates as "motley dog." However, the Asian Shepherd received its full name only recently. Previously, dogs of this breed were called Turkmen Wolfhounds. The first official mention of the Asian Shepherd appeared in 1939.
It was then that law enforcement and intelligence agencies showed interest in the dogs. Some even began opening special Asian Shepherd kennels on their bases. Dogs of this breed excelled as guard dogs and participated in many search operationsBut the advent of World War II changed the situation significantly, and the shepherds had a hard time.
After the war ended, cynologists and enthusiasts made the first attempts to restore the breed's numbers. As early as the 1950s, Asian dogs participated in international shows, winning a prestigious award.
But in the 1980s, the existence of the Asian Shepherd breed was once again under threat. The rapidly expanding criminal enterprise dealt a powerful blow to the dogs, putting large guard dogs in high demand. During this time, even fraudulent kennels emerged that bred mixed-breeds, not Asian Shepherds. The problem was that they began crossing Asian Shepherds with Caucasian Shepherds and Great Danes, selling them on the market. It was then that the true Asian Shepherds were threatened with complete extinction as a pure breed.
But all that was left in the past, because after some time, dog handlers, enthusiasts, and even scientists once again began restoring the population. After several years of diligent work the purity of the Asian breed was restoredToday, the Asian Shepherd is considered one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds. However, their purpose has changed significantly: they are now used exclusively as pets and guard dogs.
To get acquainted with the appearance characteristics of puppies and adult dogs of the Asian breed, it is enough to look at numerous photos.
Character of the breed representatives. Puppies
When buying an Asian Shepherd puppy, remember that this pet will only bond with one person. Dogs of this breed are characterized by a strong character, so you must show them early on who's boss. Otherwise, the Asian Shepherd will become the pack leader, making further training difficult or even impossible.
Often, representatives of the Asian Shepherd Dog, who have not had the right upbringing, attacked their owners, which led to disastrous consequences. However, this happens not only to dogs of this breed.
To avoid this scenario, an Asian Shepherd puppy needs to be trained from early puppyhood, when it first comes home. If you don't have experience training large dogs, it's best not to buy a puppy at all, or entrust it to a professional.
If you do everything right, you'll be able to raise your puppy to be a true guard dog with an obedient and calm nature. But remember, he'll only obey one owner—you—and love your company.
People who have managed to properly raise a puppy receive a truly responsible and fearless guard dog that will be ready to tear out the throat and fight to the death for its owner.
If a representative of another breed or a potential intruder appears in your yard, the Asian will immediately pounce on himThese dogs do not allow strangers into their territory.
How to care for an Asian Shepherd. Training a puppy.
Keeping an Asian Shepherd, a photo of which can be seen below, is not an easy process. After all, Asian Shepherds are bred to be guardians and watchdogs. For a comfortable environment, it would be wise to build them a kennel or a large doghouse, which can be insulated with foam. This should be done before purchasing a puppy.
The presence of a thick undercoat and a dense coat allows them to withstand any weather changes without any problem. These dogs feel comfortable in both cold and hot weather. Asian Shepherds spend all their time outdoors, so there is practically no need to bathe themThis can be done 1-2 times a year.
Training and caring for a large adult dog doesn't require much effort. However, caring for a puppy is more challenging. Managing a puppy is quite challenging. It's important to make it clear early on that the puppy is not the pack leader and must obey its owner in everything. Only then will you be able to raise not just a good guard dog, but a true friend.
