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
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Central Asian Shepherd Dog, and at what times?
Feed your adult Central Asian Shepherd Dog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times each day to keep their digestion happy. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should a Central Asian Shepherd Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced, high-quality dog food suited for large breeds is best for your Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Never give them chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, or any foods from the toxic list. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.5
How often should I bathe a Central Asian Shepherd Dog?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, which is about every two and a half months. You can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect their coat's natural oils.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Central Asian Shepherd Dog need brushing?
Brush your Central Asian Shepherd Dog every three days as a starting routine, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Their double coat needs regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy.126 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Central Asian Shepherd Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim your dog's nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small bits at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Central Asian Shepherd Dog need?
Your Central Asian Shepherd Dog needs moderate daily exercise, like walks and playtime, plus space to roam and patrol. They mature slowly, so keep routines calm for young dogs. A securely fenced property is ideal.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Central Asian Shepherd Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check their ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Central Asian Shepherd Dog live?
Lifespan varies for each dog; ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.
Is a Central Asian Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?
With proper early socialisation and guidance, your Central Asian Shepherd Dog can be gentle and loyal with children in its family. They are naturally watchful with strangers, so introduce other pets carefully and supervise interactions.12
Can a Central Asian Shepherd Dog be left alone?
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are independent but deeply devoted to their family, so they can be left alone for reasonable periods if well-trained. However, they thrive with companionship and should not be left alone for very long without proper exercise and mental stimulation.2
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 [email protected] 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
- 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.