Central Asian Ovtcharka

Thinking about purchasing an Central Asian Ovtcharka? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Central Asian Ovtcharka breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Central Asian Ovtcharka owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Central Asian Ovtcharka and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Central Asian Ovtcharka Breeder:

When were your Central Asian Ovtcharkas born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Central Asian Ovtcharka, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Central Asian Ovtcharka and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Central Asian Ovtcharka Profile

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large, strong, muscular dog by appearance. Ears and tail are cropped at an early age to help with the dogs ability to fight off predators, which the breed has done for centuries. They are not recommended as companion pets, but need strong and firm instruction for guarding. They are friendly towards family, but wary of strangers and do not welcome other dogs. They are intelligent and easily trained. Many versions of this breed exist, some sources say up to ten different varieties of Asian Ovtcharkas are out there. The body is large and well-proportioned, being slightly longer than it is tall. The muzzle is deep and blunt with a large wet nose. The ears are originally drop, but are most often cropped very short, as well as the tail. This gives the dog the look of a bear. They have a profuse double coat, which holds a top coat which is thick with many different colors and an undercoat that is soft and abounding. This breed is independent in nature and aloof. Some sources state that the Central Asian Ovtcharka is catlike in behavior. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a loyal, fearless dog with the ability to protect flock and family.

Other Names: Turkmen Alabai, Mid Asian Shepherd Dog, Central Asian Sheepdog, Shepherd dog, Asiatic Mastiff, one of the Russian Sheepdogs.

Height: 23 - 28 inches.
Weight: 80 - 150 lbs.

Color: Varied. All colors except liver or blue. Black, white, grey, fawn or brindle, with or without white markings.
Coat: Varied. Most often hard and straight, short and thick. They have a double coat. Undercoat is soft and profuse, while outer coat is hard and straight.

Temperament: The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is calm, protective, and dominant with an active defense drive. They are highly guardian dogs, strong-willed and not suitable simply as pets. They are confident, intelligent, and fearless. They remain wary with strangers but affectionate and loyal to family. They are often aggressive towards other dogs, and have been known to be catlike in behavior.
With Children: Protective around the family's children, children who are strangers should be supervised.
Special Skills: Predator control dog.

Watch-dog: High - nocturnal barker. They are very suspicious of strange people or animals.
Guard-dog: Very High - suspicion towards strangers. They are natural guardians.

Central Asian Ovcharka Care and Exercise: Low maintenance for coat is required. Brushing should occur regularly, as well as exercise.
Training: Early socialization and basic obedience is a must. Massive and powerful, this breed is best suited for experienced individuals willing to work on the dog's broad socialization skills from an early age.
Learning Rate: Moderate - they are mostly independent thinkers.

Activity: Moderate.
Living Environment: The Mid-Asian Ovtcharka will run away if it wants to, therefore a fenced yard is a must. Only strong-willed alpha owners should own this breed. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog prefers to live outdoors but adapts well to indoor living. The best owner for this dog would be a firm, dog-experienced owner, preferably in the area of guardian dogs, living in a rural environment.

Central Asian Ovcharka Health Issues: There are no known diseases to this breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia are possible concerns for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

Life Span: 11 - 15 years.
Litter Size: 5 - 12 puppies.

Country of Origin: Central Asian Republics of the Former USSR
Central Asian Ovcharka History: It is believed that the ancient Central Asian dogs are the ancestors of all breeds. This is debatable, but the 4,000 year old Mastiff known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog has survived though Centuries with skills of a Hunter, unsurpassed protector and friend to the people of Central Asia. Evidence has dated this breed to before Christ when dogs were created to fend off predators from the shepherd's sheep. Modern writings of this dog dates back to over 100 years ago in a Book History of the Mastiff by Wynn. They are thought to have descended from the Ural Mountains of Russia, then into Siberia and spread out into Central Asia into several different countries. The breed served as a guardian for nomadic tribes and their herds. They guarded against wolves and bears, and have even been taken on hunts against snow leopard. The reduced number of nomads and shepherds in this century have decreased the population of this breed. Although useful in many ways, the Central Asian Ovcharka never quite made it popularly into other countries. Most of the breed still remains in the Turkmen Republic, Republics of Uzbek, Tadzhik, Kazakhstan, and Kirgiz. The breed was never exhibited nor established outside of Russia.

First Registered FCI: 1925
First Registered UKC: 2000 as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Class: Working
Registries: UKC, FCI

Central Asian Ovtcharkas

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Thursday, July 17, 2008