Central Asian Shepherd Dog
One of the oldest livestock guardians there is, shaped by thousands of years of work rather than by any registry. It decides, and it expects to be left to it.
Photo by Reba Spike, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Central Asian Shepherd is one of the oldest livestock guardian types, from a region spanning Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and beyond, and it was shaped by function rather than by any kennel club. It has been guarding flocks against wolves for thousands of years.
It is very large, up to a hundred and seventy pounds, and it was bred to make its own decisions about threats without a handler present.
Temperament
Calm, confident and profoundly independent. These dogs are affectionate with their own families and completely unimpressed by strangers, and they do not defer.
They are territorial in a way that is difficult to overstate. A Central Asian will decide what its territory is and defend it, and it will not consult anybody. Same sex dog aggression is common. This is a working guardian and it is a poor pet for almost every household.
Care and grooming
A double coat, short or long, that needs weekly brushing and daily attention during the heavy moults.
They are hardy, having been selected by survival rather than by breeders. Hip and elbow dysplasia occur, and bloat is a risk at this size. Twelve to fifteen years is unusually long for a dog this large.
Living and exercise
Territory rather than walks. They need land to patrol and serious fencing, and a lead walk does not meet the need.
They are best suited to smallholdings with stock, which is the only context where the breed's instincts and an owner's needs line up. Anyone considering one in a suburban setting should choose something else.
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