Central Asian Shepherd Dog

[Troy]

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=165 )

Group: Group 6 (Utility)

General Appearance: Of a coarse conformation, with massive bone structure and powerful muscles. One often finds dogs of this breed with a tendency to looseness [soft; flabby]. The thick skin, with well developed and sufficiently elastic sub-cutaneous tissue, often forms folds in the region of the neck.

Indication of Size [Proportions]

The male is square to just slightly long, and the female is slightly longer - height to length ratio.

Sexual Characteristics: Accentuated. The males are more masculine, stronger and more massive than the females. The sexual differences are clearly marked.

Characteristics: [Not specified - See General Appearance and Temperament]

Temperament: Type of very great activity [industrious; willingness to work], calm and balanced. The predominant reaction is of active defence.

Head And Skull: Massive, broad skull with well developed zygomatic arches. Flat forehead, slight stop. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the length of the skull; wide between the eyes, hardly narrowing at all towards the nose. Seen from the front and from above, the muzzle appears rectangular, whereas in profile it has a truncated [blunt] shape with a heavy [thick] upper lip which hangs at the corners. The nose is strong and black. In light coloured dogs a brown [liver] nose is allowed.

Eyes: Dark, wide apart, round, set straight.

Ears: Small, pendant, set low, triangular'

Mouth: Teeth white, strong, fittingly tightly. The incisors are set with their base in a straight line. Scissor bite.

Neck: Short, muscular, carried low, forming an angle of about 30 to 40 degrees with the line of the back.

Forequarters: Seen from the front, straight and parallel. The length of the leg, from the ground up to the elbows is slightly greater than half the height at the withers. The angle formed by the scapular and humerus [shoulder blade and upper arm] is about 100 degrees. The forearm is straight, massive and long. Pasterns short, broad, strong and upright.

Body: Withers - High, well defined especially in the males. The height at the withers is 1 or 2 cm higher than the height of the croup.

Chest: Wide, deep, with rounded ribs. The lower line of the chest is level with or lower than the elbows.

Abdomen [belly]- moderately tucked up

Back - Strong, straight, broad.

Loin - Short, broad, slightly rounded.

Croup - Broad, muscular, almost level.

Hindquarters: Set parallel; moderate angulation of stifle and hock joint. Short second thighs. Metatarsals [Rear pasterns] - Thick and perpendicular.

Feet: (Front and Hind) - Strong, oval, compact.

Tail: Docked: Docked short.

Undocked: High set, in shape of sickle, hanging; reaches the hock.

Gait/Movement: The heavy, short striding trot and the gallop are the most characteristic gaits of this breed of dog. At the trot, the legs must move in a straight line, with a certain coming together of the forelegs towards a median [centre; tend to single track] line.

Coat: Coarse hair, straight with well developed undercoat. The hair is short and flat against the skin on the head and on the front of the legs.

The dogs are described according to the length of their coat:

(a) Long-haired (7 - 8 cm) on the back and body, particularly on the ears, the neck, the back of the fore and hind legs, and on the tail..

(b) Short-haired (3 - 5 cm) and smooth.

Colour: White, black, grey, straw coloured, russet (reddish brown), grey/brown, brindle, parti-coloured and flecked.

Sizes: Height at the withers: Males not less than 65 cm

Females not less than 60 cm

Faults: General Appearance - Obesity.

Slight deviation from the indicated size.

Temperament - Lack of courage, nervous.

Head & Skull - Small head, very prominent zygomatic arches; domed forehead; pronounced stop; prominent eyebrows; short or long muzzle; wrinkled skin on head.

Ears - High set ears.

Eyes - Light eyes or set obliquely; lids drooping; white fleck on the eye.

Mouth - Teeth worn disproportionately to the age of the dog; broken teeth which do not spoil [deform] the bite.

Missing more than two P1's or one P1 and one P2.

Slight yellowing of the teeth.

Neck - Long neck with insufficient muscle. Pronounced dewlap.

Forequarters - Slight variation of the shoulder angulation.

Slightly soft pasterns.

Body - Chest - Flattened, somewhat slight [weedy].

Abdomen too tucked up (as in a greyhound), or drooping (voluminous).

Withers - Low, not sufficiently prominent from the backline.

Back - Soft or arched [roached].

Loin - Stretched [slightly long], straight or too rounded.

Croup - slightly sloping.

Hindquarters - Slight deviation from hip to foot being in a straight line and parallel to each other. Hock joints slightly close. Hind angulation slightly straight.

Feet - Splayed, long, flat. Toeing slightly in or out.

Movement - Slight deviation in relation to normal gaits.

Serious Faults: General Appearance - Weak constitution. rickety; muscular weakness. Great deviation from the indicated size. Feminine males. Monorchids; cryptorchids.

Temperament - Too liable to anger [irritability]; cowardice.

Head & Skull - Narrow head; weak, snipy [pointed] or turned-up nose.

Mouth - Small teeth; sparse teeth. Irregularly placed incisors.

All deviations from the normal scissor bite.

Missing one incisor or one canine.

Missing a third or fourth premolar or one molar.

Teeth with badly damaged enamel.

Forequarters - Straight shoulders or too closed [forming too small an angle with the upper arm]. Deformed leg bones. Soft pasterns.

Body - Chest Flat, narrow, small, insufficiently developed. Back Sway back or humped.

Loin Long, narrow or hollow.

Croup Narrow, short, steep, very high.

Hindquarters Definite deviation from hip to foot being in a straight line and parallel to each other. Bowed legs. Hind angulation excessively straight.

Feet - Badly splayed, very flat. Toeing in or out badly.

Movement Restricted movement; hobbled.

Coat Very short coat without undercoat, soft, wavy or curly.

Eliminating Faults - All deviations from the correct scissor bite.

Absence of one incisor or one canine,

a third premolar or a fourth premolar or of one molar.

Monorchids; cryptorchids. Atrophied testicles.

Notes: Males should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs

Central Asian Shepherd Dog Breeders

Central Asian Shepherd Dog Puppies For Sale

[Rain]

I hope lilli comes in here

[espinay2]

Until she does, a link for people wanting to learn more about this and other livestock guardian breeds is www.lgd.org . The library page is particularly useful with lots if great articles. Hopefully Lilli will be here soon :p

[Clyde]

I'm fascinated by this breed. It's definitely not for me, but I'm curious to learn more. Nothing piques my interest quite like a breed where a scarred face is acceptable in the standard.

[BJean]

I'm fascinated by this breed. It's definitely not for me, but I'm curious to learn more. Nothing piques my interest quite like a breed where a scarred face is acceptable in the standard.

lol

[BJean]

I hope lilli comes in here

yeah I know

will get to it soon :D

I'm using a litter of 9 Anatolians as an excuse for my tardiness

that and I'm wary of a CAO breed info, with a disproportionate amount of my bias

Edited August 18, 2009 by lilli

[BJean]

1. What is my relationship with the breed?

Owner, breeder and wayward exhibitor

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Russia is recognised as the country of origin for the Central Asian Ovcharka (The Russian name 'Ovcharka' translates from Russian as 'Shepherd's dog'). However it would be more accurate to specify that the CAO is native to quite a number of countries. Some of these countries were part of the former USSR when the native dog populations of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tadjikistan were being researched and described by Russian scientists and the first ever standard for the breed was developed.

The territory of Central Asia includes many countries, some of which consist mostly of deserts or steppes, and others of high mountains. It is very diverse not only in climate and landscapes but also in the cultures of the native peoples. But what is common between all these regions, is the extreme living conditions for both human and dog - constant struggle for food, harsh cold winters, very hot and dry summers and an abundance of both large and small predators.

For many reasons, such as difficult accessibility and political impediments, Central Asian countries remained relatively isolated and, therefore, almost uninfluenced by the changes taking place in the outside world.

During wars, revolutions and government changes, these dogs kept doing their jobs - guarding flocks from predators and houses from thieves, and following caravans along the trade routes. In the most native cultures dogs were not part of the family, often left fending for themselves, keeping busy with their own lives, not bothering people, usually resting in

the shade during the heat of the day. Only occasional explosions of fights between large males would attract attention to the dogs, entertaining men.

Unlike many other old breeds, that have been lost somewhere along the history path when their services were no longer required, the Central Asian has never been out of a job: at all times big ferocious dogs were considered an important asset by every proprietor, no matter what his possessions were - huge flocks of sheep, or just a small house, or a beautiful daughter.

This is probably why time made almost no impact on the appearance and temperament of the CAO. Instead, generation after generation, century by century, they've been slowly and thoroughly polished by mother nature with little help from man, for the skills needed to survive and for doing their job - outstanding intellect, combined with highly instinctive and intuitive behaviour, enormous physical strength and size, adaptability, hardiness and a very stable nervous system.

3. How common is it in Australia?

The Central Asian is very rare in Australia and is relatively unknown outside dog circles.

However, its virtues as a stock guardian and family guardian has engendered significant interest, and succesful stories of Central Asians living with their families in rural Australia continue to promote the breed.

4. What is the average lifespan?

12 - 15 years.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

The CAO character is one of calm stoicism, unflappable temperament and insurmountable tolerance to those in its care. Never a dog to lose patience with its human family, undemanding even to its own detriment - the Central Asian is loyal, steadfast and inextricably duty bound and will give its life in carrying out its purpose as guardian.

The history of the Central Asian is the quintessance of its character and qualities - the dogs today are very much as the dogs of their past: protectors of their human family and executioner of guard duties, killer of wolves and fighter of foe.

One cannot annex the dogs history in an effort to make the breed more suitable to modern Western ideals and popular requirements - to own a Central Asian requires an understanding and acceptance of the the land and rigours which formed and preserved them.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Ideally the Central Asian home should be one where there is ample space for the dog to

move around at its own leisure. Although there are individuals who do very well in a

suburban setting, an opitmum environment for the CAO is on a rural property / acreage.

In a suburban setting an adult CAO requires 1 - 2 hours walk per day; ideally exercise morning and evening.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Being a natural dog with strong instincts to protect and defend, the Central Asian is not the dog for first time dog owners, or those unfamiliar with dog behaviour. Although undemanding and extremely gentle with those they know, the physical strength (males 30 - 34", 70-85kgs; females 29 - 32", 55- 65kg) and instinctive responses of the Central Asian, require an owner able to forsee cause and effect.

QTNS 8 - 12 to follow

Edited September 3, 2009 by lilli

[Guest rhapsodical78]

So far so good, Lilli, look forward to reading more.

[casowner]

As a first time CASD owner I must say I have never learnt so much about animal behaviour in my 20 years plus working in the Animal Industry. I am the very proud owner of Jake a 2 year old desexed male CASD. From day one we called him "The Depressant" as he is very aloof and is affectionately known in the local area as the stuffed teddy on the hill due to his favouritte lookout point. We have a 140 acre property in the Adelaide Hills and Jakes charges include a cat, camels, horses, ponies, a donkey, a goat, kangaroos, euros, turkeys, alpacas, peacocks, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, emus, chickens, a little pom cross and of course, my family. He is becoming more content to give and receive attention as he matures, his guarding tendancies are becoming much stronger also. He does need to be given a very clear indication of pack order as he is a very dominant dog even though most people would dispute that due to his laid back nature. While he seems lazy he has amazing speed and agility when the need arises. He prefers to pick fruit from the fruit trees over bones etc and is not a guts when it comes to food.

He has never been destructive, however we have had issues with barking due to numerous reasons including a tosser of a neighbour and wild rabbits daring to cross our paddock, he also barks whenever our male turkey "Gobbles" it is very strange but they say turkeys are good at noticing trouble too, but who knows. He is a massive dog that is still growing, his coat thickens heavily during winter, he prefers to be outside and will stress if inside.

They are truly a majestic breed, I believe I will be a lifetime CASD owner, but they definately require an owner that is dedicated to their breed and appreciate and understand their natural instincts.

[BJean]

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Solo dogs of this breed can occupy themselves for long periods, but this should not be mistaken with "solo dogs of this breed can be left on their own in a suburban backyard."

Solo dogs of this breed can be left on their own for long periods IF they are preoccupied with doing a job and have 'pack' company from another species.

ie: a solo dog and a flock of sheep, or a solo dog with a couple of horses with which the dog has formed an association with.

This is always in an open expanse of land situation and is not comparable to a suburban block surrounded by paling fencing.

9. How much grooming is required?

Very minimal. You can get by brushing a Central Asian once every few weeks. Or during their twice a year shed.

HOWEVER once again this is not applicable to a suburban environment, where the dog has less space to move and less dirt holes to dig and roll around in. A Central Asian in a farm situation will exercise and play fight, continually moving the muscles beneath the skin keeping it healthy.

A Central Asian in a suburban siutation will need more grooming to compensate for the lack of movement and interaction that they would normally receive in a more open environment.

Edited April 20, 2011 by lilli

[BJean]

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

A well trained Central Asian is calm around children and the infirm, however the main carer of a Central Asian needs to be able to take control their dog in all situations and due to the size and power and potentially reactive temperament of the CAO, young children and the infirm are not suitable to be main carers or to walk CAOs in public areas.

Owners of CAOs need to remember their dog's capabilities and to afford other members of the public that are not aware of CAOs and to take necessary precautions.

Because Central Asians look similar to known 'gentle giant' breeds like Newfoundlands and St. Bernards it is common for members of the public to want to walk up to them and hug them.

This is potentially disasterous for some CAOs.

So vigilance by the CAOs handler is always needed when out in public.

The CAO is not a boisterous dog but it is a powerful reactive dog, whose default response is 'active defence'.

If an owner wants a large watch dog, or a dog that will growl and bark in warning but do no more, then the Central Asian is not the breed for them.

Even the most calm, seemingly innocuous Central Asian, will react like a Central Asian

if the dog deems a situation to require a physical response.

Edited April 20, 2011 by lilli

[BJean]

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Health incidences: entropion, skin allergies, cruciate ligament, bloat

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

The most important question puppy buyers should ask the breeder is the breeder's knowledge of the breed and their understanding of the lineage of the dogs they are breeding.

Breeders should know the temperament traits of the sire and dam and related dogs; they should also have an understanding of the dogs both in the Australian context and in their native environments / traditional countries of origin.

Unless a first time breeder has the support of another longer time breeder, I would be wary of buying a puppy from breeders with little knowledge of the breed and its history and temperament.

New owners will need the support and knowledge of their breeder as they learn about their dog and the breed.

Central Asians are magnificent dogs but they are unlike many dogs in Australia, and they are not the type of dog that should be bought and owned based on their looks alone, or with little research.

The biggest hurdle or most common 'problem' new owners face with Central Asians in Australia is not health issues but managing the Central Asian temperament.

It's not the temperament of the Central Asian that is the problem, but people's expectation and understanding of it.

Edited April 20, 2011 by lilli

[Guest Ams]

What would be the smallest sized block of land you would recommend a CAO be homed on? I see Casowner is on 140 acres, could they suit an acre block or do they need room so they don't feel caged in?

[BJean]

I am going to copy the old standard because the new FCI/RKF Standard is such a disgrace that I can no longer refer to it nor will I breed under it.

But my implacable bias aside, it is important for the old CAS standard to remain in this discussion, so the differences in the focus of the new standard, and the old can be referenced.

General Appearance: Of a coarse conformation, with massive bone structure and powerful muscles. One often finds dogs of this breed with a tendency to looseness [soft; flabby]. The thick skin, with well developed and sufficiently elastic sub-cutaneous tissue, often forms folds in the region of the neck.

Indication of Size [Proportions]

The male is square to just slightly long, and the female is slightly longer - height to length ratio.

Sexual Characteristics: Accentuated. The males are more masculine, stronger and more massive than the females. The sexual differences are clearly marked.

Characteristics: [Not specified - See General Appearance and Temperament]

Temperament: Type of very great activity [industrious; willingness to work], calm and balanced. The predominant reaction is of active defence.

Head And Skull: Massive, broad skull with well developed zygomatic arches. Flat forehead, slight stop. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the length of the skull; wide between the eyes, hardly narrowing at all towards the nose. Seen from the front and from above, the muzzle appears rectangular, whereas in profile it has a truncated [blunt] shape with a heavy [thick] upper lip which hangs at the corners. The nose is strong and black. In light coloured dogs a brown [liver] nose is allowed.

Eyes: Dark, wide apart, round, set straight.

Ears: Small, pendant, set low, triangular'

Mouth: Teeth white, strong, fittingly tightly. The incisors are set with their base in a straight line. Scissor bite.

Neck: Short, muscular, carried low, forming an angle of about 30 to 40 degrees with the line of the back.

Forequarters: Seen from the front, straight and parallel. The length of the leg, from the ground up to the elbows is slightly greater than half the height at the withers. The angle formed by the scapular and humerus [shoulder blade and upper arm] is about 100 degrees. The forearm is straight, massive and long. Pasterns short, broad, strong and upright.

Body: Withers - High, well defined especially in the males. The height at the withers is 1 or 2 cm higher than the height of the croup.

Chest: Wide, deep, with rounded ribs. The lower line of the chest is level with or lower than the elbows.

Abdomen [belly]- moderately tucked up

Back - Strong, straight, broad.

Loin - Short, broad, slightly rounded.

Croup - Broad, muscular, almost level.

Hindquarters: Set parallel; moderate angulation of stifle and hock joint. Short second thighs. Metatarsals [Rear pasterns] - Thick and perpendicular.

Feet: (Front and Hind) - Strong, oval, compact.

Tail: Docked: Docked short.

Undocked: High set, in shape of sickle, hanging; reaches the hock.

Gait/Movement: The heavy, short striding trot and the gallop are the most characteristic gaits of this breed of dog. At the trot, the legs must move in a straight line, with a certain coming together of the forelegs towards a median [centre; tend to single track] line.

Coat: Coarse hair, straight with well developed undercoat. The hair is short and flat against the skin on the head and on the front of the legs.

The dogs are described according to the length of their coat:

(a) Long-haired (7 - 8 cm) on the back and body, particularly on the ears, the neck, the back of the fore and hind legs, and on the tail..

(b) Short-haired (3 - 5 cm) and smooth.

Colour: White, black, grey, straw coloured, russet (reddish brown), grey/brown, brindle, parti-coloured and flecked.

Sizes: Height at the withers: Males not less than 65 cm

Females not less than 60 cm

Faults: General Appearance - Obesity.

Slight deviation from the indicated size.

Temperament - Lack of courage, nervous.

Head & Skull - Small head, very prominent zygomatic arches; domed forehead; pronounced stop; prominent eyebrows; short or long muzzle; wrinkled skin on head.

Ears - High set ears.

Eyes - Light eyes or set obliquely; lids drooping; white fleck on the eye.

Mouth - Teeth worn disproportionately to the age of the dog; broken teeth which do not spoil [deform] the bite.

Missing more than two P1's or one P1 and one P2.

Slight yellowing of the teeth.

Neck - Long neck with insufficient muscle. Pronounced dewlap.

Forequarters - Slight variation of the shoulder angulation.

Slightly soft pasterns.

Body - Chest - Flattened, somewhat slight [weedy].

Abdomen too tucked up (as in a greyhound), or drooping (voluminous).

Withers - Low, not sufficiently prominent from the backline.

Back - Soft or arched [roached].

Loin - Stretched [slightly long], straight or too rounded.

Croup - slightly sloping.

Hindquarters - Slight deviation from hip to foot being in a straight line and parallel to each other. Hock joints slightly close. Hind angulation slightly straight.

Feet - Splayed, long, flat. Toeing slightly in or out.

Movement - Slight deviation in relation to normal gaits.

Serious Faults: General Appearance - Weak constitution. rickety; muscular weakness. Great deviation from the indicated size. Feminine males. Monorchids; cryptorchids.

Temperament - Too liable to anger [irritability]; cowardice.

Head & Skull - Narrow head; weak, snipy [pointed] or turned-up nose.

Mouth - Small teeth; sparse teeth. Irregularly placed incisors.

All deviations from the normal scissor bite.

Missing one incisor or one canine.

Missing a third or fourth premolar or one molar.

Teeth with badly damaged enamel.

Forequarters - Straight shoulders or too closed [forming too small an angle with the upper arm]. Deformed leg bones. Soft pasterns.

Body - Chest Flat, narrow, small, insufficiently developed. Back Sway back or humped.

Loin Long, narrow or hollow.

Croup Narrow, short, steep, very high.

Hindquarters Definite deviation from hip to foot being in a straight line and parallel to each other. Bowed legs. Hind angulation excessively straight.

Feet - Badly splayed, very flat. Toeing in or out badly.

Movement Restricted movement; hobbled.

Coat Very short coat without undercoat, soft, wavy or curly.

Eliminating Faults - All deviations from the correct scissor bite.

Absence of one incisor or one canine,

a third premolar or a fourth premolar or of one molar.

Monorchids; cryptorchids. Atrophied testicles.

Notes: Males should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended

Edited May 27, 2011 by lilli

[BJean]

What would be the smallest sized block of land you would recommend a CAO be homed on? I see Casowner is on 140 acres, could they suit an acre block or do they need room so they don't feel caged in?

Ams, it is not that the CAS will feel caged in But that small areas of land, like a townhouse backyard etc

cannot provide ideal space for a large specimen of this breed to develop optimally with the appropriate musculoskeletal structure to support its frame.

Also the strong territory and defence instincts I would expect in an individual CAS, means that the owner cannot walk them around suburbia with the avant garde leisure, that owners of companion-specific breeds can.

Edited May 27, 2011 by lilli

[Kazzza]

Central Asians are a beautiful breed.

Edited August 7, 2011 by Kar

[BJean]

Here is excellent article on Central Asia dogs in Tajikistan,

beautiful imagery also:

http://www.tagiko.com/a-journey-among-the-central-asian-shepherds-at-work

[Cazstaff]

Here is excellent article on Central Asia dogs in Tajikistan,

beautiful imagery also:

http://www.tagiko.com/a-journey-among-the-central-asian-shepherds-at-work

What a wonderful read that was lilli, heartwarming. Can't help but feel envious of the writer being able to share such a precious experience and witness CAS at work like that. Such special dogs

Edited September 17, 2011 by Cazstaff

[paulni]

Here is excellent article on Central Asia dogs in Tajikistan,

beautiful imagery also:

http://www.tagiko.com/a-journey-among-the-central-asian-shepherds-at-work

Good to see some real working dogs

[Kazzza]

I have the honor of owning a beautiful 6month old Central Asian Shepherd pup named Akida, she is a dark brown with smokey grey bits in some areas and a white chest.

This is a bit of a stupid question, does their guardian instincts come naturally or do they need some training?