HISTORY OF Central Asian Shepherd Dog 

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (CASD) is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs. They were formed as a breed from natural selection during more than four thousand years in the vast territory Regions of Central Asia. The native breed called “Alabai” historically common among Central Asian peoples. The CASD were mainly used to protect cattle, caravans, and their owner’s dwellings. They have even served as baby-sitters while parents hunt or work in the fields.  Being exposed to hard living conditions and the constant struggle against predators have had the influence on the shape as well as the dog’s character, making it strong, fearless, and taught to save its energy.

Work started with the breed in the USSR in the 1930’s. Selected for their abilities to destroy predators, and praised for their power and stamina, Central Asians sometimes called “Volkodav” meaning the “Wolf Crusher” in Russian. They are the most powerful dogs of the livestock guardian type dogs. Central Asians though they are still used in some regions as livestock guardians have transformed into working dogs for personal protection or “Guardian Dogs”. Numerous breed representatives reside in Russia, and local kennel club officials refer the Central Asian Shepherd Dog as one the most popular dog breeds in the country, rating them as the #1 breed in the country around 2000.  

ultimate Guardian Family Dog

Now today in the modern United States the Central Asian Shepherd breed is being recognized by the United Kennel Club in the Guardian category.  There are a select few breed representatives in the USA today established from unrelated breeding stock, imported from Russian and Eastern European counties. The breed in the USA is becoming more popular though still considered rare, is gaining respect and becoming the ultimate Guardian Family Dog.  

FAMILY PROTECTOR

Guardian dogs have two primary jobs; territory protection and personal/family protection. The wonderful thing about Central Asians is they need little training to do these jobs. They are considered very intelligent, they excel at obedience, and are independent thinkers. They do not need any complicated training to learn basic house rules, and treat the owner with the same great respect with which their ancestors treated the herder. They will have a natural distrust of strangers and a natural inclination to patrol their territory. Central Asians are Guardian Dogs, not “attack dogs”, like dobermans for example. A Central Asian considers its job is to make the threat go away.  You are not going to be able to convince them to attack once the threat flees.  Chasing a fleeing threat results on leaving their wards unprotected. Central Asians think independently, make their own decisions, and remain calm when there is no threat. They will not waste effort going after things that are not truly a threat. 

STRONG AND KIND

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a protective dog who bonds first to its human caretakers and next with its perceived possessions. Bred to solve problems, its independent minded, strong, brave, and responsible. It is a large but agile dog, sometimes described as a cat in dogs clothing. With its strong guarding and territorial instincts, it’s not a breed for the novice owner. Sensitive and smart, the Central Asian Shepherd responds best to someone who can inspire loyalty while also providing strong leadership. Heavy-handed training will backfire with this breed; but respectful thoughtful training with heavy socialization will yield an undying devoted companion. 

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