| Revision as of 02:45, 23 August 2007 edit75.111.34.217 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 10:27, 7 September 2007 edit undoAfru (talk | contribs)351 edits Wrote a true and correct breed overview based on modern population analysis.Next edit → | ||
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| {{Infobox Dogbreed | {{Infobox Dogbreed | ||
| | image = Centralasianovcharka.jpg | | image = Centralasianovcharka.jpg | ||
| | name = Central Asian Shepherd |
| name = Central Asian Shepherd | ||
| | altname = Central Asian |
| altname = Central Asian Ovtcharka | ||
| | nickname = |
| nickname = <br> CAO <br> Aziat <br> | ||
| | country = ] | | country = ] | ||
| | recognized = ] ] ] |
| recognized = ] ] ]] | ||
| | notes = |
| notes = Other numerous registries under different standards | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| Central Asian Ovtcharka (Shepherd, Sredneaziatskaja Owtcharka etc) is recognized by FCI, the #1 European Kennel Club, as a breed of Russian origin. Most breed representatives reside in Russia, and the breed is #1 popular breed in Russia since 2000 as per FCI affiliated Russian Kennel Club, RKF, therefore we can safely conclude that this is a Russian Native breed. | |||
| '''Central Asian Shepherd Dogs''' or '''Alabay''' are a landrace of breeds which originates from all over Central Asia from ] to ] - along the ancient ]. | |||
| '''History.''' | |||
| It is believed that the ancient Central Asian dogs are the ancestors of all breeds. This is debatable, but it is almost certain that the ] is a close relative of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and not its ancestor, as often thought. Regardless of which breed came first they are consisidered the most ancient ] breed of dogs in the World. | |||
| Central Asians most likely originated in a geographical area between Ural, Caspian Sea, Turkey, and Northwest border of China. Aboriginal Central Asians as well as mixes still can be found in countries, located at place of origin, such as Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and surrounding countries. This area , while being traditional sheep herding agricultural zone, also keeps world leadership for drug traffic to western countries. As well, local gas, oil and mineral treasures inflict major investors. | |||
| Central Asian dogs are a wonderful reminder of what a natural dog looks like. The common misconception is that all Central Asian Shepherds are over 4,000 years old, when in fact the Russian version known as CAO is a fairly recent creation. Since these dogs don't exist in a single country, but are found all over eastern Europe and Asia, thus the breed has different names depending on the nomadic tribes that use these dogs as guardians of the nomads today. | |||
| Thus, local modern Central Asians population, depending on current demand for working abilities, spreads accordingly. Some serve their duties as livestock guardians, some protect their owners, some are used for dog fights what is a national sport in most countries of that region. | |||
| Russian biologists and scientists studied local dog population since 1800th. After communist revolution, soviet government focused on working dog breeds for Red Army needs, and Russia imported best breed representatives as per military dogs and guard dogs requirements within decades, while destroying numerous dogs, what seriously harmed local population. At some point, at most places purebred dogs were only left at herders, breed enthusiasts and farms, while crosses surfeited in access. However, Central Asians population survived the communist intrusion, and still stable in general, reproducing same true quality dogs praised for working abilities, regardless of country of origin. Trading bloodlines and purchasing unrelated breeding stock between Russia and countries where CAO still at aboriginal stage, is a common practice nowadays. | |||
| The '''Central Asian Shepherd Dog''' is a name used to describe quite a few different breeds. Using the word "Alabai" to describe the C.A.O. is incorrect, since the breed variety known as Alabai is only found in ]. | |||
| Although it is popular to use the word "ovtcharka" these days, it needs to be kept in mind that it is a Russian word, whereas most of these breeds are indigenous to non-Russian regions of the former USSR. | |||
| This breed consists of numerous breed types. They differ in size, color, head types, hair types. That gives grounds for complications with breed standard, as well as for different names for the breed. Most important, purebred Central Asians have unique breed characteristics. In anatomy, they all have very noticeable extremely flexible joints, false ribs, specific head set, very strong neck with massive dewlap they can extend at no time into different directions. Special true and beyond expressive mimic and almost human eyes, revealing the inimitable intelligence finish the portrait. | |||
| These dogs come in many different types of varying sizes, coats, colours and temperaments, depending on their primary use and region of origin. The dogs' temperaments vary depending on the working ability they are selected for. Prior to the invasion of Central Asia during Stalin's reign all the dogs were used as guardians for people and flock. Large dark dogs were used in the villages and taller less heavy dogs in colors to match the ] sheep were used as the guardian of the shepherds. | |||
| By working qualities, modern Central Asians had been bred into different directions, depends on the demand for their abilities. Traditional dog fights had always been a national tradition in places of original habitat, but they had never been cruel and destructive as pitbull-type fights. All herders from the same area annually met together, and fought their strongest sheep guardian male dogs to pick the winner. It was about the dominance rather than destroying their own kind. Most dogs evaluated each other when met at the field and the weaker or more submissive dog left, taking the loss. Dogs seldom injured each other, mostly minor scratches within short period of time. Only true leaders actually had to determine, who is the strongest dog via real fight, but this still minor compare to their everyday labor duty, facing predators and venomous snakes every day. | |||
| The Russian dogs differ from dogs in Central Asia today. | |||
| Due to the 2000 change in the Russian standard which differs greatly from the FCI and UKC Standards used throughout the world. | |||
| Modern dog fights differ from traditional as much as livestock guardian dogs differ from fighting dogs. There are different rules, and different breeds involved. Most Central Asians used for modern fights come from fighting lines Vast majority of breeders are aware of their dogs’ background, and will tell, if the dog comes from lines used for fighting, or not. And one can always expect high level of agresivness towards other dogs from CAOs with dog fighting background. | |||
| ] | |||
| Livestock guardians still in demand, but not nearly as much, as they used to be. These dogs differ in terms of being protective against human intruders, very territorial, safe with children, love and respect elderly people, protect all small animals from predators, and very gentle with family members. | |||
| Only a small number of truly pure dogs is found in main cities of the Central Asian Countries, so having a Turkmen or Uzbek heritage listed in a dog's pedigree doesn't necessarily mean that the dog is truly a CAS. When the Russians left the Central Asian cities in a rush in 1990 they left behind ] that were let loose to interbred with the native Shepherd Dogs creating what natives call "Ovcharka". | |||
| Personal protection, or working dogs originated from livestock guardian dogs, being selectively bred by Russian breed experts for working abilities. As a result, they excel in obedience, territory protection and personal protection, very intelligent, and make perfect house dogs. They do not need any complicated training to learn basic house rules, and treat the owner with the same great respect, their ancestors treated the herder. These dogs were introduced to sheep breeding community worldwide with a great rate of success. Dogs must be able to work as a team, protection sheep against predators, thus excessively dog aggressive CAOs, as any other dogs, cannot be members of the pack, and will not pass this simple test revealing compliance of modern generation with breed origination purpose. | |||
| Although there are three different head-types and three body-sizes to be found in the CAS. And that is exactly what Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are - they're working dogs. Whether their job is livestock herding, flock guarding, hunting, or protecting property, the dogs under this name are the main progenitors of all working breeds. | |||
| To conclude temperament differences description, Central Asians can come from working lines, fighting lines and livestock guardian lines, and behave accordingly, regardless of the country they come from. Simple pedigree research and conversation with the breeder will reveal what basic instincts one can expect from the dog. Central Asians from pure show lines still very rare, because most registries require working test prior to breeding. | |||
| 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. The Central Asians make excellent guard dogs as well as companions for people. | |||
| Usually with docked tails and cropped ears, the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of coat types, ranging anywhere from being as short as one inch to those that are over seven inches in length. Coming in all colours except liver or blue " RKF 2000 Revision" | |||
| '''General appearance''' | |||
| "Black-n-tan," tricolour, brindle and even uniform black dogs can be found in certain regions. | |||
| Robust dog greater than average size of great strength and power. Independent, curious and alert, yet imperturbable. | |||
| Dog is as long as tall at the withers, or slightly longer than tall. Short or moderately long hair with heavy undercoat. Ears are cropped very short, tail is docked moderately long (exempt dogs from countries where cosmetic surgeries for dogs are illegal). Most common colors are black/white, fawn of different shades, brindle. | |||
| Head is very solid, without pronounced stop or sculls. Neck is low set, short, dewlap. Body is broad, proportionate, muscles are rather flat. Ribcage appears very long, because of developed false ribs. Straight legs, heavy boning, moderate yet defined angulation. Leg bones must be in proportion, and shall never give impression that any bone is short. Tights, and rump are broad volumable.. | |||
| Typical trait is gallop, however CAO can trot for hours without wearing herself. | |||
| Shy or uncontrollable aggressive dogs are not typical and must be disqualified. | |||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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Revision as of 10:27, 7 September 2007
Dog breed| Central Asian Shepherd | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Other names | Central Asian Ovtcharka |
| Common nicknames | CAO Aziat |
| Origin | Russia |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
Central Asian Ovtcharka (Shepherd, Sredneaziatskaja Owtcharka etc) is recognized by FCI, the #1 European Kennel Club, as a breed of Russian origin. Most breed representatives reside in Russia, and the breed is #1 popular breed in Russia since 2000 as per FCI affiliated Russian Kennel Club, RKF, therefore we can safely conclude that this is a Russian Native breed.
History.
Central Asians most likely originated in a geographical area between Ural, Caspian Sea, Turkey, and Northwest border of China. Aboriginal Central Asians as well as mixes still can be found in countries, located at place of origin, such as Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and surrounding countries. This area , while being traditional sheep herding agricultural zone, also keeps world leadership for drug traffic to western countries. As well, local gas, oil and mineral treasures inflict major investors. Thus, local modern Central Asians population, depending on current demand for working abilities, spreads accordingly. Some serve their duties as livestock guardians, some protect their owners, some are used for dog fights what is a national sport in most countries of that region.
Russian biologists and scientists studied local dog population since 1800th. After communist revolution, soviet government focused on working dog breeds for Red Army needs, and Russia imported best breed representatives as per military dogs and guard dogs requirements within decades, while destroying numerous dogs, what seriously harmed local population. At some point, at most places purebred dogs were only left at herders, breed enthusiasts and farms, while crosses surfeited in access. However, Central Asians population survived the communist intrusion, and still stable in general, reproducing same true quality dogs praised for working abilities, regardless of country of origin. Trading bloodlines and purchasing unrelated breeding stock between Russia and countries where CAO still at aboriginal stage, is a common practice nowadays.
This breed consists of numerous breed types. They differ in size, color, head types, hair types. That gives grounds for complications with breed standard, as well as for different names for the breed. Most important, purebred Central Asians have unique breed characteristics. In anatomy, they all have very noticeable extremely flexible joints, false ribs, specific head set, very strong neck with massive dewlap they can extend at no time into different directions. Special true and beyond expressive mimic and almost human eyes, revealing the inimitable intelligence finish the portrait.
By working qualities, modern Central Asians had been bred into different directions, depends on the demand for their abilities. Traditional dog fights had always been a national tradition in places of original habitat, but they had never been cruel and destructive as pitbull-type fights. All herders from the same area annually met together, and fought their strongest sheep guardian male dogs to pick the winner. It was about the dominance rather than destroying their own kind. Most dogs evaluated each other when met at the field and the weaker or more submissive dog left, taking the loss. Dogs seldom injured each other, mostly minor scratches within short period of time. Only true leaders actually had to determine, who is the strongest dog via real fight, but this still minor compare to their everyday labor duty, facing predators and venomous snakes every day.
Modern dog fights differ from traditional as much as livestock guardian dogs differ from fighting dogs. There are different rules, and different breeds involved. Most Central Asians used for modern fights come from fighting lines Vast majority of breeders are aware of their dogs’ background, and will tell, if the dog comes from lines used for fighting, or not. And one can always expect high level of agresivness towards other dogs from CAOs with dog fighting background.
Livestock guardians still in demand, but not nearly as much, as they used to be. These dogs differ in terms of being protective against human intruders, very territorial, safe with children, love and respect elderly people, protect all small animals from predators, and very gentle with family members.
Personal protection, or working dogs originated from livestock guardian dogs, being selectively bred by Russian breed experts for working abilities. As a result, they excel in obedience, territory protection and personal protection, very intelligent, and make perfect house dogs. They do not need any complicated training to learn basic house rules, and treat the owner with the same great respect, their ancestors treated the herder. These dogs were introduced to sheep breeding community worldwide with a great rate of success. Dogs must be able to work as a team, protection sheep against predators, thus excessively dog aggressive CAOs, as any other dogs, cannot be members of the pack, and will not pass this simple test revealing compliance of modern generation with breed origination purpose.
To conclude temperament differences description, Central Asians can come from working lines, fighting lines and livestock guardian lines, and behave accordingly, regardless of the country they come from. Simple pedigree research and conversation with the breeder will reveal what basic instincts one can expect from the dog. Central Asians from pure show lines still very rare, because most registries require working test prior to breeding.
General appearance
Robust dog greater than average size of great strength and power. Independent, curious and alert, yet imperturbable. Dog is as long as tall at the withers, or slightly longer than tall. Short or moderately long hair with heavy undercoat. Ears are cropped very short, tail is docked moderately long (exempt dogs from countries where cosmetic surgeries for dogs are illegal). Most common colors are black/white, fawn of different shades, brindle. Head is very solid, without pronounced stop or sculls. Neck is low set, short, dewlap. Body is broad, proportionate, muscles are rather flat. Ribcage appears very long, because of developed false ribs. Straight legs, heavy boning, moderate yet defined angulation. Leg bones must be in proportion, and shall never give impression that any bone is short. Tights, and rump are broad volumable.. Typical trait is gallop, however CAO can trot for hours without wearing herself. Shy or uncontrollable aggressive dogs are not typical and must be disqualified.