| Revision as of 04:34, 4 February 2008 editCoaster1983 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers5,025 edits Bolded first mention of Central Asian Shepherd per WP:LEAD← Previous edit | Revision as of 06:04, 5 February 2008 edit undoAfru (talk | contribs)351 edits Revert.This breed overview is the most accurate. Further editions of this page contain wrong, incomplete and/or outdated information.Next edit → | ||
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| | 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 = Other numerous registries under different standards | | notes = Other numerous registries under different standards | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Central Asian Ovtcharka''' (], Sredneaziatskaja Owtcharka etc) is recognized by ], the #1 European ], as a ] of Russian origin. Most breed representatives reside in ], 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. | |||
| The '''Central Asian Shepherd''' is recognized by both the FCI & UKC. | |||
| It is considered a group of breeds developed by natural selection versus being created by selective methods. | |||
| This breed of dog was developed in Central Asia along the silk route over 4,000 years ago. | |||
| '''History.''' | |||
| ⚫ | Central Asians most likely originated in a geographical area between ], ], ], and Northwest border of ]. ] Central Asians as well as mixes still can be found in countries, located at place of origin, such as ], ], ], ], ] and surrounding countries. This area , while being traditional ] agricultural zone, also keeps world leadership for drug traffic to western countries at the region. As well, local gas, oil and mineral treasures inflict major investors. | ||
| Country of origin: USSR (regions of Central Asia), under the patronage of Russia | |||
| Thus, local modern Central Asians ], 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. | |||
| ⚫ | Central Asians |
||
| Russian ] and ]s 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 ] intrusion, and still stable in general, reproducing same true quality dogs praised for working abilities, regardless of country of origin. Trading ] and purchasing unrelated ] between Russia and countries where CAO still at aboriginal stage, is a common practice nowadays. | |||
| == Brief historical summary == | |||
| 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 ] 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. | |||
| The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the most ancient dog breeds. The breed developed as a result of natural selection in a huge territory expanding today from the Caspian Sea to China and from southern Ural to Afghanistan. The predecessors of this breed include the ancient dogs of Tibet and the shepherd dogs of various nomadic tribes. It is a close relative of the Tibetan Mastiff. Throughout its history, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog served as a guardian of livestock, caravans and their master’s dwelling. Hard conditions and the constant fight against predators formed the looks and strength the character in this breed. It is strong, courageous and energy-saving. In the region of its origin, the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are used as watchdogs and to protect livestock from predators. Kennel breeding and standardization of this breed began in the USSR during the 1930's. | |||
| By working qualities, modern Central Asians had been bred into different directions, depends on the demand for their abilities. Traditional ] 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. | |||
| Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have different breed types depending on what abilities are in demand. | |||
| 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. | ||
| Central Asian Shepherd Dogs were also bred as sentry guards by the former USSR during the cold war. They originated from ]s, and were selectively bred by experts for working abilities. As a result, they excel in territory protection. They do not need any complicated training to learn basic house rules, and treat the owner with the same great respect that their ancestors treated the herder. This type has lower dog to dog dominance. Must work as a team with handler and other dogs in attendance. | |||
| Dogs must be able to work as a team |
Personal protection, or ] originated from ]s, 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 ]s, 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''' | ||
| The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Molosser of Asian origin) is a harmoniously built dog of above average height and of medium length. Build type - coarse with well-developed volume but not a prominently muscular system. The thick skin is loose which makes the dog less vulnerable in fights against predators. Gender differences are well-expressed, males are more massive and masculine than females. The dog matures at the age of 3 years. | |||
| Robust dog greater than average size of great strength and power. Independent, curious and alert, yet imperturbable. | |||
| This breed consists of numerous breed types. They differ in size, color, head types, and hair types. | |||
| 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, from almost white to deep red; brindle. | |||
| In general, the coat is thick, straight, and coarse with a developed undercoat. The coat on the head and at the front of the legs is short and smooth. Dogs are divided according to coat length into those with a short and smooth coat (3–5 cm.) and those with a longer one (7–10 cm.) that forms a mane on the neck, tows behind the ears, at the rear of the legs and on the tail. | |||
| Head is very solid, without pronounced stop or sculls. Neck is low set, short, ]. 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. | |||
| Typical trait is ], however CAO can ] for hours without wearing herself. | |||
| Colour. All colours are permissible, except for blue and brown in any combination. | |||
| Shy or uncontrollable aggressive dogs are not typical and must be disqualified. | |||
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Revision as of 06:04, 5 February 2008
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 at the region. 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, from almost white to deep red; 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. 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.