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Alabai
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
90-160 pounds/24-28 inches
Coat Type:
Medium-length double coat
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Confident, loyal, independent, vigilant
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
12-17 years
Adopting an Alabai: An Overview
The alabai, also known as the Central Asian shepherd dog, is a large breed native to the area around the Caspian Sea, Anatolia, and the Northwest border of China. This dog has historically been used for guarding livestock, and they are very intelligent, in addition to being very loyal and protective of those they bond with.
The genetics of the Central Asian shepherd dog are found in dogs throughout the Central Asian region, with the history of this breed dating back around 5,000 years.
Alabai dogs rose to popularity when they were used by the Red Army, as these dogs can be trained as protective dogs and for other working military roles. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, alabais began to make their way outside of the areas of Central Asia and Russia, landing in the United States. The alabai got official American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition as a breed in 1996.
It can be somewhat difficult to adopt an alabai within the United States, as this breed is still not the most popular breed outside of their native area. There isn’t a huge number of breeders in the U.S. offering alabai puppies, and it is rare to come across the alabai in a shelter or local rescue.
That being said, alabai dogs do exist in the United States, and you can find one in need of a loving home with dedicated research.
As you search for an alabai breeder, it’s important that you keep in mind some red flags that may indicate a breeder is less than ethical. Breeders should be knowledgeable about the alabai breed, including understanding both the pros and cons of this dog, and they should interview you to see if you are a good fit as much as you interview them.
Reputable breeders typically have interested buyers sign a contract and put down a deposit on a puppy. Similarly, puppies are not typically available year-round (this can be a sign of improper breeding or backyard breeding practices).
On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for an alabai puppy from a breeder. The exact price you pay depends on the breeder and your location, and you may end up paying closer to the $3,000 of this estimate due to the scarcity of alabai breeders in some areas.
Alabais For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted Alabai?
Alabais are working dogs, and this breed thrives when they are given something to guard or tasks to complete. Your alabai will be very intelligent, something that, when combined with their large size, can be problematic if you do not train these dogs in addition to meeting their mental and physical stimulation needs.
We recommend that you start basic obedience training with your alabai as soon as you bring this pup home, and you should dedicate at least 30 minutes to an hour each day for training.
The alabai has lower than average grooming needs, as its short and thick coat is not particularly prone to tangles. However, you will need to brush your alabai once or twice a week to remove any loose fur and to keep their coat in overall nice condition.
Twice a year, this dog will shed a large amount of fur, and you will need to increase brushing and bathing during this time to keep your alabai’s coat feeling and looking its best.
Your alabai will need a fair amount of exercise, as these large dogs are bred for working and staying active. If you are not adopting an alabai to work on a farm or in a similar environment, you will need to take them on two to three long walks each day, in addition to playing with them for at least an hour.
Homes with safe fenced-in yards and owners who love to go outside on adventures with their alabai make the best environments for this dog to live in.
As a large dog, your alabai will need a good amount of food, especially if they spend their days exercising and completing tasks at your side. You will need to feed your alabai between one and four cups of food a day on average, depending on the nutritional information of the food and the size of your alabai. You can consult with your vet if you are having trouble figuring out what to feed your alabai.
When caring for an alabai, it’s important to know that these dogs do have independent personalities, which can make them somewhat hard to handle. They are also prone to suspicion when it comes to meeting new people and animals, a trait that makes them great guard dogs but could also cause problems if you do not train your alabai properly.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt an Alabai As Your First Dog?
The alabai, while a wonderful working breed, is not the best choice of a first dog, unless you are adopting a guard dog for livestock or a working dog on a farm. These dogs require a lot of maintenance and exercise when in a family environment, and they are not the right choice for families with small children or other animals roaming around the home.
The alabai can develop a prey drive, and though they are often protective of the children in their families, their larger size can lead to accidental injury as they try to play with their family.
Furthermore, the alabai needs a significant amount of training and socialization, especially if you plan on utilizing their help as a working dog. An owner who has never had a dog before might find this overwhelming, and training this dog is a considerable time commitment.
You cannot leave alabais home alone for more than eight hours, and you need to ensure they have their mental and physical stimulation needs met, or they might become destructive.
That being said, alabais might be suitable as a first-time dog if you require help with working tasks and you are up to the job of providing your alabai with the training and exercise they need to stay happy. For example, if you have moved to a farm or a home with a large outdoor area and you need guard dog assistance, this dog can be a great choice.
You can consult with a professional dog trainer if you have any questions about teaching your alabai the tasks they need to know in order to help you.
Adopt the Right Alabai for You
If you are thinking about adding an alabai into your life, you might be wondering where you can find the right dog for you. In general, you will be able to look for an alabai at a local shelter or purchase an alabai puppy from a reputable breeder. It’s important that you take your time while conducting this search to ensure that your puppy is coming from a trustworthy and ethical source.
Once you have found the best place to adopt your alabai, you can complete all of the necessary steps to bring your dog home. Don’t forget to read up on all that it takes to care for your alabai to ensure that you are helping your dog stay happy and healthy at your side.
