Sarabi Dog: Your Complete Guide
The Sarabi dog, also known as the Iranian mastiff, is a rare breed of dog that is not commonly found outside of Iran and the surrounding areas. These very large dogs are typically used as livestock guardians, and they have a fierce loyalty that makes them appealing to owners. Generally, the larger and heavier a Sarabi dog is, the more it is sought after as a guardian and working dog.
If you are thinking about adopting a Sarabi dog or want to learn more about this unique breed, our guide is just the thing for you. Below, we give you more information about the history and general expected temperament and behavior of the Sarabi dog.
A Quick Look at the Sarabi Dog
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 28 to 35 inches tall, 110 to 200+ pounds |
| Coat Type | Thick, straight, double coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Observant, loyal, protective |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10 to 14 years |
What Is the History of Sarabi Dogs?
Not much is known about the history of the Sarabi dog, as this is a rare breed that is believed to be one of the most ancient dog breeds still around today. In fact, there is some debate as to whether or not the Sarabi dog is still in existence.
However, it’s known that the Sarabi dog originated in Sarab County within the historical Azerbaijan region in northwestern Iran. These dogs are large and protective, and they have historically worked for shepherds to protect sheep or other livestock. They may have also been used to hunt wolves or bears.
Sarabi dogs are believed to be descendants of Molossian hounds, an ancient Greek breed that was bred as protectors. In Iran, the larger and heavier a Sarabi dog is, the more worth it has and the more sought after the dog will be. These dogs can weigh more than 200 pounds, which means that they are very large, very formidable animals.
What Do Sarabi Dogs Look Like?
Sarabi dogs typically have double coats in a brown, cream, or fawn shade; they often have black mask markings and white markings on their chest. Their appearance overall is very similar to other mastiff-type breeds, and they are tall, strong, and well-defined.
These dogs have a tail that curls in a sickle shape over their back, and their eyes are alert and observant. You will typically find Sarabi dogs with short or medium-length coats.
What Size Is a Sarabi Dog?
Sarabi dogs are large dogs, and both males and females of this species can be intimidating to look at. Female Sarabi dogs stand between 28 and 32 inches tall at the shoulders, while males can reach 35 inches tall at the shoulders. In terms of weight, females can weigh as little as 110 pounds and typically top out at around 150 pounds, while male Sarabi dogs can become as heavy as 200 pounds.
What Is a Sarabi Dog’s Coat Type and Length?
This breed has straight, thick fur, and Sarabi dogs have double coats. Their coats are either short or medium in length, and their fur tends to be thicker around their necks, giving them the appearance of having a mane. The insulated coat of this dog allows them to withstand both hot and cold temperatures as necessary.
What Is a Sarabi Dog’s Temperament?
Sarabi dogs are not for the faint of heart, and these dogs are independent, intelligent, loyal, and protective. This breed is most commonly utilized as a working dog, and they will protect livestock or help their owners with hunting. The large size of the Sarabi dog and their prey drive means that they need very experienced owners who are comfortable taking a firm leadership position in this dog’s life.
While the Sarabi dog can be suspicious of strangers, they are very loving and gentle with their families. These dogs form strong bonds with their loved ones, and they enjoy spending time with their families, though you can’t expect this dog to cuddle with you or attempt to become too cozy inside of your home.
Are Sarabi Dogs Good With Kids?
Despite their large size, Sarabi dogs can be good with children. They tend to be gentle and calm around their families, showing their loyal and protective natures. However, these dogs do have a high prey drive, and their sheer size means that they aren’t a good choice for homes with small children. Adult-only households or households with older children and teenagers are the best choices for living with a Sarabi dog.
Are Sarabi Dogs Good With Other Animals?
Sarabi dogs may get along well with other dogs, provided a slow and patient introduction is made. They tend to do best with other dogs when introduced from a young age and raised to work together guarding livestock.
These dogs have a very high prey drive and a protective nature, and they will not do well in homes with small animals like hamsters or other small pets like cats and dogs like chihuahuas. Your Sarabi dog might be prone to chasing small animals if you do not properly train and socialize them.
Are Sarabi Dogs Aggressive?
Sarabi dogs are not generally aggressive unless they are excessively provoked or if they think their families and wards are being attacked. These dogs are large and strong, and they may cause damage if they are not trained properly and kept under control by their owners. That being said, your Sarabi dog is not likely to act aggressively by snapping, growling, and barking on a completely unprovoked basis. This breed, like most other breeds, can be trained out of aggressive and territorial behaviors.
Do Sarabi Dogs Bark?
Sarabi dogs do not typically bark, and they only do so with good reason. These dogs aren’t a breed that you can expect to yap constantly, and they will typically save their voices when warning their owners of something outdoors. Sarabi dogs may also bark to threaten an animal or stranger who is approaching their homes or any ward they are trained to guard.
Are Sarabi Dogs Affectionate?
While Sarabi dogs are loyal to their owners and will enjoy being in their presence, they are not particularly affectionate in terms of wanting to be cuddled and petted. These dogs prefer to keep to themselves, and they are happiest when they can have their family in their sights, but they are left to be independent. Your Sarabi dog will likely be suspicious of strangers, and they will be their happiest when allowed to seek out attention on their terms.
Are Sarabi Dogs Intelligent?
Sarabi dogs are intelligent animals, as they can learn how to guard livestock, hunt with their owners, and protect their families. These dogs aren’t the most eager to please, but they do enjoy working and being active, so they will typically use their intelligence to learn whatever their owner is teaching. In some cases, Sarabi dogs may be good candidates for advanced training, such as agility training, but this depends on the specific personality of your dog.
Are Sarabi Dogs Energetic?
Sarabi dogs have high energy levels, something that is common in dogs that are as large as they are and bred to complete working tasks. These dogs require several lengthy walks each day, and they will need additional outdoor exercise time in addition to mental stimulation in the form of training. The best home for a Sarabi dog is one that can provide ample fenced-in outdoor space for them to run, play, and exercise as needed.
Are Sarabi Dogs Easy to Train?
Sarabi dogs are intelligent, but this doesn’t mean they are the easiest breed to train. These dogs are very independent, and they can be stubborn, often testing their owner’s boundaries instead of dedicating themselves to learning. When putting their minds to it, they can learn complex tricks and tasks, but it takes firm, patient, and consistent training to ensure the Sarabi dog stays under their owner’s control and can complete tasks as requested.
Are Sarabi Dogs Good Watchdogs?
Sarabi dogs have historically been used as watchdogs, and they are very good at acting as guardians and watchdogs for their families. These dogs are alert and protective, and they will have no problem putting themselves between a threat and their family members or livestock that they are guarding. Sarabi dogs can also be quite ferocious fighters, which is a positive when they are living on farms or guarding animals from predators like wolves.
Are Sarabi Dogs Good Service Dogs?
The Sarabi dog is not a good choice for acting as a service dog for several reasons. To start with, these dogs are rare, and they can be difficult to get under control – they require a firm, consistent owner who has no problem training regularly and reinforcing this training. For many individuals who require service dog assistance, a more eager-to-please animal is necessary to ensure tasks are properly completed.
Furthermore, Sarabi dogs need a significant amount of exercise, outdoor time, and mental stimulation. This is sometimes not possible, depending on the service dog tasks they may need to complete. Sarabi dogs are also not the most affectionate animals, and they can have high prey drives that may distract them from their duties, making it difficult for them to work as therapy dogs, emotional support animals, or psychiatric service dogs.
How to Care for a Sarabi Dog?
Sarabi dogs require experienced owners, as these dogs need firm leadership, plenty of training, and ample amounts of exercise to stay happy. Sarabi dogs can grow to be quite large, and mishandling of this breed can lead to serious issues or aggressive behavior, which might quickly become dangerous. In general, this breed is happier when they are able to spend plenty of time outside and when they are given a task like guarding livestock.
You will need to walk your Sarabi dog several times a day and allow them to run around outdoors for another few hours each day. You can leave your Sarabi dog alone for several hours at a time, but it’s important to be sure they are secure and can’t chase after animals that catch their eye.
Train your Sarabi dog consistently, and make sure that they are well-behaved in public. Always maintain control over your Sarabi dog and utilize positive training methods to ensure they will listen to you and complete tasks on command.
Do You Need to Groom a Sarabi Dog?
Sarabi dogs have a fairly easy-to-maintain coat, and you will not need to groom them more than the average dog breed. Your dog will likely need brushing a few times a week to remove any loose fur and prevent knots. You can bathe them as necessary and trim their nails or clean their ears as needed. If you wish to take your Sarabi dog to a professional groomer, you don’t need to do this more than once or twice a year.
Do Sarabi Dogs Shed?
Sarabi dogs shed an average amount, and they have a double coat which tends to shed extra twice a year when the seasons change from warmer to cooler and vice versa. Sarabi dogs are not hypoallergenic.
What Health Problems Do Sarabi Dogs Have?
There is not a huge amount of information available about the health problems to which Sarabi dogs are prone. This is because Sarabi dogs are rare to encounter in the United States, and there is not too much known about inherited or genetic health issues that face the breed. However, it’s suspected that these dogs, much like other large dog breeds, are prone to conditions such as bloat, hip or elbow dysplasia, and heart problems.
You can take your Sarabi Dog to a veterinarian regularly to address any health issues as they arise and ensure your dog stays healthy.
How Long Do Sarabi Dogs Live?
The Sarabi dog has a lifespan that is similar to other large dogs, and this dog may live anywhere between 10 and 14 years. Specific health issues and the care your dog receives throughout their life can determine if your dog lives to the higher or lower end of this average.
What Should a Sarabi Dog Eat?
Sarabi dogs are large dogs, which means that they need a lot of food throughout their day. Your dog will need to eat a high-quality wet or dry food diet or a mixed diet of both foods, and you can supplement their daily food with healthy treats.
Many large dogs are prone to obesity, so it’s important that your Sarabi dog gets enough exercise and that you keep note of their caloric intake. Your veterinarian can help you figure out how many calories your dog needs each day based on their age in addition to their specific weight and height.
Is a Sarabi Dog the Right Dog for Me?
The Sarabi dog is not for everyone – this dog is not even commonly found outside of the United States. However, if you do happen to find a breeder for your Sarabi dog or even locate this dog at a shelter in your area, it’s important that you understand the intense care needs of this breed.
These dogs are large, protective, and independent, and they will need an owner who can let them work as livestock guardians or otherwise give them a daily role to fill. You will need to dedicate time to training your Sarabi dog and making sure that they recognize you as a leader, or you risk your dog developing dangerous behavioral issues.
That being said, these dogs are very intelligent, loyal, and loving to their families, and they can make a great addition to homes with large yards or farms in need of a loyal protector.