GROUP 6 - UTILTY

History

Central Asia Shepherd Dog (CASD) is one of the most ancient breed of dogs. They were formed as a breed from natural selection during more than four thousand years in the vast territory, which spreads nowadays from the Caspian Sea to China and from Southern Ural to Afghanistan. Its heritage is from the most ancient dogs of Tibet, Cattle Dogs from various nomad tribes’ dogs that are closely related to the Mongolian Shepherd Dog and the Tibetan Mastiff. The CASD were mainly used to protect cattle, caravans and the owner’s dwellings, and being exposed to rigid natural selection. Hard living conditions and constant struggle against predators have had influence on the shape as well as the dog’s character and it has made it strong, fearless, and taught it to save its energy. In the places of primordial habitation, the CASD were used mainly to protect herds from predators and also as guard dogs. The work with the breed started in the USSR in the 1930s. (1)

Appearance

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is of harmonious build and large stature, moderately long (neither long nor short in body). (1)

Robust, muscular body, voluminous, but not with visible muscles. Sexual dimorphism is clearly defined. The males are more massive and courageous than females with more pronounced withers and a larger head. Full maturity is reached by the age of 3 years. (1)

Any coat is short or moderately long with a heavy undercoat and it can be any colour, ‘except genetic blue and genetic brown in any combination and black mantel on tan.’ (1)

Most common colors are black/white; fawn of different shades, from almost white to deep red; brindle. Some have a black mask. (2)

Sizes

Height at the withers:
Males: Minimum 70 cms.
Females: Minimum 65 cms.
Large size desirable, but proportional constitution must remain.

Weight
Males: Minimum 50 kgs.
Females: Minimum 40 kgs. (1)

Temperament

Self assured, balanced quiet, proud and independent. The dogs are very courageous and have high working capacity, endurance and a natural instinct of territory. Fearlessness towards large predators is a characteristic feature. (1)

Suitability

The large Central Asian Shepherd Dog may spend a considerable amount of time moving around in its native lands, and this kind of slow but steady exercise is what it likes best. With a job to do and a piece of property to protect, it will find the highest spot and keep an eye on all that happens.

The real life test for the Central Asian is simply to be a farm dog, or herd protection dog, in any country.

Neither the longhaired nor shorthaired coat require a lot of grooming, but the thick undercoat results in heavy seasonal shedding twice a year. (2)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Central Asian Shepherd Dog you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

1. DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au
2. Wikipedia.org