Central Asian Shepherd Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Central Asian Shepherd?

The Central Asian Shepherd, or Central Asian Ovtcharka, is one of the oldest breeds available today, with its origins dating back over 5,000 years ago. As its name might suggest, this breed was first discovered in Central Asian regions such as the Caspian Sea and the Ural Mountains.

Unlike many modern breeds, this breed is entirely natural. It evolved over the years to develop the coat it needs to survive colder areas across Asia and Eastern and Central Europe. Their hardy nature makes them the perfect guard dogs or livestock guardians!

The exact origins of the Asian Shepherd breed are up for debate, but some believe it may be related to the Tibetan Mastiff. All we know for certain is that this incredibly loyal and protective ancient breed is an excellent companion to any dog lover!

Who are Central Asian Shepherd dogs best for?

Due to their strict training requirements and exercise needs, Central Asian Shepherds aren't suited for first-time dog owners. However, if you are both confident and patient when it comes to training dogs, this healthy breed is an excellent addition to any family.

As previously mentioned, they love to exercise. Whether that's taking long walks with their owners or playing dog sports in the garden, they are the perfect breed for active owners.

They can be extremely protective of their family, especially younger children. With early socialisation, they also tend to get along with other dogs, so if you are looking to add another companion to your pet-filled home, the Central Asian Shepherd dog may be an option!

How much grooming does a Central Asian Shepherd need?

Although they can boast a fairly thick coat, they are an extremely low-maintenance breed. They don't tend to shed too often - mainly during the summer - and will only require one or two brushes every couple of weeks.

Most dog breeds will require nail trimming, and the Central Asian Shepherd is no different. If you don't feel comfortable trimming your canine's nails, then be sure to check your local vet - some offer a grooming service suitable to large breeds such as Shepherd dogs.

Do Central Asian Shepherd bark much?

Each dog is different, especially when considering how vocal they are with their owners and other dogs. However, the Central Asian Shepherd isn't a particularly loud breed as it mainly relies on its size as a deterrent to potential threats.

They will softly bark or howl if they are hungry or just lacking attention, but you don't need to worry about disrupting neighbours when adopting this breed!

Do Central Asian Shepherd bite?

As with any dog, no matter whether they are small or large, the best way to prevent biting is with proper training whilst they are still young. Although the Asian Shepherd isn't a particularly snappy dog, it can bite when excited.

Ensuring your Shepherd puppy has access to enough chew toys and that you train it that biting isn't acceptable is vital.

What is the temperament & personality of a Central Asian Shepherd?

Much like the Caucasian Shepherd dog, this Asian variant is incredibly protective. This means they can be perfect companions to families with small children and even other pets, as long as they are trained from a young age.

Their large muscular bodies will require regular exercise, and thankfully these dogs love to walk. They tend to be in a playful mood most days, but they may prefer to be left alone to rest after a long walk.

Overall, the Central Asian Shepherd is a generally friendly and affectionate breed that loves to spend time with its loved ones!

What is the weight & size of a Central Asian Shepherd?

The Central Asian is a fairly large dog breed with a double coat of reasonably medium-length fur. Its intimidating presence is perfect for guarding livestock, but hidden underneath is an incredibly protective and affectionate canine.

Weight

As the Central Asian Shepherd dog originates from colder climates, it tends to be a heavy breed. Fat is one of the best ways to protect your body from extreme cold. With this in mind, you can expect a fully-grown male to weigh anywhere between 39.91 to 49.8 kg.

Size

The Central Asian Shepherd is a relatively tall dog breed when it comes to height. A fully-grown male will reach around 61 to 68.5cm tall. The females of the species tend to be slightly smaller, with a height of about 57.6 to 63.2 cm tall.

As this breed was originally wild-dog species, it has adapted to survive natural selection. They are fairly stocky but surprisingly muscular. Their medium-length hair can make them appear larger than they are, but not by much!

How much training does a Central Asian Shepherd need?

The Central Asian is a reasonably independent breed, which means they can be fairly stubborn when it comes to training. However, their affection towards their human owners can outweigh this, so training difficulty can vary from dog to dog.

In general, this breed is best taught whilst it is still young, much like many other breeds that exist today. Its stubborn nature can be difficult if you are a first-time dog parent, but this breed can be trained with the right levels of patience!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Central Asian Shepherd?

Knowing what health issues your chosen breed may face can be the best way to ensure they are cared for appropriately. Fortunately, these dogs are exceptionally healthy due to their natural origin.

Nonetheless, every breed has a few common health issues that can be caused by genetics or an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are a few health issues that are common amongst the Central Shepherd:

• Elbow and Hip Dysplasia

• Cataracts

This hardy breed is easily one of the healthiest available, but it is still worth booking regular vet appointments to care for your loved canine!

What is the lifespan of a Central Asian Shepherd?

With enough exercise and a balanced diet, the Central Asian Shepherd is an exceptionally healthy breed. You can expect this Shepherd dog to live for around 12 to 15 years, with some living for up to 18 years!

How much should you feed a Central Asian Shepherd?

Larger dogs tend to require more food than their smaller counterparts, and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is no exception to this. Typically, you will need to feed this breed 2 to 3 medium-sized meals a day.

They aren't particularly fussy when it comes to food they like, and most will happily eat both dry and wet foods. Try to ensure that the routine and food you provide are suited to large active breeds.

What is the price of a Central Asian Shepherd in Australia?

Ancient breeds can be fairly expensive, especially if they are considered to be rare. Thankfully, the Asian Shepherd isn't a particularly rare breed, so you shouldn't need to spend an arm and a leg to adopt this loyal breed.

You can expect to spend a whopping $2,000 to $3,500 to adopt a Central Asian Shepherd from a reputable breeder.