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Central Asian Ovcharka
The Alabai, the Tohmet, the Sage Koochee......the
sredniaziatskaya ovcharka....the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, all
describe a breed group with a recorded history spanning 4000
years. They met and were admired by Alexander the Great on his
conquests of Persia, and greeted Julius Caesar 500 years after
that. They are the legendary dogs that guarded the caravans
traversing the Silk Road to China. They are creatures of myth
and reality blended together over the eons -- massive, powerful
guardians devoted to their charges and fearless in the face of
danger.
In history, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, or
CAS or CAO, has played the role of livestock guardian, home
guardian, and protector of the traveling caravans and shepherds
in the deserts and mountains of all the countries spanning
Central Asia. Their origin is lost, but it is suspected they
descended from native dogs and the giant mastiffs of Tibet who
mated during the time of Silk Road trading and tracking. They
have several different physical aspects all recognized as
correct, thus making them more of a breed group rather than a
simple standard breed. The desert type is light and fleet, tall
and graceful as a gazelle. The mountain type is heavy boned,
massive, longer-haired, and incredibly powerful. Colors range
throughout the rainbow.
The CAS is a devoted family member in today's
society, although they do need a strong fenced yard to contain
them. They can be wonderful companions, and work well with the
elderly and children if exposed and socialized to them from a
young age. In fact, socialization is a key factor in making
them productive citizens in any environment. The working nature
of the breed makes them naturally distrustful of strangers, and
protective of their homes/people, and they need to learn early
that not everything is a threat. They have very balanced
mentalities, and are super intelligent. They learn quickly, and
just as quickly become bored. Routines make them disinterested,
so they are not good candidates for obedience trials. Devotion
to family or job is their heart's desir
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