Central Asian Shepherd Dog Breed

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (CASD), a member of the Working group of breeds, has been used as a multi-purpose work animal for thousands of years. Since prehistoric times, these massive dogs have been used as guardians for livestock and property, in warfare, and even in dog-fighting competitions. A CASD is best for people who need guardianship of some type, and who have plenty of indoor and outdoor space. This breed is by no means suitable for apartment life, nor is it recommended for first-time dog owners.

Facts about the Central Asian Shepherd Dog: they're extremely large-sized with medium-length, double-layered coats in a variety of colors. Here are some good (and not so good) breed characteristics:

PROS:

• Extremely loyal and protective
• Fantastic watch- and guard dog skills
• Strong work ethic
• Forms deep, intense bonds with owners
• Intelligent and self-assured
• Great with children, if socialized with them
• Exceptionally healthy
• Little to moderate grooming necessary

CONS:

• Temperament hard to predict
• Mistrustful and aggressive toward strangers
• Sheds heavily during shedding season (moderately otherwise)
• Often aggressive with other dogs
• High exercise requirements
• Great deal of indoor/outdoor space needed
• Large size can be hazardous to small children
• Normally willful and independent, thus difficult to train
• Not hypoallergenic
• Vast amount of supervision and socialization with other pets required
• Rare, and thus difficult to find/obtain

An oft-shared bit of Central Asian Shepherd Dog info is that members of this breed have not been created by man, but have survived through natural selection. And that's understandable, as CASDs are big, fearless, and devastatingly powerful animals. CASDs are quite intelligent, and can instinctively learn fairly complex tasks; they can be quite stubborn and independent, though, and can be notoriously hard to train if they don't wish to learn. (And a trainer can force a CASD to learn things--at the trainer's own peril.)

Dogs of this breed have varying temperaments, and each dog's individual character is mostly determined by its lineage. Throughout history, CASDs have served a variety of functions, from guarding stock to participating in dog-fighting competitions. Thus, a CASD descended from livestock guardians might be more calm and agreeable, while the descendant of those used for fighting may be downright mean. To accurately determine a specific dog's demeanor, breed clubs in many countries use temperament tests that measure a dog's ability in sheepherding, personal protection, and fighting, among other skills; these clubs recommend having every dog of this breed undergo one or more of these tests before it is brought home with owners.

In regards to activity: CASDs are surprisingly lively. Years spent accompanying livestock herds means these dogs will need a lot of exercise each day, whether it's a long walk (or jog) or at least an hour of vigorous play.

Protective, intelligent, confident, fairly inactive, and at times stubborn, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog temperament is one of loyalty and courage. These big dogs will usually be friendly and loving with family members, and they usually protect loved ones at all costs. Owners will need to provide their CASDs with obedience training and socialization starting in puppyhood; overall, owners will need to play the role of the "alpha" in these dogs' lives. A CASD will also be suspicious of (and therefore defensive around) unknown people and animals, so owners need to be prepared to supervise their dogs with strangers. CASDs do, however, get along pretty well with kids and other pets. It's best if a CASD grows up alongside any children or other household pets, so they can learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: the CASD is intelligent, and can be taught commands and tasks pretty easily--but these dogs can be quite independent and stubborn, so they might need some repetitions when learning things. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And perhaps the greatest quality of the Central Asian Shepherd temperament is its terrific watchdog skills. While not especially vocal, CASDs are protective, alert, and powerful, and usually bark at and investigate unknown sights or sounds. Their sheer size also means they can neutralize most potential threats.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a remarkably healthy breed, with very few known health issues. Like other large breeds, CASDs can develop elbow or hip dysplasia, conditions in which a malformation in the leg or hip joint causes lameness or arthritis.