Contents: General Questions Temperament, Behavior & Training History Buying a USA Central Asian Shepherd Visit FoxFire at www.centralasianshepherd.com

General Questions

What is a Central Asian Shepherd dog ?

An Ancient Working Flock Guardian, Classified as a Molossian Group 2. A breed of Mastiff type, developed through Natural Selection NOT a Man Made breed. Natural and indigenous to the Central Asian Republics of the Former USSR.

Ovcharka is a word the Russian's gave all types of Central Asian dogs when they over the country in 1917. Ovcharka in Central Asia translates to Mongrel. In Central Asia the dogs go by many different names, such as Alabai, Tobet, Koochee, Darchmarda. With each name, their is a different size, type & function.
During the 70 years of occupied rule the breed became world known as the "Central Asian Ovcharka"
In the USA the breed is known as the Central Asian Shepherd dog.
The Nomads dog was called the Asiatic Mastiff 100 years ago. Mastiff is a new word for a old breed.
Update in 2001 some of the Russian commercial kennels have developed a new type.
This new factory type has a Undershot jaw under the name Central Asian Ovcharka (CAO). And they are used for fighting
So in the future the CAO with the undershot bites, less dewlap , different working abilities,will be different from the Old World Central Asian's found in remote area of Central Asia & the small population in the USA.
In the Western World Ovcharka translates loosely to Shepherds dog.
NOTE: The Current FCI Standard does NOT allow for this Undershot bite. And if you show a dog in any country besides Russia they will ask you to leave the ring
Some Russian breeders in the USA are publishing the Russian standard vs the FCI. And they have decided to breed only the New Factory type bred dogs generations REMOVED from Central Asia & working pack dogs .. This does not change the fact that this new type is not yet in the FCI or US standards

NO, They are two different breeds with marked differences in Temperament, Structure, Coat Length & History.

NO, Central Asian Shepherds (ovcharka) are a Fully Accepted/Registried Purebred Working dog.

The USA Asian Shepherd was/is a UN registered 1st Generation cross between Caucasian Ovcharka , Central Asian Ovcharka, Spanish Mastiff & Anatolian Shepherd. Bred by Circle Z Farms

WARNING! 3 mongrels litters sold in Ohio as purebred
Even thou the sire of all 3 litters is one of these Asian Shepherd mutts.
Half CO, Half CAO. Breeder of Troika Von Briggle is Pril Zahorsky Circle Z farms.
TROIKA line of Central Asian are not Purebred. PO

During the Communist rule of Central Asian which spanned over many decades. This breed was not owned by the general population outside of Central Asia.

The Dept. of Agriculture and the Red Star Military Kennels were the ONLY Russian breeders outside of Central Asia prior to 1990 actively breeding these dogs.  Very few were exhibited in dog shows until the last 10 Years or so, and in the USA they are considered a Rare breed since they are NOT accepted by AKC.

Turkmenistan, Tadijikistan, Kirgizstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Iran and its surrounding regions.

NO, this breed is a Native of Central Asia NOT Russia.

This breed was recognized as a Russian breed because of the Russian occupation of the breed home place when recognized by the FCI .

In the last 10 years SOME Russians have developed a dedicated breeding program aimed at the betterment of the breed.

Males range between 26-32 Inches and 100-150 lbs as an Average
Females 24-27 80-110 lbs
They are in general a Large Mastiff breed capable of Speed, Agility and Power.

dog.However they are NOT a Giant breed.

NO, in general the "correct" Caucasian dog of Mountain type is larger than the Central Asian.

Above Average size with Massive bone structure. A distinguished dewlap. Blunt Shaped Muzzle. Cropped ears and docked Tail.

FCI & UKC accept ~ White, Black, Brindle, Sand, Black & White, Red, Fawn. All colors are accepted by the RKF standard EXCEPT Blue & Liver(must have black nose) *; and two Coat Lengths: Short 3-5 inches & Medium 7-8 inches.

No, this breed, not unlike any other breed, have a specific head written in the standard that best exemplifies the breed.

Skull - Wide & Massive, Wide between the eyes hardly narrowing to the nose

Please read FCI standard # 335 and see for yourself. Http://centralasianshepherd.homestead.com/index.html

Dogs lacking working breed type were usually culled at birth or did not survive through a harsh natural selection process.

Moderate - This breed does shed. Once a year they blow out their undercoats during seasonal changes. This would require a complete brushing to rid the dog of excess fur.  They have a wash and wear coat.  It has been told that the fur from a Central Asian was used for some of the softest warmest clothes.

NO, not generally a tight flew is a typical feature of this Mastiff breed.

CASS can tolerate a Wide range of climates. Ranging from the Cold Winters of Siberia to the Dry Deserts of the Kara kum. They adore cold weather & snow. And can tolerate heat equally well with sufficient areas of shade and water.

Yes, They can adapt quite well to living indoors, but farm life or a large fenced in yard is most suitable for this breed. They prefer to be in the company of their owners whether indoors or out.

Recommendation for teething, purchase Cow bones (marrow) from the local butcher to minimize the need to teeth on ones furniture or personal items, such as remote controls, beepers.

For centuries this breed has flourished with the most Natural of foods. Such as Fish, Meat, Vegetables, Fruit and Bread. In addition they have and will hunt Various game. So it is recommended to take this in consideration when feeding a Young growing CAS. Many Commercial dog foods are NOT properly formulated for Fast growing Dogs & have proven to cause many problems for Large Fast growing breeds. Do NOT over feed your CAS keep them in good working shape. A New Diet page is under works check back Jan 2004. d

Moderate - This breed requires daily walks to develop strong muscles and body.  Large WELL Fenced in yards will allow this breed to keep itself in shape with daily activities. The breed is generally a low activity breed. And will decrease the level of activity with maturity.

Current USA Statistics are limited. But in general a healthy purebred CAS are said to live 10-15 years.

Yes, they do. The well bred CAS is a vigorously healthy.  As with many of the large breeds, the CAS should be at a minimum screened for Hip & Elbow Diseases.  Never buy from breeders who claim that due to natural selection this breed does not require screening for Genetic diseases OR USE TERMS SUCH AS "Health Tested" or I feed VITAMIN C or WARRANTY. This is a PLOY 100% not disclosing the facts of what they are breeding.  Insist on Ofa-GDC or Penn Hip scores on Both sire and dam. And ask them if any of their dogs are HD Free of if any of the dogs they bred are HD FREE? Check the OFA Database.http://www.OFFA.org. Ask the breeder for All relevant medical data available on their lines in which they are breeding.

Temperament, Behavior & Training

What is the Best home or job suited for this breed?

A pair of Central Asian Shepherds working together on a small secure supervised farm, ranch or home with a predator control problem that requires a breed of dog that still has the Natural instinct ingrained in them to protect Flock & Family.

Males typically take 2-1/2 years to reach full sexual maturity and size, Females generally 1 year.

***Note CAS males can be quite a handful due to their size and lack of maturity.

Yes, the Properly Socialized, well bred, CAS is loyal, loving & protective with his family.  He is good with children & the family Cat and would surely sacrifice his own life protecting all he calls his own.

The breed is reserved around strangers. Yet faithful and affectionate to all family members.  This breed of dog enjoys daily interactions with their family members.  They are forever loyal and will follow their families to the ends of the earth as they have for 4,000 years with the Nomadic Turkmen. They openly express affection.

Yes, if properly raised the CAS will accept other members of the pet family such as Ferrets, Cats. Dogs & livestock.

Please note these dogs are dog dominate and a later addition of another dog could result in injury to new members of your canine family. Serious disagreements between canine members may occur if the other members of the household attempt to dominate the Central Asian. This is NOT the breed for faint of heart.
Does this breed make a lot of noise?
Yes, the CAS females are prone to be more frequent high pitched nocturnal howlers. It doesn't sound like a normal repetitive bark. But a combination of Woo Woo's with a Howl and a growl here and there.  The males give less frequent, more deep sounding barks.

***** Note this could annoy close neighbors. Bark collars are NOT recommended.

Yes, this breed has a natural distrust for strangers and are quite protective of family and home. They will protect all they call their own from Predators and Trespassers.  They have a Natural Defense drive and a high sense of territory they will NOT back down to perceived Danger.

*** Caution perceived danger could in some cases be considered as mundane as the UPS driver, neighbor or neighbors dogs.

NO, this breed protects flocks is does NOT herd them. They Lack prey drive that is essential in ALL herding dogs.

NO, this breed is known for its independent nature. They were developed to work along side of man, NOT to serve man.

Again they lack Prey drive which is the willingness to please. Most Flock guardians including the CAS are known for their Selective Deafness Syndrome (SDS). Meaning they are stubborn and be slow to respond and sometimes will simply ignore commands to sit stay. Despite being independent this breed should NOT be owner dominate. Dogs of proper temperament are submissive to their owners and should understand their place in the pack. Once proper corrections have been made to illustrate who is the alpha. Food is an excellent motivation for training tricks and commands. But when it comes to quick urgent corrections to bad behavior such as dog dominance. Click and treat is NOT recommended.

Neither is the foolish notion that lemon juice will get the CAS attention when sprayed on their nose to stop dominate displays. These dogs will kill skunks despite the obvious stinging sensation in their eyes from a direct spray of Skunk Odor. So lemon juice whether diluted or strait will NOT get the CAS attention when it is else where.

A Firm consistent loving owner with a complete knowledge of the breed is all that is needed and some bacon strips wont hurt either.

** Note certain lines of Working Central Asian Ovcharka bred in Russia Military. May have a Higher defense drive and may be hard to handle even for the experienced Livestock Guardian dog owner.

NO! CASS will protect and sometimes seriously injure strange dogs that wander to close to their family or area they deem off limits. In this day of severe liability on the parts of dog owners. This is the NOT the breed for Doggies parks or unfenced yards.

Yes, CASS live quite well within their own breed due to a similar understanding of dominance and the physical features suited for protection such as a marked dewlap and crop/dock of ears and tail.

1. Would this breed be a good choice for a Personal Protection dog as defined by USA Schutzhund Dog Fanciers?

"Personally, I say NO. Since they are a flock guardian type of breed, they work in defense almost exclusively. They don't have the proper balance or drive to be a "True" personal protection dog.

Defensive dogs don't usually do a long send bite (over 50 yards away). A Defensive dog is also easier to put into avoidance"

"If you ask 5 different people you will likely get 5 different answers.

I believe a personal protection dog must be able to do several things:

First the dog must have Balanced drives. The dog must work in Prey, Defense & Fight. The dog needs BALANCE to be able to do all aspects of Protection work. The dog should be able to do a close up and far away frontal attack. A civilian will likely Never use the long send, but it does show what the dog is made of. It forces the dog to bite when defense drive is not the primary drive. The close in attack simulates a "attack on hander." Second the dog must be able to be called OFF on Command. This consists of the dog stopping when on the bite and called off before reaching the "bad guy."

Next, the dog should be able to do a guard. This is done away from the handler. Finally, the dog should have a hard solid bite. Not a pinching front teeth only bite. The dog must bite from and keep the bite."

"NO, I don't think a CAS/CAO would make a good patrol candidate. Guardian breeds tend to be to INDEPENDENT to make proper "Partner" for patrol. The dog need to turn to its owner for direction. Control of the dogs is crucial.

Therefore, high levels of obedience MUST be obtainable. Also, to do stressful work like suspect apprehension, narcotics tracking, etc., require prey and fight drive.

No, " A Flock Guardian and a Shepherd are two Very DIFFERENT dogs.

A German Shepherd (GSD) is a a highly prey driven dog. They chase, herd & take direction from the owner. They also face the challenges from the animals in which they are herding.

A Flock Guardian protects the herd as if it were member of the herd. They face threats from Outside the herd. Much of the benefit comes from putting on a tough show that tells the intruder "its easier to find another meal."

A GSD in general has a very well balanced set of drives & can do many things. A CAO is a Specialist "Thanks Dan for your Candid answers.

Quoted from Don Yarnall LAPD retired. 3 Drives prey, Defense and Fight

1. During a Bark & Hold situation If the dog is in Prey he is in effect saying "Run so I can bite you"

2. If he is in defense he is saying "Stay away from me or I will bite you"

3. If he is in fight, he is saying "Don't Move I will bite you"

#2 Is the Best way to describe the temperament of the Central Asian Shepherd. They apply due force according to the threat.
They do NOT wish to engage but will if the threat does NOT leave they will engage. They rarely give chase once the threat leaves the area. Thus making them an effective Flock guardian.

History

One must go back in time when survival of the fittest was the goal of every day life.

Over 4,000 years ago Man needed a dog to Protect them from Predators human and animal alike. A dog that could withstand extreme brutal conditions, that could survive where most man could not. A self sufficient animal that could live on its own yet have the willingness to stay with his flock or family. A Hunter Protector and a Faithful Friend that would have the drive and will to follow the Nomadic tribes from the Caspian sea to the Mountains of Central Asia. A dog that would take on a Tiger to protect the sheep in which its shepherd would NOT survive the winter without. Through time this breed of dog did NOT have one name, one color or a written standard. Just the requirement for the dog to be Big, Strong with Heart of a Lion.

It would be wrong to limit this breeds name or countries of Origin to one or two commonly known areas which depending on the language spoke call this breed by different names.

Unlike the majority of dog breeds known to man today whom originate in one area of the world or one Homeland and in many cases were created by one man. This breed comes to us with a diverse unique History that belongs to the many tribes and people of Central Asia. Through the Silk route which stretches for many thousands of miles. There you will find different tribes now belonging to in part to different Countries. Majority of which up until 10 years ago were under Soviet occupation. These people, their way of life & religion have had a strong influence on the development of this breed.

Many were Warriors, Shepherds, local villagers, falconer's who needed a dog to be their eyes and ears.  Just as unique as the CAS is, which comes to us from the same area of Central Asia, a breed of Colored sheep.  Karakul's, can be found. A hardy breed of sheep whose primary colors are Black, Brown, Gray.

Here the Flock Guardian's like other countries were bred to MATCH the sheep they protected. Thus allowing the dog to blend in with the sheep they are protecting. The obvious choice of the CAS as protection for this breed was not solely based on their variety of color but their behavior as well. Karakuls will stand and fight any dog that harasses them or attempts to herd them. Central Asian Shepherds do not herd and have a calm demeanor. They Make perfect choices for high strung horses as well. You will find the forefathers of the Arabian horse in Turkmenistan. Akhal Teke are one of the most beautiful elegant breeds of horses in the world. Left untouched by Modern selection.

This natural breed of dog known today as the Central Asian Ovcharka (shepherd) is a melting pot of Time, Culture & People. Whose basic need for protection helped form the mold of the Mastiff type dog we see today.

Please visit Part 1 of our History section and read about The History of Central Asia.

Get to know the people who have survived Wars, and the extremes nature can offer. These wars have lasted decades some based on religion or the freedom to roam with No boundaries. This History is rarely taught in today's schools.

When you read about the people of Central Asia you will start to wake up your senses and your wildest imaginations. Then and only then will you understand how and why the Central Asian Ovcharka or Asiatic Mastiff has come to us through time with the Akhal Tekke, Karakul sheep and the Tribes of Central Asia. They are as they were thousands of years ago

Raw Primitive protectors with the ability to rule the land in which they come forth from.

This breed has been dated back over 4,000 years through stone carvings and writings.

Visit http://home.sol.no/~molossus/origin/originofthemolossers.html

The first modern day writings dates back over 100 years ago in a book entitled "History of the Mastiff" by Wynn.  It is one of the Oldest breeds known to man. Dating back to the Same period of development as the Tibetan Mastiff.

As a Livestock guardian dog this breed job of protecting and sometimes killing predators such as Wolf, Lion, Bear & Hyena. This requires the dog to have less appendages for the predator to grab hold of and cause injury.

Yes, Alabai or Turkmensky Alabai, Tobet, Mid Asian or Mid Asiatic Sheepdog/Shepherd dog, Asiatic Mastiff, sredneasiakskaja Ovtcharka or Owtcharka are just a few. Modern day Russia. Central Asian Ovtcharka, Modern day USA Central Asian Shepherd.

NO, unlike man made breeds such as the German Shepherd which have been created by the Hand of modern man.

Whom selected Specific physical and behavior traits from different breeds and cross bred them to create a new breed more suitable for their present day needs.

The Central Asian Shepherds are an Old Primitive breed developed through time with NO KNOWN breeds behind them.

All we do have, is the History of the Tribes of Central Asia. Many areas have a wide diverse gene pool virtually left untouched by modern man.

** Thus there is NO legitimate reason to Mix this purebred with others to obtain Hybrid Vigor.

Buying a USA Central Asian Shepherd

Should I buy a female or Male?

This of course is your choice please take the following into consideration.

Females:
 

• Are smaller Average 90 lbs
• Mature younger and will protect earlier.
• Vocalize at a higher pitch and frequency then the males. This will annoy close neighbors.
• Require earlier, consistent frequent early socialization. Since they will come into full temperament as early as 6 months to 1 year. They will start to close doors earlier to new ideas, people, and places.
• When left in open pastureland they will hunt for food such as Rabbit, birds etc.
• Are less stubborn yet more cunning.
• Are more in tuned at a younger too their owners needs.


Will start fights with other dogs over matters involving toys, food, bones, your attention & areas to sleep.
Many breeds of dogs will develop uterine infections in their senior years (8-10). The CAS is NO different. If the infection is caught early enough they will require expensive Medical treatment. If not they will die a painful death. Spaying a young female may extend their life by 5 plus years and will cut medical costs considerably. If you are not willing to be an educated ethical breeder and want all the responsibility of breeding please spay your pets young regardless of breed.

Ethical breeders who care about the dogs they produce would include this in their sales agreement.

Both "Mature" Females and Males are affectionate and protective of family and home, but a 140 LB male climbing on to your lap for TLC can be a bit much.

When the females get accustom to a steady environment they too will bark less. Yet in general will always be the one to sound the first alarm to a threat or noise in the night.

Males:

• Are bigger - Average 140 lb. Thus needing more room.
• Mature slowly, they take 2-3 years to reach their Full size and sexual maturity.
• Will Bark less and the barks themselves, are deeper.
• Both male and female require early socialization to insure a Future Canine good citizen.
• But Males just leave their doors open a little longer to new people & places.
• Males are stubborn and if left intact are one tract minded and hard to get their attention when a bitch is in season.
• Males are less cunning but more stubborn.

Mating season can bring on an onslaught of behavioral issues typical to any breed of dog left intact. Neutering the Junior male is recommended and will help to start the bonding process to home and family earlier by removing the desire to mate. It will NOT remove their temperament or size if done at a proper age.

DO I need fencing to own a Central Asian Shepherd?

Yes, the CAS needs a sturdy fence. This breed should Never be tied out. The use of an electronic fencing have proven to be ineffective with this breed, and will not stop the neighbors dog who is not wearing the radio collar from coming into your yard. Once in your yard your CAS can seriously injure the trespassing dog.

NO! This breed is for the experienced dog owner who understands flock guardian temperament.

The answer will probably be NO to the vast majority of the USA dog buying public.

My opinion is that 75% of American dog owners should NOT own a CAS. Why? Well, as fancier of this breed I would like to say owning a CAS requires a Lifetime of commitment from their owners. You cannot change the breed to suit your needs. You must change your lifestyle to own such a breed. In return you will have undying devotion and part of past living with you.

Please note your knowledge of other breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans is NOT sufficient enough to own such a breed. This primitive breed requires an alpha owner who researches the breed before purchase and understands the True nature before not after purchase. Fencing is a requirement not a choice and is quite expensive.

If you have found any other breed to be too strong in will, nocturnal barkers, dog dominant, Shedders, etc., then please by all means do NOT buy a Central Asian Shepherd. Help reduce rescues buy a breed that suits your needs do not make an impulse buy.

Early socialization through puppy classes, basic obedience, firm NOT harsh training methods & socialization, socialization I cant say that word enough.

If you are going to farmers market or auction take the puppy with you. Attend handling classes just for socialization even if your desire is not to show your dog. Invite family members over even the ones who don't like dogs.

Have the puppy meet people from all walks of life. Kids, elderly people who walk with a slight drag. Woman who wear funny big floppy hats, disabled people. Take your young pup to get groomed even if you could do it yourself at home. Take the dog to the Vet to say hi without the vet doing anything painful.

Have kids help feed and care for the dog at a young age. Once you miss the opportunity to socialize this dog you will never be able to go back and correct bad behaviors or build up their trust.

If you got a CAS to protect Livestock make sure the dog has early exposure to a farm situation.

In 1925 the Central Asian Shepherd became a FCI recognized breed.  In Russia, National breed clubs work under an umbrella of the RKF/FCI.  In the USA. UKC has officially taken the Central Asian Shepherd Effective 2000.  In Central Asia we have heard of local clubs offering registrations for the CAS.

Yes, CASSA Central Asian Shepherd Society of America was formed in 1999.

This club strives to preserve the breed we love and has been known through the centuries as the Dog of Legends

Please contact CASSA at Email foxfirefarms@adelphia.net NEW 11/03 EMAIL or call 716 751 6927

Due to the over population of many cross breeds in the USA the buying public is at a disadvantage.  False FCI pedigrees have popped up from time to time and have caused a lot of confusion.

Thanks to part to the UKC & CASSA which require a strict breeders code of ethics which includes, Microchip, DNA, OFA/GDC Evaluations, Championships, Ratings of Excellent by judges who have seen the breed in Russian and or Central Asia. We hope to weed out some of this confusion in the near future. Please read our Buyer beware section

We wish only the best for the future of this Central Asian Shepherd in America and Worldwide

We have dedicated our lives to the Preservation of such a Wonderful breed.

Once you own a Central Asian Shepherd there is no going back.

You have found the Dog of Legends and thus he has found you.

CONTACT US CALL US 716 751 6927 !!

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