
The Alabai dog is a majestic breed with a rich history.
Originating from Central Asia, the Alabai is a large to giant-sized dog, typically weighing between 110-170 pounds.
With a muscular build, the Alabai's height ranges from 26 to 32 inches at the shoulder.
Despite its massive size, the Alabai is known for its agility and athletic ability.
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Physical Characteristics
The Alabai dog is a large breed, with adult males weighing between 110-145 pounds and standing between 27-30 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their muscular build and athletic physique make them well-suited for herding and guarding.
Alabai dogs have a short, smooth coat that's easy to maintain, coming in a variety of colors including white, cream, and fawn.
General Appearance
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a dog of great size with massive bone structure and powerful muscles.
The body is slightly longer than tall, which is a key characteristic of this breed.
Males are more massive and powerful, while females are smaller and lighter in build.

The head is massive, a feature that's hard to miss.
Ears are naturally small, drop, and set low on the head, but are often cropped close to the head.
The tail is high set and thick at the base, and when undocked, hangs down to the hock with a sickle shape.
All Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a double-coated and thick coat, regardless of length.
Obesity is a notable fault in this breed, and dogs should be presented in hard, muscular condition.
Forequarters
The forequarters of this breed are truly impressive, with a long, well-muscled shoulder blade that forms a 100-degree angle with the upper arm.
The forelegs are straight and set parallel to each other, with a significant amount of space between them.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters of a dog are a crucial aspect of its physical characteristics. The rear legs are well boned and moderately angulated at the stifle and hock joints.
A strong, broad, and well-let-down hock is essential for a dog's overall structure. From the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to each other.

Viewed from the side, they are perpendicular to the ground. This is a key factor in determining a dog's balance and stability.
The rear legs should be spaced moderately apart when standing normally. A line dropped from the point of buttocks to the ground should fall just behind the point of hock.
Hocks turned inward or outward are considered faults. Legs set too closely together or too far apart are also faults.
Over-angulated stifles or hocks are serious faults. Rear legs extended too far behind the dog are also serious faults.
Size and Measurement
The Alabai dog is a large and impressive breed, and its size is one of its most distinctive features. Adult males typically stand at 65 to 78cm (25 to 30 inches) at the shoulder.
The height range for males is quite broad, but it's worth noting that females are slightly smaller, standing at 60 to 69 centimeters (23 to 27 inches). This is a noticeable difference, but not a drastic one.

Males can weigh anywhere from 50 to 79 kilograms (110 to 174 pounds), with females slightly lighter at 40 to 65 kilograms (88 to 143 pounds). This weight range is significant, and it's a testament to the breed's robust build and strength.
Here's a quick summary of the Alabai's size and weight ranges:
The Alabai's size and weight are just a few of the many characteristics that make this breed so unique and impressive.
Comparison and Similarity
The Alabai is a large and impressive dog breed, but it's not the only one with similar characteristics. The Kangal Shepherd Dog, for instance, is known for its formidable size and strength.
Several breeds share similarities with the Alabai in terms of size, temperament, or purpose. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, for example, has a large size and thick coat, making it a formidable guardian against predators in harsh climates.
The Alabai's guarding capabilities are also similar to those of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, which is known for its endurance, intelligence, and guarding capabilities. They are independent, protective, and can be reserved with strangers.
For your interest: Is a Standard Poodle Considered a Large Breed
The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is a livestock guardian breed that originates from the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain. They are protective, loyal, and gentle with their family.
Here's a comparison of some breeds similar to the Alabai:
Sources
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/central-asian-shepherd-dog
- https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/centralasianovtcharka.htm
- https://piensosloboazul.com/en/blogs/news/el-pastor-de-asia-central-conoce-al-gran-alabai
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/central-asian-shepherd-dog-7569146
- https://animalcorner.org/dog-breeds/alabai-central-asian-shepherd-dog/
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