The Sarabi dog is a rare and unique breed that requires attention to its specific needs.
They are a medium-sized dog with a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally.
Originating from South Africa, the Sarabi dog is a versatile and energetic breed that thrives on physical and mental stimulation.
Their short coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to maintaining their overall health and well-being.
The Sarabi dog is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
They are highly intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistent training.
Their strong herding instincts make them an excellent choice for active families or individuals who can provide the necessary exercise and attention.
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Physical Characteristics
The Sarabi dog is a large and sturdy breed with a distinctive physical appearance. It has a broad muzzle and muscled legs, with a big head and dark yellow almond-shaped eyes.
Its coat can be either short hair or medium hair, and comes in a variety of colors including rich brown with black shading, different shades of gray, or solid black. Sometimes there are also white markings on the chest.
These dogs have a robust build, with males reaching a minimum height of 30 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds when mature.
Females are slightly smaller, standing at 27 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds.
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Temperament and Personality
The Sarabi dog is renowned for its loyal and protective nature, bred for guarding and herding purposes. They exhibit a strong sense of loyalty toward their families.
They are highly dedicated and will go to great lengths to protect their loved ones, which makes them excellent family pets. Their natural inclination to please their owners, coupled with their quick wit, enables them to excel in various training tasks.
This breed is loving toward its family members but can be weary and suspicious around strangers. They tend to be a bit wary of newcomers but are not overly aggressive.
They form powerful attachments with their families and may be ideal as hunting partners if you require help tracking your prey. Their mighty instincts make them unafraid to put themselves in danger to protect their beloved family.
Their sharp intellect makes them highly trainable, provided that they receive consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Care and Compatibility
When introducing a Sarabi Dog to other pets, it's essential to consider their individual temperament, socialization, and early exposure. Proper socialization from a young age can help them coexist peacefully with other pets.
Their protective instincts and prey drive should be taken into consideration, and supervision is always necessary to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for all animals involved.
Puppies
Finding a Sarabi Dog breeder in North America can be tricky due to their rarity and limited presence outside of Iran.
The cost of a Sarabi Dog puppy is nearly impossible to estimate due to various factors like the breeder's reputation, location, lineage, and demand.
Locating a breeder who works with the breed and has successfully imported puppies requires dedicated research and networking.
You can increase your chances of getting a Sarabi Dog puppy by using online platforms and contacting local breed clubs or international breeding organizations.
These adorable teddy bears will command a much higher price than more common breeds due to their rarity.
Pet Compatibility
Pet Compatibility is crucial for a harmonious household. Sarabi Dogs can coexist peacefully with other pets, but it depends on individual temperament, socialization, and early exposure.
With proper socialization and introductions from a young age, Sarabi Dogs can live with other pets. Supervision is always necessary to ensure a safe environment for all animals involved.
Their protective instincts and prey drive should be taken into consideration when introducing them to other pets. This means keeping a close eye on interactions, especially if you have small pets like cats or rabbits.
Iranian Shepherd Names
If you're considering an Iranian Shepherd dog, you'll want to choose a name that reflects their heritage and intelligence.
Iranian Shepherd dogs are known for their strong work ethic, so a name that evokes a sense of duty or loyalty would be fitting.
Here are a few name suggestions for Iranian Shepherd dogs, along with their meanings: Iranian Shepherd names like Shahram (meaning "royal guardian") and Khorshid (meaning "sun") would be great choices.
Iranian culture places a strong emphasis on family and community, so a name that reflects this would be a lovely tribute to their heritage.
Other options like Bahram (meaning "bringer of good fortune") and Jamshid (meaning "good victory") would also be excellent choices.
In terms of compatibility, Iranian Shepherd dogs are often described as loyal and protective, making them a great fit for families or individuals who value these traits.
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History of the
The Sarabi dog has a rich history that dates back to the Persian Empire, where it acted as a war dog. This breed has been highly valued for its ability to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears.
These dogs are known as the national dogs of Iran and have a significant cultural importance to the Iranian people. They originated from the East Azerbaijan Province in northern Iran.
Sarabi dogs are part of the molosser breeds of dogs and are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds. They were kept by Iranian shepherds to guard their flock against predators such as bears, wolves, and other animals.
The Sarabi dog's original purpose was to protect herds of sheep and other barn animals from wolves, showcasing its fearlessness and strength. Its natural ability to kill wolves is a testament to its quality.
Similar Breeds
If you're considering a Sarabi Mastiff but not sure if it's the right fit, there are some similar breeds you might want to look into.
The Boerboel is a large, docile dog that's easy to groom and very confident - but they do need an assertive owner who can train them correctly.
Boerboels are extremely intelligent and need plenty of mental exercise to keep them stimulated and entertained.
The Kangal is another large working guardian dog that's known for its predictable and reliable temperament, and is gentle around livestock and children.
They're also aggressive to unwanted predators, which is likely why they're related to mastiff breeds like the Sarabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sarabi the strongest dog?
The Sarabi mastiff is considered one of the strongest and most powerful indigenous dog breeds in Iran, known for its impressive size and strength. Its value is often determined by its weight, with larger dogs being considered more valuable.
How big are sarabi mastiffs?
The Sarabi Mastiff typically stands between 28-38 inches tall and weighs between 60-90 kilograms. This breed boasts a sturdy and muscular build.
Sources
- Sarabi Dog: Care Guide, Pictures, Temperament & Traits (dogster.com)
- A post shared by iranins mastiff (@sarabi.asil.irani) (instagram.com)
- Sarabi dog - Persian Mastiff - Facts and Information - rocadog (rocadog.com)
- All About The Iranian Giant- The Sarabi Dog - Petinz (petinz.com)
- Sarabi Dog - The Iranian Shepherd/Persian Mastiff Breed (vetguru.com)
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