These powerful animals are capable, without a single sound, with just their appearance, to repel any desire of a stranger to get to know them better. Molossians, to which Alabai belongs, are the oldest group of canines that have lived with humans for six thousand years. True, some sources provide other data that indicates that the age of the group is more than ten thousand years old, but experts still argue about the authenticity of these statements today, since the ancient dogs were too different from modern giants.
The similarity of the discovered remains with modern groups of animals is mainly due to the shape of the skull. If we take into account the parameters of the skeleton, then the modern Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai) was formed more than four thousand years ago as an aboriginal breed. These hardworking and hardy dogs have long earned an excellent reputation.
As a rule, the size of the alabai in the canine literature is indicated within the minimum limits. The average, or rather the minimum allowed by the standard, height of a male dog is 70 cm, and weight is at least 50 kg. Bitches are usually smaller, but their height cannot be less than 65 cm and weight - 40 kg. The largest Alabai should maintain general body proportions and build.
First, we want to introduce you to the characteristics of this animal so that you have a general idea of the breed. In addition, we will introduce you to the largest Alabai in the world. We think the photo of this giant posted in this article will impress you.
Description of the breed
This breed has several names: Turkmen Wolfhound, Turkmen Alabay, Simply Asian and Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Experts are confident that this is the oldest, one of the largest dogs (Alabai) that has reached modern humans in almost its original form. Like many ancient breeds, there are many legends about the Alabai. True fans of these giants love to retell one of the most common of them.
It says that the ancestor of the largest alabai was a mythical creature - the Turkmen syrtlon. Outwardly, he resembled a huge dog and a hyena at the same time. The mythical creature was cunning, intelligent, but at the same time vindictive and insidious. It terrified all the surrounding shepherds, as the beast raided the herds, brutally killing the animals. Moreover, during the rut, these animals easily stole the best herding dogs from people. Therefore, soon in the steppes people began to notice the descendants of mythical creatures: huge dogs with the powerful body of the Alabai and the disposition of the Syrtlon.
The impetus for the development of the breed was military operations and the need to protect populated areas. For its physical characteristics, this one of the largest dogs, the Alabai, was chosen to participate in combat and guard. The prefix Turkmen to the name of the breed was first used in 1935, when this dog was called the Turkmen Shepherd. It is believed that most purebred Alabais come from Turkmenistan. Interesting fact: the area protected by Alabai is not inhabited by scorpions and snakes.
Comparison of breeds by size
You will see a story about the largest alabai and its photos below.
It should be noted that there are larger pets than the Alabai. Let's look at how the sizes of different dogs compare and find out which breeds are in the lead. The shepherd's guard colleague, the mastiff, also shows restraint towards people. A distinctive feature of this breed is its ability to live in a family and friendliness. The character and size of individuals are determined by the same protective instincts.
Males at the withers reach at least 66 cm, females - 61 cm. According to average indicators, wolfhounds are inferior to mastiffs by 1 cm.
Malamutes played the role of sled dogs in the Eskimo tribe in Alaska. Pets require frequent walks. Keeping it in the country is dangerous for the garden beds. Under natural conditions, Malamutes feed on rodents, so they love to rummage in the ground.
The standard height for males is 63.5 cm, for females - 58.5. Those. Alabai are larger than Malamutes.
The mountain cousin of the wolfhound was used to accompany the herd. A Caucasian man can withstand bad weather conditions. In communication with people it is adequate with proper training. You cannot leave your dog alone with children.
The way of life in natural conditions has developed a special model of behavior. A shepherd dog can be in a state of absolute calm, jump up sharply, pounce, and calm down again. The minimum height at the withers for males is 68 cm, for females – 64 cm. On average, Caucasian males are larger than Alabais.
According to the standard, the height of St. Bernard males reaches 90 cm, females - 80 cm. Despite their impressive parameters, these pets get along well with humans. They are easy-going, easy to train, and play with children.
Dogs have an outstanding sense of smell and endurance, which is why they participate in rescue operations during avalanches. Who is bigger than St. Bernard? The answer is obvious, because the rescuer is superior to the Asian not only in size, but also in mass. The weight of individuals is at least 70 kg. This is the largest dog breed.
The Turkmen Alabai is one of the most ancient breeds of guard and herding dogs, which have retained all their working qualities to this day. The history of this breed goes back more than 3 thousand years. Some call the Alabai a wolfhound and this is partly true. Wolfhound is the general name for dog breeds that helped shepherds guard their flocks and protect them from predators.
The Central Asian Shepherd is a very brave and freedom-loving dog, and raising a puppy must be approached very responsibly. Alabai obeys only an owner with a strong character, who will be an authority for him. Outwardly calm and even a little slow, it instantly turns into a powerful weapon of defense or attack at the slightest danger, especially at night.
This breed has undergone very cruel natural selection. The desert climate of Central Asia, lack of water and food, and the constant struggle with predatory animals attacking herds taught these dogs to use their strength sparingly. Excellent fighting qualities are the result of constant fights with predators, and in these fights the courageous and fearless character of this breed was tempered.
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The word alabai includes two parts: ala - multi-colored and bai - rich. There are conflicting opinions regarding the homeland of these dogs. Some call it Tibet, others call it the Manchurian steppes, and others call it China. Today it is impossible to reliably establish where these huge dogs come from. The Alabai breed is considered one of the most ancient in the world. Its age is about four to six thousand years, and the dog’s appearance has not changed much during this period.
When the residents of Central Asia were faced with the issue of protecting their herds, they began to look for a faithful dog. The mastiff, the ancestor of the current Alabai, was perfect for this role. They also include Mongolian Shepherds. According to a famous legend, the wolfhound descended from a terrifying dog that looked like a hyena. Because of this, he was given the nickname Syrtlon. This predator attacked sheep herds and took domestic dogs with him. From such marriages the Alabai were born.
Turkmen wolfhound
To protect livestock, people chose the smartest and hardiest dogs. Thanks to this, it was possible to obtain a magnificent breed that combined such qualities as courage, devotion and a responsible attitude to its duties. Dogs began to be bred only in the thirties of the twentieth century. Then the alabai had to guard various objects of special importance. But freedom-loving shepherd dogs needed active movement and did not want to sit on a chain.
Subsequent development is closely related to national characteristics. In Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other countries, local genetic material was used, which is why the breed has several variants. This is how the Turkmen alabai arose in the nineties, which must meet certain standards.
The largest alabai in the world
And now, as we promised, we will tell you about the largest representative of this breed. This giant lives in the Stavropol region (Russia). You can see a photo of the largest alabai below.
This powerful handsome man lives in the house of the famous Russian breeder Alexander Khudyakov. According to the owner, this is a unique dog in many respects. Despite the fact that this is the largest dog - the Alabai Bulldozer (that is the name of the giant), it has characteristic qualities inherent only to this breed.
Qualities of alabai
The appearance of the Alabai stands out among other dog breeds. So, this dog’s forehead is flat, there are only slight roundnesses. The muzzle is wide, deep, blunt . If you compare it with the muzzles of dogs of other breeds, you will notice that it does not taper at all towards the nose. The lips are fleshy, even a little thick, because they should cover the lower jaw well and even with a little reserve. The nose is most often dark black, but the nose can also be slightly lighter if the dog is light in color.
The respiratory system is well developed.
Alabai has a wide chest, strong lower back and strong limbs .
You need to take good care of your Alabai from birth. For example, dewclaws from paws, oval and large, must be cut off. Already on the 3rd or 4th day it is advisable to dock the tail. The height of an adult Alabai male reaches 65 centimeters, the female – 60 centimeters. The color of dogs of this breed can be very different: spotted, white, black, black and tan, brindle, tricolor and others.
Bulldozer character
This powerful dog never shows malice or unjustified aggression towards people he knows, his owner’s many friends and simply curious people who want to see this giant with their own eyes. The dog is full of dignity and feels his independence. A bulldozer is not a servant of its owner, but a faithful and devoted friend who will follow its owner to the ends of the earth, and in case of danger threatening the owner, without hesitation, will give his life for him.
The dog never complains of pain, does not moan or squeal. This is a one-woman dog that will be faithful to its owner until the last breath. She can only be an enemy or a friend. Alexander Khudyakov is sure that Bulldozer, like all representatives of this breed, will not serve forcibly “for a handout,” but this dog accepts a honestly deserved reward with dignity and great pleasure.
Another amazing quality of the largest Alabai: a proud dog looks at people with wisdom in his eyes, forgives them for fussiness and arrogance. Unlike many other dogs, Bulldozer will never look away if someone is looking at him. Alexander Khudyakov, who has been breeding Alabais for many years, believes that these shepherd dogs cannot be forced to serve their master - they themselves feel the need for this and do everything at the level of instinct, which has been developed over centuries.
The formation of Bulldozer's character largely took place at dog fights. Probably, if the dog had let its owner down even once at the beginning of its career, we would not have known about this amazing animal. The non-fighting, eccentric Alabai will never become a reliable friend, Alexander assures. The bulldozer is endowed with a balanced and calm character: outside the ring he has never bitten anyone in his entire life. The descendants of the largest Alabai already have many awards, and Bulldozer’s grandchildren are already waiting to be published: as you understand, a unique pedigree obliges.
Character and habits of a bulldozer
Alabais by nature have an independent and willful character.
These dogs are wary of strangers and strange dogs, but will never attack first.
The character of this dog was largely influenced by repeated participation in test trials (dog fights), and in none of them did he let his owner down and fully revealed all the qualities of the breed.
However, aggression towards other dogs did not concern the owner of the Alabai, his family and close friends.
Despite his menacing appearance and incredible size, the dog was always calm and good-natured towards the owner’s guests and simply towards people interested in the giant.
The pet got along well with children, and one of the giant’s favorite pastimes was giving children piggyback rides.
Bulldozer was a very active and resilient dog. Thanks to grueling training and proper training, the fighting and leadership character of the champion was honed, and the shepherd’s excellent physical shape was also maintained.
Despite his size, Alabai loves and gets along with children
Bulldozer Achievements
Bulldozer first felt the taste of victory in battle at a very young age, when he was only three years old. We would like to remind you that it is by the age of three that the Central Asian Shepherd becomes an adult. Today, probably, even the owner of the dog will find it difficult to name the exact number of awards, diplomas, certificates that his pet has received: he is a national champion, a champion of the RKF, the Pride of Russia, three times a CACIB champion, twice a CCC champion, a multiple winner of various international competitions - and this is incomplete list of achievements of the largest Alabai.
Pages of history
The age of this breed is so great that many different legends have already been created about this dog. Thus, the most ancient legend is considered to be the one that tells about the origin of the breed itself. According to this legend, it turns out that the Central Asian Shepherd Dog descended from the Syrtlon.
It is known that the syrtlon is a beast that existed in the mythology of Turkmenistan . As the elders recall, this mythological beast combined both in its internal and external appearance two completely different animals:
- A hyena that is cunning, insidious and vindictive.
- A dog that is smart, but huge in size.
This mythical creature was not liked by local shepherds. After all, he constantly, attacking the flocks that the shepherds were guarding, destroyed all the sheep, leaving not a single one. When they began to drive the herds home, the syrtlon used various tricks to lure the best dogs of the shepherds into the forest , but in such a way that they would never be able to find their way back. Soon after the first raids of the Syrtlon, a new generation of dogs suddenly began to appear in the steppes, which were a mixture of a dog and a Syrtlon. The new offspring were enormously tall and had excellent physical characteristics, but at the same time they had a wayward character.
Bulldozer's daily routine
To achieve such results, the dog must always be in excellent shape. And despite the fact that today the dog has left his active exhibition activities and practically does not participate in fights, he still trains a lot and eats well. Every day he walks for at least six hours, covering about twenty kilometers. The dog is not picky about food: he needs ten liters of porridge and five kilograms of meat per day.
The Khudyakov family is sure that even if larger dogs live somewhere, for them the largest Alabai in the world is the dog with whom they have been living for nine years, their beloved Bulldozer, who is surprisingly gentle towards all members of the household.
Habits of Alabai
The Central Asian Shepherd is very distrustful; if a person is unfamiliar, then it will not trust him. But Turkmen wolfhounds will always show and show loyalty and devotion to their owner. If necessary, he will rush after his owner into any fire, water, or even give his life.
The main feature of their character is endurance: these four-legged pets will never show that they are in pain. If there is no serious reason, then they will not even moan and squeal. They can only love their owner and no one else . Such a Turkmen wolfhound will become a reliable protector for the whole family and home.
As many years ago, the alabai also continue to fulfill their protective role. But at the same time, they always retain complete freedom and independence. If you look at a dog carefully and intently, then it will respond to the person looking at it with the same attentive and intent gaze. Alabai is not afraid of anything, he is not a slave, and not even a servant for a person. It is known that even a delicious bone will not force him to serve if he does not want it himself.
It is worth noting that Alabai are large in size and have an athletic build. If a person takes care of such a four-legged friend from his very birth, then they become attached to this particular person. But their instinct also works: they not only love their owner, but also protect him . Confident, they never give up their territory, which they consider theirs and always protect.
Dimensions of the giant alabai
The bulldozer fully justifies the title of the largest Alabai. The dog, standing on its hind legs, exceeds two meters in height. Today, at the age of nine, this dog weighs about one hundred and thirty kilograms, which does not in the least interfere with his mobility: he enjoys frolicking with the owner’s children and their friends. This is how he is - charming and immensely kind in everyday life, courageous and fearless in the ring - the biggest Alabai in the world - the legendary champion Bulldozer.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the winning breeds. If you decide to get such an animal, evaluate your strengths and capabilities. Improper upbringing of such a giant can cause many problems for you and your loved ones.
Description of Alabai
Dogs are famous for their size and character. The height of bitches at the withers reaches 60 – 69 cm, weight 40 – 65 kg. Males grow to 65 – 78 cm and weigh 55 – 79 kg. The parameters are written in the standard. Appreciate the full power of the Alabai, compare the dog in the photo with a person when an adult stands on its hind legs!
Wolfhounds have different coat colors: brindle, white, red, light gray or black. It is better to look at the appearance in the photographs. But let's focus on the ears and tail. Interestingly, based on the remains of the shepherd's ancestors, they determined that docking was carried out 4 thousand years ago. The tradition continues, although animal rights activists are trying to eradicate it.
What do you think, should dogs’ ears and tails be docked? Write in the comments.
How much an alabai eats per day depends on its age, health status and caloric content of food. The general rule for dogs is: puppies 5 – 7% of body weight, adults – 3.5%. Feed 1-2 times a day. Each dish consists of 50% meat, the remaining half is vegetables, fruits, cereals, and dairy products.
On average, an adult Alabai, one of the largest dogs in the world, eats about 5 kg of food per day.
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The largest alabai
The Central Asian Shepherd takes eighth place in the ranking of the largest dogs in the world. The largest Alabai lives in Russia. Its owner is Alexander Khudyakov, who lives with his family in Stavropol. The nickname of this record-breaking dog is Bulldozer.
The dog was given the nickname in childhood. Even as a small child, he ran through the snow, raking it with his paws, which became larger every day. When Bulldozer grew up, he became an excellent producer of offspring. Thanks to him, large and healthy Alabai puppies are born.
Currently, the dog Bulldozer weighs 125 kilograms and is already 9 years old . If the dog stands on its hind legs, its height will reach more than two meters. But, despite his heavy weight, the dog leads an active lifestyle. Thus, he actively takes part in raising the children of the Khudyakov family and their friends.
Alexander Khudyakov is a dog breeder who has been raising four-legged animals since childhood. He never thought that he would one day become a professional breeder. After graduating from the Grozny Oil Institute, Alexander could not get a job. He changed several jobs, and this made him think about starting to breed dogs. At first, this activity fascinated him greatly, and then it began to bring him money.
Bulldozer's character is tempered in dog fights . Alexander Khudyakov believes that if a dog was unable to prove itself as a real fighter in the first fight, then it should be gotten rid of, because it was able to let its owner down during such tests, then it can no longer be a reliable friend.
Bulldozer's first fight took place when he was already 3 years old. This is how Alabai learned what victory tastes like. To date, Bulldozer has many victories: it is quite difficult to count the number of medals and certificates. Here are just a few titles from a large list:
- Champion of Russia.
- Pride of the Country.
- European Champion.
Of course, achieving such high results is not easy, but hard and regular training helped a lot. Every day his walk lasts at least 6 hours, and the Bulldozer covers tens of kilometers during this time.
Bulldozer's diet is ordinary, but it helps keep him in good physical shape. His daily diet consists of a bucket of porridge and one kilogram of meat. Alabai Bulldozer is the largest and most legendary dog - a record holder, who in the ring shows himself as an angry and courageous fighter, and in life and in everyday life he is kind and charming.
History of appearance
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The dog achieved such success thanks to two factors - genetics and regular training. At one time, the owner paid great attention not only to the dog’s upbringing, but also to its physical training.
The dog was regularly given serious physical exercise in the form of daily 10-kilometer runs with weights.
Alexander Khudyakov came up with the nickname for the pet immediately, watching how the 2-month-old puppy crushed the snow under him. And I was not mistaken, the dog became the largest representative of the breed in the world.
And he won his first fight at the age of 3. At the moment he has a huge number of medals, certificates and awards. The bulldozer is the champion of Russia RKF, 2 KCHK, 3 CACIB, and a multiple winner of international tournaments.
It is also worth saying that the owner of the Bulldozer conducts test trials in battles for all his pets. This is necessary to see the character of the dog; if the dog is not a fighter, then the owner immediately gets rid of it.
However, this did not affect the famous Bulldozer. The dog has achieved serious results thanks to tireless training and a specific menu. Every day the dog eats 10 liters of porridge and 1 kg of meat.
In addition, Bulldozer is an excellent producer. He almost always gives birth to large puppies with good characteristics, which also repeatedly ran in various tournaments.
According to the owner, breeding of Alabais began to bring him considerable income, but this happened only after purchasing the Bulldozer. Now the dog is 9 years old and is on a well-deserved rest.
Several awards from the Bulldozer's numerous list:
- Champion of Russia.
- European Champion.
- Pride of the Country.
According to Alexander Khudyakov himself, he never thought that he would become a professional dog breeder, although he loved dogs since childhood and worked with them. “At first it was a hobby that brought nothing but expenses and pleasure. Only over time did dog breeding turn into a profession and begin to generate income. And it was the Bulldozer who played the main role in this.
Only after the Alabai had its first offspring, Khudyakov began seriously breeding Alabai dogs. Now in his nursery there are several best representatives of the breed (children and grandchildren of Alabai), whom he subjects to careful selection. After which the pets undergo a course of training, which Alexander develops separately for each dog.
It is also worth saying that all his pets are calm and completely non-aggressive towards family members and other animals. And this is a sign of proper upbringing.
NOTE! The Turkmen Alabai can rightfully be called a gentleman; even in battle, he does not set himself the goal of crippling the enemy, it is enough for him to simply show his superiority. Once the enemy is subdued, the dog will do everything to drive him out of his territory. It is this quality that distinguishes Alabai from most fighting breeds.
Other largest alabai in the world
Alabais are almost the largest dogs in the world. And besides the Bulldozer, among them there are other particularly striking specimens, distinguished by both size and breed characteristics.
Ak-Ekemen
One of the most famous champions of Turkmenistan, who participated in battle only once, after which the owner was forced to return him to the flock. The dog missed being a shepherd so much that he even refused to eat.
Owner S. Meredov.
Kara Kelle
Owner A. Nuryakdyev, the dog is a three-time champion of Turkmenistan, whose origin is unknown. The owner picked him up on the street, noticing the dog’s strength and leadership qualities. According to Nuryakdyev, the dog always emerged victorious in the fight for possession of a female in heat, which is what attracted attention.
Ayperi
A large and powerful female, a descendant of the legendary Alabai Ak-Gush on her father’s side, and on her mother’s side, the great-granddaughter of the famous three-time champion Kara Kelle.
Akly
The dog is currently 9 years old, owner K. Kyarizov. A striking representative of the Alabai breed with a wide chest and powerful bones.
Altyn
A famous representative of the breed, born in 1994, a large, powerful, tall female, granddaughter of the three-time champion of Turkmenistan Ak-Gusha. The dog had a powerful back, a flat forehead and a strong neck. In the late 90s it was taken from Turkmenistan to Moscow.
Ak-Gush
Three-time champion of Turkmenistan, owner A. Nuryakdyev, born in 1985. The dog’s father is the famous Chakan in Turkmenistan, who lived in the family of an old shepherd and tried to save his owner from death, but he never succeeded.
Ak-Gush's color was white, his head was large with pronounced brow ridges. The dog had a proportional body, a slightly short croup and powerful paws. Ak-Gush came to Nuryakdyev at the age of 2.5 years and soon began to take part in battles. As a result, he became a three-time champion of Turkmenistan.
How much does alabai weigh?
Representatives of the purebred Alabai breed are not as big as many people think. The average weight of a female is 50-55 kilograms, males weigh 10 kilograms more. Larger dogs are very rare.
Interesting fact: at dog fights, the weight of the overwhelming majority of champion dogs is the same as the usual weight of the Alabai - about 60 kilograms. Heavier dogs are less agile, which prevents them from winning.
Today it is difficult to find a truly purebred Alabai, so those who want to buy a tailed friend pay attention to Turkmen wolfhound puppies crossed with other breeds. The breed is ideal for owners of private houses, but it is not uncommon to keep these majestic dogs in city apartments.
