How many years do Alabai live at home? Character and behavior of dogs

Alabais are considered one of the most ancient breeds of shepherd dogs.

These are majestic and powerful animals with an impressive appearance, strong character, innate guard qualities and fearlessness.

All these qualities, combined with the Alabai’s inherent distrust of strangers, prudence and the ability to make decisions on their own, make them excellent guards.

Alabai owners want their dogs to live as long as possible and they are interested in the question: what can be done to extend the life of an aging pet?

Life expectancy for boys and girls at home

Due to the fact that the breed was formed under harsh climatic and weather conditions and with minimal human intervention, Alabai are more resilient than representatives of artificially bred breeds.

At the same time, they are not immune to health problems, to which all giant and most large breeds are predisposed, and therefore it is believed that Alabai live only slightly longer than other dogs weighing more than 50 kg.

On average, Alabai can live 12-15 years, and this is not so little for such a large dog.

Their life expectancy, first of all, depends on the conditions of their detention. With good care and sufficient physical activity, an alabai can live a couple of years longer than the average lifespan.

There are cases where representatives of this breed lived to be 16-17 years old.

But poor care and the owner’s inattention to the pet’s health can significantly shorten the life of an Alabai. After all, large dogs age at an earlier age than small ones.

And if at 7-8 years old a small dog is still considered a middle-aged dog, then for an Alabai this will already be the beginning of old age. If the owner neglects the care of such an aged pet, then the dog begins to rapidly become decrepit and often does not even live to see 9-10 years of age.

Many owners would also like to know whether the lifespan of these dogs depends on their gender . If in other dogs the lifespan is not very related to gender, then in Alabais everything is not so clear.

Girls of this breed often experience pathological infertility, when a female in heat does not allow a male dog to mate and cannot mate.

Over time, this disease can lead to the development of pyometra, which in advanced cases often causes the death of the pet..

This is why experts recommend sterilizing Alabai females if it is not planned to produce offspring from them.

How long do Alabai live on average?

Like most large dog breeds, Central Asian Shepherds can live on average from ten to fourteen years. There have been cases when Alabai lived up to sixteen years, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Alabai females live on average from nine to eleven years, the lifespan of males varies between ten and twelve years. The fact that females live less than males is due to the fact that during pregnancy and subsequent births, the body of females is depleted and worn out, which affects their lifespan.

Sterilization surgery can prolong the life of a pet only if the owner does not overfeed the dog and devotes time to active walks and activities with the animal.

Life expectancy on the street

Alabais were originally bred to live in outdoor conditions, and therefore weather changes and unfavorable weather conditions cannot shorten their life.

On the contrary, living in a yard or a spacious enclosure, the dog will be healthier and happier than if kept in an apartment.

It’s another matter when street existence means that the alabai is constantly kept on a chain.

In this case, he will certainly develop mental disorders, and may also develop obesity or diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Chain keeping can significantly shorten the life of an Alabai, while conventional keeping on the street - in an enclosure or free-range in the courtyard of a private house, on the contrary, will contribute to the longevity of the pet.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

“Usually, Alabai live from 12 to 15 years. This is not so little, considering that other dogs weighing more than 50 kg barely live to be 8-10 years old. Good living conditions, as well as physical and mental stress, help extend their life to 16-17 years. If the Alabai is constantly kept on a chain, underfed or, conversely, given more food than it should, then such a dog is unlikely to be able to live longer than 9-10 years.”

How many years do Alabai dogs live on the street?

The animals are perfectly adapted to living outdoors, since the breed was originally bred for this very purpose. Do not think that weather conditions will negatively affect your pet. On the contrary, a high-quality enclosure and a large area for walking in the yard will have a beneficial effect on the dog’s condition. However, keeping such a dog on a chain is not allowed. This will negatively affect the pet's mental state.

Attention! Keeping them on a chain often causes a reduction in the life expectancy of Alabais.

Age compared to human years (table)

Alabai age	Person's age
1 year	15 years
2 years	24 years
3 years	28 years
4 years	32 years
5 years	36 years
6 years	45 years
7 years	50 years
8 years	55 years
9 years	61 years old
10 years	66 years old
11 years	72 years old
12 years	77 years old
13 years	82 years old
14 years	88 years old
15 years	93 years old

What factors influence the lifespan?

How long an Alabai dog will live depends not only on where it is kept (in an apartment or on the street), but also on other important factors. Most of them depend on the dog owner, his literacy and willingness to take responsibility for his pet.

The lifespan of alabai is influenced by a number of important factors.

Physical activity and setting a daily routine. The owner should become accustomed to active and long walks with the Alabai, during which the dog receives physical activity appropriate to its breed. A person should think carefully about whether to get an Alabai if he is not ready to actively exercise and walk the dog.
Organizing proper nutrition, monitoring the pet’s body weight. Alabais are prone to gaining excess weight, especially with age, their weight easily increases, and this leads to illness and shortening of life. Large weight puts stress on the animal’s spine, resulting in orthopedic problems with the paws. It is imperative to monitor moderation in food and the balance of nutrients in it. Considering the age of the dog, vitamin and mineral complexes should be added to maintain his health.
External atmosphere. Alabais are very sensitive to the psycho-emotional situation around them. The dog cannot withstand constant stress and nervousness; conflicts and quarrels negatively affect its well-being. You should absolutely not cause pain to the dog; sharp sounds and movements must be avoided.
Regular care and hygiene. Important procedures for the Alabai are cleaning the eyes, teeth and ears, trimming the nails and grooming the coat. The hard coat of this dog usually does not require careful grooming, but not during the hot season. In the summer or during shedding, you should comb the Alabai every other day, and also bathe the dog in a pond, since the heat is a kind of stress for it. In addition, you should keep the dog’s habitat clean and remove its waste products, otherwise the spread of bacteria and infections cannot be avoided.
Constant health monitoring. Visits to the veterinarian should not be neglected; they should be done on a regular basis, preferably with one specialist. Over the course of a dog’s entire life, it requires a lot of vaccinations and anthelmintic and flea prevention measures.

How to determine the number of years?

Experts believe that the most accurate way to determine a dog’s age is by the degree of wear and appearance of its teeth.:

One-year-old Alabais have tubercles on the edges of their teeth that resemble trefoils, and the teeth themselves are sharp and snow-white in color.
Closer to two years, the ridges on the teeth wear down a little, but the teeth remain almost as white and shiny.
By the age of four years of Alabai’s life, his teeth noticeably fade and become grayish, and the protrusions on them are almost completely erased.
At the age of five, the teeth acquire a yellowish tint, and the fangs become not as sharp as before.
By the age of 6-8 years of Alabai’s life, its incisors acquire a concave shape, and the fangs look very blunt.
At 8-10 years old, the fangs not only become completely dull, but also seem to shorten. At this age, the toes become oval in shape, and the teeth acquire a distinct yellow or brown tint.
From the age of 12, the animal’s teeth become loose, and some of them may even begin to fall out.

But this method cannot be considered absolutely reliable: depending on what the dog eats and whether it has had dental injuries, this method can give an error of 1-2 years.

There are other, less accurate ways to determine the age of alabai . It is generally accepted that in dogs over six years of age, gray hair appears on the muzzle, and later on the cranial part of the head.

In some Alabais, the muzzle may turn gray as early as 3-4 years, which is due to heredity or metabolic problems in the animal.

In addition, with age, the Alabai’s physical activity decreases, the dog sleeps longer and tries to move less. His muscles become less voluminous and elastic, and his eyes seem to sink.

Description and characteristics of the breed

Alabais are one of the largest dog breeds. Due to their gigantic size, energy and need for exercise, keeping these dogs in an apartment is problematic.

The Central Asian Shepherd has very strong instincts, so the animal should not be allowed to dominate. These pets have an independent character and will not follow most standard commands.

Freedom-loving, extremely strong and fearless animals will stand up for human protection without hesitation. One can only be surprised at the recklessness of such dogs - neither armed men nor hungry wolves will scare them.

Alabai will fight to the last, and it will not be easy to defeat him. Dogs of this breed have very thick skin and dense hair, which is difficult to grasp. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have long been valued for their power, courage and determination, and good puppies cost the same as thoroughbred horses.

This breed has many other names such as:

Asian;
alapar;
tobet;
Turkmen wolfhound;
sagas of dahmarda.

Story

Researchers believe that the breed originated more than 5 thousand years ago. Alabais are the result of mixing herding dogs belonging to the nomads of Central Asia with Tibetan mastiffs and Mongolian shepherd dogs.

The dogs were formed naturally without the intervention of specialists. In the USSR, work with alabai began in the 30s of the last century. The International Canine Organization recognized the breed in 1989.

The world's largest Alabai, nicknamed Bulldozer, lives in the Stavropol Territory with breeder Alexander Khudyakov. The dog's weight reaches 130 kilograms and its height is 2 meters.

The world's largest Alabai, nicknamed Bulldozer. Filmed by State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company “Stavropolye” for the VESTI program.

Breed standard

The following features are considered the Alabai breed standard:

The head is large and wide, triangular in shape with developed cheekbones and a weakly defined transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
Height above average, well-developed muscles, the weight of an adult Alabai reaches 60–70 kilograms.
Temperament is phlegmatic, balanced and calm.
The muzzle is voluminous.
The ears are triangular in shape, usually cropped, medium in size, not erect.
The eyes are round in shape and small in size. Eye color – brown of different shades. A stern look.
The nose is black with a large nose. If the coat is white or fawn, the lobe may be a lighter color.
The jaws are powerful, wide, 42 teeth with a scissor or straight bite.
The neck is short and muscular with dewlap, set at an angle of about 30 degrees.
The skin is elastic and thick with possible folds.
The back is wide and oblong.
The chest is wide and developed.
The loin is short, slightly convex.
The tail is in the form of a sickle or ring, located high. Usually docked, but undocked is also allowed.
The gait is balanced, soft and smooth.
The coat is hard, abundant, and has undercoat. The length of the coat is 3 – 10 centimeters. On the hind legs, ears and tail, the fur forms fringes.

Varieties of Alabaev

There are several varieties of alabai, which are distinguished:

by body type and coat quality;
by color.

By body type and coat quality

Depending on the structure of the body, the length and quality of the wool, there are several types of Alabai:

Mountain. Such dogs are distinguished by a strong physique, which makes this animal stocky and hardy. The angle of the hind limbs of the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs is the same as that of the Tibetan Mastiff. The coat of this type of Alabai is long, thick, and can withstand severe frosts.
Steppe. Leaner, lighter and faster. They run well, and their movements are elastic and free. The coat is of medium length, with a thick undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Oasis-desert. Smaller in size than other varieties, but faster. They have lightning-fast reactions and learn better. The coat is short and close-lying.

By color

Various colors of the Asian Shepherd are allowed, except black, brown and blue. The ban on blue and saddle-back colors is explained by mixing with Great Danes or German Shepherds. The brown color of the Turkmen Alabai is prohibited for unknown reasons, although this color is quite common in the dog population.

Each color of the Turkmen Alabai has its own internal lines and types.

Alabais come in the following colors:

white;
gray;
black;
brown;
red;
fawn;
brindle color.

Photo gallery

Photos of Alabai of various colors.

Black alabai

White Alabai

Brown alabai

Red alabai

Gray alabai

Tiger alabai

How long do Central Asian Shepherds live?

The lifespan of this breed at home depends on the following factors:

proper nutrition;
good care and living conditions;
prevention of possible diseases;
level of physical activity;
lack of stress;
good rest.

The average life expectancy of Alabai dogs is 11–15 years.

Main causes of premature death

Among the main causes of premature death of these dogs are ailments such as volvulus of the stomach or intestines, as well as obesity, leading to concomitant pathologies of internal organs and systems.

Bitches of this breed may develop pyometra, which, in the absence of timely surgery, can cause the death of a young dog..

Musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis or dysplasia are not fatal in themselves, but they can degrade a pet's quality of life so much that many owners choose to humanely euthanize a pet to put it out of its misery.

CAREFULLY!

In addition to diseases, the cause of premature death of an Alabai can also be an accident caused by negligence by the owner.

In order to reduce the risk of a dog dying as a result of injury or, for example, poisoning, it is necessary to pay due attention to the socialization of the Alabai and its training while still a puppy. At the same time, you should also take the choice of your pet’s name seriously—it’s better to choose short ones in order to quickly draw your pet’s attention to you.

The dog must unquestioningly follow all commands given to it by its owner.

It is especially important to achieve obedience in cases where stopping or prohibiting commands are involved. “Come to me”, “Stand”, “Lie down”, “You can’t” and “Fu” - these commands must be practiced until they become automatic .

It is also very important that the dog cannot eat anything in the yard of a private house.

It is necessary to promptly remove all pesticides intended for treating plants, as well as paints, varnishes, sharp instruments and everything else that could poison or injure the alabai.

Characteristics, skills and abilities

During their existence, alabai were used mainly to guard livestock, caravans and the owner’s home, being subject to strict natural selection. Difficult living conditions and constant struggle with predators shaped the appearance and tempered the character of this dog, made it strong, fearless, and taught it to use energy sparingly.

CAOs are used to protect herds from predators, and also as guard or guard dogs.

They are characterized by an independent line of behavior; Alabai will not serve for food. Rather, with a sense of self-esteem, he will take food as a reward for his service. He will not look away when you stare, but will look down proudly and calmly.

Phlegmatic, balanced. They are not prone to aggression and will not be the first to rush into battle. They will most likely warn you by barking or growling that you should not violate the boundaries.

Alabai really dislikes drunks and invasion of his personal space.

They treat children well, but do not allow free treatment.

Training. The characteristics of the breed do not allow inexperienced dog breeders to raise and train. Education at home should begin almost from birth under the guidance of a dog handler. By three months, wolfhounds have developed an independent personality and it will be much more difficult to correct an established pattern of behavior.

It is forbidden to cause pain to the alabai. Screams and too sudden movements should be avoided. The dog can get out of control and injure itself.

The Asian should be taught to give food to the owner. This is how the puppy learns who is the leader of the pack. You can’t indulge your pets - they quickly take the reins of power into their paws.

Quite quickly, shepherd dogs begin to follow standard commands. Nevertheless, raising a dog should be entrusted to a training specialist.

How to extend the life of a pet?

You need to spend more time training your pet and walking with it, as this will help provide the Alabai with the necessary physical and mental stress.

It is also very important that there is a calm environment in the house, because constant stress does not have the best effect on the pet’s health and psyche, and, as a result, on the quality and life expectancy.

The main attention should be paid to the dog’s nutrition and living conditions, as well as to the prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and obesity.

Proper nutrition

Nutrition for Alabai should be balanced and quite varied. About a third of the pet's diet should be meat and offal, and the rest of the menu should be cereals, raw or boiled vegetables and dairy products.

It is necessary that the dog also receives vitamin and mineral supplements that enrich the diet with useful substances..

You can feed Alabai with ready-made food. But at the same time it must be of high quality - premium class or higher, and also correspond to the size of the animal, its age and physical condition.

The pet should receive a sufficient, but not excessive amount of food: it should be remembered that overfeeding for Alabai can be even more harmful than underfeeding.

Quality maintenance and care

The best option for these dogs would be either a spacious enclosure with a warm kennel and a walk, or free keeping in the yard of a house, provided that there is a reliable fence of sufficient height that the dog cannot climb over.

To avoid the possibility of undermining, the fence must be either deeply deepened or concreted.

The Alabai's coat is combed 2-3 times a week with a brush, and the dog is bathed no more than 2-3 times a year..

Eyes and ears should be cleaned periodically as needed. It is recommended to examine your teeth, and if plaque has formed on them, clean them with a dog brush and special toothpaste.

Alabai's claws need to be shortened only when the dog hardly walks on a hard surface; in all other cases, they grind down on their own.

What factors does the life expectancy of an alabai depend on?

The lifespan of a Central Asian Shepherd depends on a number of factors. The place in which the dog is kept has a big influence. Alabai requires cleanliness and warmth. Many people mistakenly believe that Central Asians are supposed to sleep in the snow, and they don’t freeze.

Important! Experienced dog breeders advise paying attention to your pet’s diet. A balanced diet is the key to a long life for a dog.

It is necessary to carefully care for your pet's fur.

A large dog needs a large, spacious kennel

Where is the best place to keep a dog?

Alabai feels good in an insulated booth in the yard. Aviary housing involves the free movement of the dog around the site. Breeders do not recommend putting the dog on a chain, or, as a last resort, letting it roam around the area at night. It is important to fence the yard and not allow the dog to “walk on its own,” especially in crowded places.

Alabai will not refuse to enter the house, and if the owner allows it, he will happily sleep on the carpet.

Optimal diet

The Central Asian Shepherd's menu should include meat, cereals, and vegetables. Breeders recommend cooking buckwheat, oatmeal, and rice in meat broth. You should give your dog beef, chicken and turkey. Alabai are not allowed to eat pork in any form. Several times a week, an adult dog needs cottage cheese and eggs. The pet must receive calcium. Alabai eat carrots, cucumbers, and peppers with pleasure. You can give your dog zucchini and lettuce leaves.

Potatoes and cabbage should not be introduced into your pet’s diet. Potatoes contain a lot of starch, which negatively affects the digestive system. Cabbage provokes increased gas formation in the dog, causing him discomfort.

Important! The veterinarian selects a suitable vitamin complex, which is given to the animal for a month, and then take a break for two to three months.

You can feed Alabai with special food that contains all the necessary microelements. Manufacturers indicate on the packaging the recommended amount of food per animal per day, based on body weight.

Hygiene procedures

The Central Asian Shepherd needs constant care. You should brush your dog regularly and avoid the formation of mats. It is necessary to trim the animal’s claws in a timely manner if they do not become worn down during long walks.

Alabais love water, so swimming gives them pleasure. For hygiene procedures, it is better to use a special shampoo for dogs. Human hygiene products are not suitable for dogs.

You should not forget to clean your pet's ears and teeth. The eyes are treated with special drops, which can be purchased at a veterinary office.

Aviary and booth

Dog lovers are opposed to kennel keeping, as it limits the freedom of the animal. However, Alabai can live peacefully in an enclosure, provided that it is equipped with a warm booth and the area of the enclosure allows for an active lifestyle. It is better to sheathe the booth with special insulation. You need to choose the middle between expensive and cheap material and make your dog a cozy home.

The kennel for the Alabai must be insulated

Aviaries are often equipped for safety purposes in homes where there are small children. You can make a kennel and fencing with your own hands.

Walk

Central Asians need activity. Daily walks take at least three hours. Dog handlers advise walking your dog three times a day.

In cases where the animal lives in a private house and has constant access to the street, you can walk it long distances once a day.

Important! When dog handlers are asked how long Alabai live, they unanimously answer that walks affect the dog’s life expectancy.

Daily walks with alabai are necessary for health

Vaccinations

The dog must be vaccinated as prescribed by the veterinarian. Your puppy should be vaccinated against the following diseases before he is one year old:

rabies and plague;
hepatitis and enteritis;
canine flu;
leptospirosis and trichophytosis;
microsporia.

It is also necessary to remove parasites from your pet and prevent fleas and ticks using special drops and collars.

Alabai needs to get all the necessary vaccinations

Caring for an older dog

It is almost no different from caring for a young Alabai, except for the fact that now the dog has become less active, and therefore its claws need more frequent trimming.

NOTE!

Particular attention should be paid to the pet’s health and the prevention of age-related diseases.

After the Alabai turns 7 years old, it is recommended to take him to the veterinary clinic every year for a full examination..

At home, first of all, it is necessary to ensure that the pet, which has become less active than before, does not overeat.

To do this, you can either reduce the calorie content of food when feeding it naturally, or, if your pet eats ready-made food, switch it to food intended for older dogs.

The main thing that an aging Alabai needs is the attention and care of its owner.

A dog that has been guarding the house and property all its life should not feel unwanted. Therefore, it is very important that owners spend as much time as possible communicating with their pet and treat it as attentively as in its younger years. .

Factors influencing Alabaev's life expectancy

Heredity is the main criterion that determines the life expectancy of an animal.
There are no serious hereditary defects for this breed. When purchasing a puppy, check with the breeder to see if he has any hereditary diseases. The breeder is obliged to provide information. Much depends on the owner of the puppy. The animal needs care and attention:

Food - premium quality food or natural products, meat, vegetables.
Fresh air - in the city it is better to walk your animal away from the roads, in squares or parks, and on weekends to take forays out of town.
Physical activity - Alabai are passive at first glance, but will be happy with frequent walks, training, and games.
Veterinarian control - the pet’s health is under the control of a doctor from early childhood.
Medical care - protection from ticks, fleas, deworming, vaccinations.
Sterilization - prevents the risk of mortality during childbirth in females, protects against diseases of the reproductive system in females and males.
Attention - the dog’s mood and well-being will indicate that the animal is unwell.

Choosing a puppy and prices

You can purchase Central Asian Shepherd Dog (CAO) puppies only from specialized nurseries that have an FCI/RKF certificate. At the time of purchase, the little Alabai must be 2 months old. The breeder is required to provide a certificate of origin and a veterinary passport. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of a mark and a special chip that is implanted under the skin of the animal.

If possible, try to get to know the puppy's parents. You should be satisfied with their character and appearance. Observe how the Alabai puppy behaves in a group. He should actively play with other dogs and strive to take a leadership position.

Examine your puppy's teeth; he should have a scissor bite. The animal's fur should be dense, soft and shiny. The dog should not be afraid of sharp sounds and sudden touches. He must have a good appetite, clean eyes and ears. The cost of a SAO puppy ranges from 15 to 25 thousand rubles.