A little history...
Researchers claim that the breed is more than five thousand years old. It is believed that the Alabai appeared as a result of a mixture of Tibetan mastiffs and herding dogs of Central Asian nomads, as well as Mongolian shepherd dogs. No one was specifically involved in breed selection. Alabai were formed due to natural selection. If selection was present, it was purely folk in nature. For many centuries, only the best representatives of the breed were selected. People were interested in animals with dense fur, strong and thick skin. The dogs had to be able to withstand cold, predator bites, and be hardy and strong.
How many years do Alabai live next to a person, for so many years they serve him faithfully. Since ancient times, dogs have been used to guard homes and caravans. Of course, in such conditions the animal had to have strength and endurance. Weak representatives had no chance of survival. The breed was officially classified only in 1993. And in 2010, a new standard was approved. It must be said that Alabai are not very common in the world. The fact is that in Turkmenistan, purebred representatives are considered national pride and heritage. Therefore they are not allowed to be exported.
Experts cannot say for sure in which country the breed originated. It is believed that its habitat was originally located between the Caspian Sea. Afghanistan, the Urals and China. It is simply impossible to define the region more precisely. An interesting fact is that in 1930 the Soviet Union tried to use representatives of this breed to protect objects. But the idea was not crowned with success. It turned out that Central Asians are difficult to mass train.
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.
Description of the breed
Alabais have a large build. But at the same time, the dogs do not look massive. Their body is very proportional, and their movements are incredibly graceful. Dogs have developed muscles and an impressive chest. The coda of animals is very dense, but at the same time elastic.
Alabais are quite high. At the withers, males reach 75 cm, females - 65 cm. Sometimes the height of dogs can be greater, this is welcome if all proportions correspond. The weight of the animal reaches 75-80 kg.
The dogs' muzzle is elongated and massive, and the head has a rectangular shape. The limbs of animals are strong with well-developed muscles. Alabais have thick fur with a dense undercoat. According to standards, its length can reach 10 cm. Most often, the tail and ears of puppies are docked on the first day. This tradition has been around for a long time to protect dogs from predators who target the most vulnerable places.
There are several color options: fawn, black, red and brindle. The nose of animals is always black.
Character
It is worth noting that representatives of the breed have their own characteristics. How many years do Alabai live with humans, so many years do they serve faithfully. However, you should understand that a menacing dog is not a cute fluffy dog with whom you can play nicely. Since ancient times, Central Asian Shepherds have been used as irreplaceable helpers who guard homes, pastures, and cargo. In addition, dogs can be good family companions.
The character of animals has been formed over thousands of years, therefore, at the genetic level, Alabai are very aggressive towards their fellows. But this does not mean that they cannot get along in the same home with other dogs. With proper upbringing, they coexist peacefully with other breeds.
Alabais have long been considered good defenders, but at the same time they do not attack strangers. They usually try to scare off the enemy with a loud growl. The menacing appearance of the animal can scare anyone.
How many years do Alabai live? It depends on many aspects. The breed is not officially recognized as a fighting breed. But at the same time, many consider it just that. In Turkmenistan, for example, dog fights take place every year, in which animals must show courage and be able to stand up for themselves. Alabais have a calm character. They are confident and not overly aggressive.
Character and behavior of dogs
Alabais exhibit the following character traits:
- Aggressive attitude towards other dogs. Despite this distinctive feature, the animal coexists peacefully with pets who have lived with it in the same house since birth.
- They attack strangers only if there is an objective threat.
- The main character traits of Alabais are the absence of unnecessary aggression and confidence in their strength, which they show with their calm appearance.
- Alabais are independent, independent, proud, but at the same time they are absolutely not fussy or hyperactive.
- The reaction to various stimuli is long-lasting: they can only be distracted by eliminating the cause or switching to a stronger stimulus.
- Alabais have highly developed social instincts: they quickly find their place in the house in the hierarchical ladder and easily form flocks.
- As a rule, they choose one master, to whom they obey.
- They do not tolerate physical punishment and may react to assault in a way that is not the most pleasant for a person.
- Unpredictable, stubborn and not so easy to train.
Lifespan
One of the most important questions that people are interested in when choosing a pet is: how many years do Alabai live at home? Every breeder wants to get a reliable friend for many years. If you decide to opt for a representative of this breed, please note that the animal is very large in size. On average, a dog's weight reaches 50 kg. Not every home can accommodate such a dog. He will need a lot of space.
How many years Alabai dogs live depends largely on the living conditions. On average, according to experts, life expectancy is 12-15 years. Experienced breeders who breed dogs say that with proper maintenance and care, an animal can live a very interesting and eventful life.
Therefore, the answer to the question of how many years Alabai dogs live depends largely on the owners themselves. Beginning dog breeders often make the same mistake. They compare Alabais with Eastern European and German shepherds. But this is not entirely true. How long Alabai, or Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, live is influenced by many factors. An important point is genetics. Each breed has its own characteristics. For example, in the history of the breed there was a case when a Central Asian Shepherd lived 17 years.
How many years Alabai live on the street or at home depends on a number of factors. Let's talk about them in more detail.
How long do Alabai live at home?
Theoretically, an Alabai dog can be kept in an apartment, but in a cramped space the dog will be uncomfortable and uncomfortable. Therefore, the life expectancy of dogs kept in apartment conditions does not exceed ten years.
The lifespan of Alabais in apartment conditions is shorter due to lack of load
This is due to the fact that Central Asian Shepherds need to constantly move to maintain shape and good health, otherwise they have problems with joints or excess weight, which creates additional stress on the spine. Animals leading a sedentary lifestyle are more susceptible to heart disease and diabetes than their active counterparts, and therefore often die at the age of eight or nine years.
Despite the fact that the average life expectancy of these beautiful and brave dogs is relatively low, the owner can extend the lifespan of his pet by surrounding him with attention and care.
Nuances that affect the life expectancy of a pet
How many years do Alabai live? The dog breed can easily be considered a long-livers. But at the same time, the pet must be provided with good conditions.
Regime is important for representatives of the breed. Dogs that move a lot and play actively live much longer. If you want your animal to live a long time, be sure to pay attention to it. It is necessary to regularly train and train the dog. Daily physical activity should become a habit. Sometimes people wonder how many years Alabai live on a chain. Representatives of the breed are generally not recommended to be kept on a leash. Large animals need long walks every day. This must be remembered. If you don’t have enough time to spend with your dog, it’s better to give up the idea of getting yourself an Alabai. The larger the pet, the more time it will require from you.
What factors does the life expectancy of an alabai depend on?
The lifespan of an alabai largely depends on the owner himself. If you properly care for your pet, feed it a balanced diet, give it the opportunity to exercise often and a lot, and monitor its health, then it is likely that the Alabai will calmly live to an old age, that is, twelve to fourteen years.
Alabai will live longer if the owner:
- will correctly formulate the dog’s diet and feeding regime. The main rule is not to overfeed the animal, since this breed is prone to obesity, which significantly reduces their lifespan;
- will include useful supplements and vitamins in the menu: calcium, phosphorus, fish oil and vitamin B. It is especially important to introduce mineral and vitamin complexes into the diet of aging dogs, since they often have problems with joints;
- will give his pet long walks every day, lasting at least two hours, which are combined with intense physical activity;
- will take the time to care for your pet's fur. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not tolerate heat well, so in the summer they need to be brushed once every two days, getting rid of excess hair and, if possible, taken with them to the river so that the dog cools down in the water;
- will monitor the cleanliness of your pet’s home, promptly removing feces and leftover food. A dirty enclosure is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria, which can cause dogs to develop various diseases;
- minimizes stressful situations. Representatives of this breed are susceptible to stress and depression if they feel unnecessary and useless. Therefore, the dog must be constantly given some task, for example, to guard the house, guard the area, keep order in the territory;
- will give the animal anti-parasite remedies in a timely manner: helminths, fleas. Also, after a walk, inspect the alabai for ticks;
- will not neglect timely vaccinations and visits to the veterinarian, especially if the owner suspects that the pet is sick (his appetite has decreased, he is lethargic and indifferent).
Alabai lives longer if you take good care of him
Important: older dogs become capricious, touchy and jealous, which leads to the development of stress, so they need increased attention and care from the owner.
Does nutrition play a role in life expectancy?
Diet is very important for any animal. High-quality and proper nutrition is the basis of good care. The health and life expectancy of your pet largely depends on nutrition. Food should be balanced. Products should be selected taking into account the characteristics and complexion of the breed representatives. It is very important to monitor the weight of the animal. As dogs age, they often begin to gain weight. And this leads to problems with the paws, which are not able to withstand such weight. Those animals that move little and are kept on a chain are at risk of obesity.
Other reasons affecting life expectancy
The atmosphere in the house is very important for animals. They sense people's moods. Stressful situations have a negative impact on health.
Unfortunately, a feature of the breed is an increased risk of injury. It is necessary to carefully monitor your pet. It is worth minimizing the likelihood of injuries that have a negative impact on health.
The owners must monitor the hygiene of the premises. Cleanliness of the habitat is very important for dogs. Their health and life expectancy depend on this. Alabai’s personal hygiene is no less important. The animal must be well-groomed and clean. Unlike small breeds, Alabais are undemanding. Grooming includes cleaning the ears and teeth, and combing the coat.
It is also necessary to carefully monitor your pet’s well-being and regularly visit the veterinarian.
Characteristics of the breed and maintenance features
Alabais are unpretentious in maintenance. Their fur is very resistant to stains. Even after resting on the ground, the dogs look clean. Animals should not be bathed frequently. Two water treatments a year are enough for them. During periods of shedding, the coat must be brushed regularly. Periodic ear cleaning and nail trimming are also necessary. According to breeders, the breed is distinguished by excellent health. A visit to the veterinarian is usually required for vaccinations. Still, it’s worth paying attention to your pet’s well-being. If you notice anything unusual, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
We have already mentioned that representatives of the breed need regular exercise. Long walks are a must for keeping dogs. It is advisable to choose different routes each time. Walking an animal in public places must be on a leash and muzzle.
How long do Alabai live at home and outside?
The average lifespan of a dog of this breed is 12-14 years , so it cannot be said that Alabai die very young - this is a normal age for an animal. However, it is almost impossible to increase this figure: very rarely, some Alabai live to be 16-17 years old. But it is possible to reduce life expectancy if you do not provide your pet with decent care.
Large size negatively affects the condition of the paw joints, and this is one of the key factors in the not too long life expectancy of Alabais.
In addition to care, there are several more nuances that determine how long Alabai live. Outside in a kennel, on a leash, the animal is much worse off than in an apartment, since it is not able to move freely. But if you unhook your dog from its leash and walk it 2-3 times a day, this will harm its health less. Weather conditions are not scary for Alabai, since they tolerate frost well, and shade and wind save them from the sun.
If an Alabai is in the service, he is sent to “retire” at the age of 8.
In general, the health of representatives of this breed is excellent, there are no genetic pathologies, so the dog is taken to the veterinarian only for routine vaccinations and preventive examinations. However, when buying a puppy, experts still advise you to carefully read the pedigree and health status of the parents of the chosen pet.
Diet
The diet of the breed should include soups and solid foods. In winter, bran should be added to the menu, and in summer - vegetables and herbs. The basis of the diet should be meat. You can use offal or tough beef. It is important for dogs to maintain healthy teeth, and for this it is necessary to eat tough food. It is very important not to overfeed your pet as this can lead to digestive problems. Ideally, a healthy dog's ribs should not protrude, but they can still be easily felt. Alabais are ideal dogs for keeping in private homes. Apartments are a bit cramped for such dogs.
How to keep alabai?
This is one of the unpretentious breeds, since Alabai do not require much attention. However, it is still recommended to follow certain rules so as not to inadvertently shorten the life of a pet.
- Nutrition. The diet is compiled according to the dog’s build, and it must be balanced. Introduce bone-in meat, cartilage, and offal into your diet; give preference to beef. Alabais often have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, so it is worth alternating soups and solid foods. In summer, digestion is stimulated with vegetables, in winter – with bran.
- Weight. The body weight of Alabais must be maintained within normal limits due to the high pressure on the joints. Every new kilogram increases the risk of early problems with cartilage and bone tissue. Ideally, the dog’s ribs should be palpable, but not visually sticking out. This is one of the indicators that the diet is correct.
- Walks. If the dog lives in an apartment, it is taken out 2-3 times every day wearing a muzzle and on a leash, but ideally, the places for walking should be changed regularly. If your physical fitness allows, it’s worth running with the Alabai. In a private house on your own territory, spend time playing with a stick, disk and other devices.
- Hygiene. Clean your ears and teeth regularly, and brush your Alabai's coat once a week. But this breed does not need frequent bathing - 1-2 times a year will be enough. Also, remember to wash the bowls daily and wash the bedding a couple of times a month.
Alabais have a lot of advantages: they are excellent hunters who exist together with their owners on equal terms and are easy to train, although they are sometimes inclined to question human commands.
They easily get along with their relatives, but remain very independent and free animals, so you shouldn’t go up to them again to stroke and cuddle. And if you follow all the recommendations for caring for your Alabai, you won’t have to think about its early death. The article belongs to the site When copying, an active, indexed link to the source is required.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
Representatives of the breed have a lot of advantages. Breeders especially appreciate their balanced character, endurance and courage. Dogs bravely engage in battle with predators that can exceed them in size. It is for this reason that Alabais are considered excellent guards and watchmen.
Disadvantages include an independent and willful character. Dogs are very difficult to teach anything, because they always try to show their temper. But at the same time, Alabai are incredibly loyal to their owners.
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.
Selection of puppies
It is very important to choose a good puppy. This is the guarantee that you will get a healthy dog in the future. If you dream of a good guard, then not only the male, but also the female will cope with the task. The only difference is that after the puppies are born, your dog will not be able to serve you for a couple of months as before. But this is a temporary phenomenon. Males are much larger and require more food. It is recommended to purchase a puppy at two months of age, since at the age of three months it is already necessary to begin active training. Dog handlers recommend giving preference to those puppies that were born in January or December, then training can begin in April. There is also an opinion that preference should be given to babies of no more than five in the litter.
The puppy must be clean and playful. It is imperative to check your eyes and bite.
How long does it take for alabai to grow? It is believed that dogs mature until they are 2.5-3 years old. In bitches, the process ends after the first puppies appear. In males, growth completion occurs a little later and is usually associated with the first mating. Until the age of one year, dogs grow rapidly in height. And until they are three or four years old, their figure begins to form.