A
Species Profile

Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd)

Canis lupus familiaris

Steppe-born guardian, homebound protector
ElenaChelysheva/Shutterstock.com

Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd) Distribution

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Origin Location

This map shows the native origin of the Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd). As a domesticated species, they are now found worldwide.

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Found in 5 countries

🇹🇲 Turkmenistan 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan 🇹🇯 Tajikistan

Size Comparison

Human 5'8"
Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd) 2 ft 4 in

Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd) stands at 42% of average human height.

Alabai dog on a walk

At a Glance

Domesticated
Also Known As Alabay, Ala-Bai, Central Asian Ovcharka, Ovcharka
Diet Omnivore
Activity Diurnal+
Lifespan 5 years
Weight 80 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

"Alabai" is widely linked to Turkic words meaning "mottled/variegated" (ala) and "rich/owner" (bay), reflecting traditional naming in the region.

Scientific Classification

The Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog) is a large, powerful livestock guardian dog originating across Central Asia (e.g., Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan). It was traditionally selected for protecting sheep, goats, and homesteads from predators and intruders, emphasizing independence, territoriality, and endurance.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus

Distinguishing Features

  • Very large, robust guardian-dog build with strong bone and broad head
  • Independent, territorial livestock-guardian temperament (often wary of strangers)
  • Coat can be short to moderately long; common colors include white, fawn, brindle, black, and piebald
  • Traditionally associated with pastoral protection in Central Asia; sometimes known specifically as the Turkmen Alabai

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Height
♂ 2 ft 6 in (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 9 in)
♀ 2 ft 3 in (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in)
Length
♂ 4 ft 1 in (3 ft 7 in – 4 ft 7 in)
♀ 4 ft 5 in (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 11 in)
Weight
♂ 143 lbs (110 lbs – 174 lbs)
♀ 115 lbs (88 lbs – 143 lbs)
Tail Length
♂ 1 ft 3 in (12 in – 1 ft 6 in)
♀ 1 ft 5 in (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 8 in)
Top Speed
25 mph
Top speed about 40 km/h

Appearance

Primary Colors
White Tan Gray
Secondary Colors
Black Brown Cream Spotted Striped
Skin Type Thick, tough skin with protective pigment and a dense double coat—rough outer hair over a warm undercoat—helps Alabai handle wide temperature swings and rough terrain; coat length varies by region.
Distinctive Features
  • Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog) (Canis lupus familiaris) is a livestock guardian dog (LGD) bred to make choices on its own, guard territory, and have great endurance rather than listen closely to handlers.
  • Overall build: very large, powerful, heavy-boned, deep-chested, with substantial neck and shoulder strength suited to confronting predators and deterring intruders around flocks/homesteads.
  • Head and expression: broad skull, strong muzzle and jaw, pronounced stop and cheek musculature; often a serious, watchful expression consistent with guardian work.
  • Movement/endurance: efficient ground-covering trot and strong stamina-selected for patrolling large areas in steppe/mountain environments.
  • Temperament/working suitability: typically independent, vigilant, and strongly territorial; may be reserved or suspicious with strangers. Best suited to experienced handlers and working/guardian homes rather than densely populated pet settings without extensive management and socialization.
  • Guarding style: tends to assess and respond with confidence; many lines are less biddable than herding or retrieving breeds, reflecting traditional selection pressures where dogs worked at distance from people.
  • Coat and climate adaptation: double coat provides insulation against both cold and heat; seasonal shedding can be heavy (routine brushing and undercoat management needed).
  • Care requirements: early and ongoing socialization; clear boundaries and secure containment (robust fencing) due to roaming/territorial instincts; structured exposure to visitors/novelty to reduce inappropriate suspicion; avoid harsh training-use consistent, calm handling.
  • Exercise needs: moderate-to-high daily movement (patrolling walks, secure acreage, mental engagement); avoid excessive repetitive high-impact exercise in growing puppies to protect joints.
  • Health concerns (breed-typical for giant guardians): elevated risk of hip and elbow dysplasia; cranial cruciate ligament disease; osteoarthritis later in life; bloat/GDV risk in deep-chested individuals (prefer multiple smaller meals, avoid hard exercise around meals).
  • Additional health/management notes: monitor weight closely to reduce orthopedic strain; consider cardiac screening in breeding stock; routine parasite control is important for working/outdoor dogs.
  • Distinct from commonly confused breeds: not the same as Caucasian Shepherd or Kangal-Alabai/Central Asian Shepherd is a Central Asian landrace with broad regional variation, though all are guardian types with superficially similar roles.

Sexual Dimorphism

Marked sexual dimorphism is typical: males are generally taller, heavier, and more massive-headed with more pronounced bone and neck/ruff; females are smaller and often more streamlined while retaining strong guardian drive.

♂
  • Larger overall size and heavier bone; broader chest and more massive head/jaw.
  • Thicker neck and more pronounced ruff/mane appearance (especially in fuller-coated individuals).
  • Often more overt territorial posturing and presence, though temperament varies by line and upbringing.
♀
  • Smaller, lighter build with a more athletic outline; still robust and powerful.
  • Head typically slightly less blocky; neck/ruff less pronounced.
  • May show strong protective instincts with comparatively less bulk; working style varies individually.

Did You Know?

"Alabai" is widely linked to Turkic words meaning "mottled/variegated" (ala) and "rich/owner" (bay), reflecting traditional naming in the region.

Unlike herding dogs, Alabais are livestock guardians (LGDs): they typically stay with the flock and deter predators rather than gather or drive stock.

Traditional selection emphasized nerve, judgment, and stamina-dogs had to decide when to warn, when to confront, and when to conserve energy over long patrols.

The breed is strongly associated with Turkmenistan, where the Alabai is celebrated as a national symbol and has an official holiday (Turkmen Alabai Day, last Sunday of April).

Many Alabais have a deep, booming "alarm bark" and will place themselves between a perceived threat and their people/animals-classic guardian behavior.

Coat is double and weatherproof; colors can vary widely (often white, fawn, brindle, or patched), reflecting landrace roots across multiple Central Asian countries.

Because they matured under working conditions, well-bred Alabais often develop slowly and can remain "adolescent" in impulse control longer than lighter guardian breeds.

Unique Adaptations

  • Independence under pressure: selected to work far from handlers, making autonomous decisions-useful for predator deterrence but challenging for novice pet homes.
  • Efficient, rugged movement: built for endurance and long-distance coverage over open terrain rather than sprinting.
  • Thick skin and heavy coat/undercoat: protection from cold winds, heat swings, and minor scrapes during field work.
  • Powerful head/neck and broad chest: functional for confronting large predators (e.g., wolves) and for sustained defensive posturing.
  • Strong territorial mapping: excellent long-term memory for routines, boundaries, and "normal vs. unusual" activity patterns.
  • Energy conservation: many display calm resting periods punctuated by rapid, decisive action-typical of effective LGDs.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Perimeter patrolling: repeatedly walking fence lines or property boundaries, then choosing high vantage points to watch.
  • Threat assessment: may stand still, stare, and posture before acting-often escalating from warning bark to blocking rather than immediate chasing.
  • "Guardian placement": instinctively positioning their body between livestock/family and a stranger, vehicle, or new animal.
  • Night alert cycles: increased vigilance after dusk, with intermittent barking meant to advertise presence to predators.
  • Low "fetch" motivation, high situational focus: many prefer purposeful tasks (watching, escorting) over repetitive games.
  • Same-sex dog intolerance can occur, especially in intact adults; careful introductions and management are common needs.
  • Bonding by proximity: they may follow at a distance and "shadow" their charges rather than seeking constant physical affection.

Cultural Significance

Across Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), Alabai are trusted flock and home guardians, praised for courage and calmness. In Turkmenistan they are a national symbol, celebrated for helping nomads protect livestock and scare off intruders.

Myths & Legends

Steppe-side oral tradition among shepherd communities often tells of an Alabai holding a line alone at night-barking to "announce the guard" and standing between flock and wolves until herders arrive with light and help.

In Turkmen cultural storytelling, the Alabai is commonly portrayed as a symbol of steadfast loyalty: a dog that chooses duty over comfort, staying with the herd through storms and long migrations.

Regional naming lore treats a brave guardian dog as a bearer of prosperity-kept not only for protection but as a sign that a household is well-kept and secure, with a vigilant dog at the gate.

Traditional pastoral anecdotes describe an experienced Alabai "judging a stranger's intent," allowing welcomed guests to pass while refusing entry to those who behave furtively-stories told to praise the breed's discernment rather than mere aggression.

In some areas, older care customs for Alabai included ear cropping and tail docking. Locals said these marked a working guardian and protected against bites, though laws now limit or discourage them.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Stable

Life Cycle

Birth 7 pups
Lifespan 5 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
3–10 years
In Captivity
12–15 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Managed Domestic
Breeding Pattern Serial
Fertilization Managed Selective
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Behavior & Ecology

Social Pack Group: 2
Activity Diurnal, Crepuscular, Cathemeral
Diet Omnivore Meat-based meals (beef/mutton) with organ meats; many individuals are highly motivated by meaty bones or dense, protein-rich feeds.

Temperament

Independent, self-directed working style; less handler-focused than many companion breeds (breed distinction vs typical domestic dog temperament).
Strong territoriality and protective instincts; naturally wary of strangers; reliable with family/known stock when properly socialized.
Calm, steady, low-reactivity until a threshold is crossed; can respond with decisive defensive aggression when perceiving a threat-requires experienced handling and secure containment.
High endurance and weather tolerance; prefers purposeful movement/patrolling over repetitive games; matures slowly with adolescent testing of boundaries.
HUBS (group-level) pattern: livestock guardian breeds tend toward low prey drive toward their own flock but may show predatory/chase behavior toward unfamiliar animals; individual variation is substantial.
Dog-dog relations can be same-sex aggressive, especially between intact adults; early controlled social exposure and careful introductions reduce conflict but do not eliminate genetic tendencies.
Care requirement: needs large, secure territory (tall fencing, locked gates), routine boundary training, and structured socialization to prevent over-guarding and nuisance aggression.
Care requirement: mental workload through supervised patrol/guard-type tasks, scent work, and calm obedience; avoid harsh methods-build trust and clear rules.
Health concerns common in giant/large guardians: hip/elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injury risk, osteoarthritis; manage with lean body condition and appropriate exercise.
Health concerns: gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) risk-feed multiple smaller meals, avoid heavy exercise around meals, and consider prophylactic gastropexy in high-risk individuals.
Health concerns: eyelid issues (entropion/ectropion) can occur; also monitor for cardiac issues in large breeds; prioritize orthopedic and eye screening in breeding stock.
Grooming/care: double coat with seasonal shedding; regular brushing, tick/parasite control (often living outdoors), and paw/skin checks after patrols.

Communication

Deep, low-frequency barking used for territorial warning and predator deterrence; often sustained, rhythmic bark sequences at night or during perimeter checks.
Growls and low rumbles as close-range threat signals; may escalate quickly if warnings are ignored.
Whines/soft vocalizations primarily directed to familiar humans or kennel-mates Less frequent in independent working contexts
Scent marking (urine/feces) along boundaries; frequent re-marking of patrol routes to maintain territorial claims.
Body blocking, leaning, and positioning between a perceived threat and flock/family; intense stillness and direct stare as early warning signals.
Patrolling and stationing at vantage points (gates, rises, corners of pasture) as a non-vocal deterrent; variation by individual confidence and predator pressure.
Piloerection, tail carriage changes, and forward ear/head posture to communicate arousal/intent; subtle signals may precede vocal warnings.
Physical deterrence/engagement: rushing or charging displays to drive away intruders; requires secure management to prevent misdirected aggression toward visitors or neighboring animals.

Habitat

Steppe Grassland Mountain Woodland Deciduous Forest Tundra River/Stream Agricultural/Farmland Suburban Urban +4
Biomes:
Temperate Grassland Desert Cold Desert Hot Temperate Forest Boreal Forest (Taiga) Tundra Wetland +1
Terrain:
Plains Plateau Mountainous Hilly Valley Rocky Sandy Riverine +2
Elevation: Up to 14763 ft 9 in

Ecological Role

Domestic omnivore and livestock-guardian mesopredator/defender in human-managed ecosystems (a functional analog to a territorial canid, but primarily provisioned by people).

reduces livestock losses by deterring wild predators and human intruders can suppress local rodent/lagomorph populations via opportunistic predation alters predator behavior and spatial use around pastures and settlements (risk landscape effects) contributes to nutrient cycling through waste deposition near human and pastoral systems

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Small mammals Ground-nesting birds and eggs Carrion and offal
Other Foods:
Cereal grains Starchy plants Vegetables Fruits and berries Grasses

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Domesticated

Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) came from gray wolves and was domesticated by people thousands of years ago. The Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog) is a landrace livestock guardian from Central Asia. It was shaped by working need to guard flocks and property from wolves and human intruders. Many working Alabai stay tough, independent, and territorial.

Danger Level

High
  • territorial aggression toward strangers entering perceived territory (home, yard, vehicle, flock area)
  • serious bite potential due to large size, guarding drive, and willingness to engage threats
  • same-sex or dog-directed aggression that can redirect to handlers during conflict
  • low tolerance for rough handling by unfamiliar people; elevated risk around visiting children if not strictly managed
  • escape/roam risk in under-secured fencing leading to confrontations with people or pets

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Alabai are legal in many places but can be limited by breed laws, dangerous dog rules, housing or insurance policies, and import and export rules. Owners should check local, landlord/HOA, and insurance company rules.

Care Level: Expert Only

Purchase Cost: $800 - $3,500
Lifetime Cost: $25,000 - $65,000

Economic Value

Uses:
Livestock protection services Security/guarding Breeding and working-dog sales Show/competition (limited compared to mainstream companion breeds) Rural livelihoods risk reduction (predation loss mitigation)
Products:
  • guardian dog labor (predator deterrence and flock defense)
  • breeding stock and puppies (working lines)
  • property-guard services (informal/private use)
  • training/handling services for guardian breeds

Relationships

Predators 4

Gray wolf
Gray wolf Canis lupus
Brown bear
Brown bear Ursus arctos
Snow leopard
Snow leopard Panthera uncia
Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor

Related Species 9

Gray wolf
Gray wolf Canis lupus Shared Species
Dingo
Dingo Canis lupus dingo Shared Species
Coyote
Coyote Canis latrans Shared Genus
Golden jackal
Golden jackal Canis aureus Shared Genus
Ethiopian wolf Canis simensis Shared Genus
African golden wolf Canis lupaster Shared Genus
Red fox
Red fox Vulpes vulpes Shared Family
Dhole
Dhole Cuon alpinus Shared Family
African wild dog
African wild dog Lycaon pictus Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 6

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Domestic dog
Domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris A breed developed for livestock guarding; the Alabai defends territory, distrusts strangers, is independent, and needs early socialization, experienced owners, secure space, and steady work. Large-breed health risks include hip and joint problems, bloat, and eye and heart issues.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Canis lupus familiaris Occupies a similar livestock guardian dog (LGD) niche as a flock and property guardian, having been selected to deter large predators. Comparable in size, territoriality, and independence, though Caucasian Shepherds are often heavier-coated and better suited to colder mountain and forest regions.
Kangal
Kangal Canis lupus familiaris Comparable livestock-guardian role in open rangelands, with emphasis on predator deterrence (wolves), stamina, and independent decision-making with minimal handler direction.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff Canis lupus familiaris Large guardian breed historically used for perimeter, home, and herd protection in harsh environments. Exhibits aloofness toward strangers and strong territorial instincts.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees Canis lupus familiaris Classic livestock guardian dog for sheep and goats. Shares watchful, protective behavior and nocturnal guarding tendencies, though often more social toward people than many Central Asian breeds.
Akbash
Akbash Canis lupus familiaris Independent, low-prey-drive guardian specialized for living with livestock and deterring predators rather than pursuing game.

The Alabai dog, commonly referred to as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, is a very large breed. They can be traced back over 5,000 years and have historically been used as guard dogs for goats and sheep. Today, the Alabai is still used as a shepherd dog, but it also helps protect the families and possessions of nomadic peoples.

Alabais have one of the strongest bites of any breed of dog; their bite force is between 500 and 650 pounds per square inch. As the breed originated in Central Asia, it makes sense that they are one of the most popular breeds in Russia. In addition to being called a Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Alabais may also be called Central Asian Ovcharkas, Middle Asian Ovcharkas, and Mid-Asian Shepherds.

Breed History

This breed has been around for more than 5,000 years. The ancestor of the Alabai can find its origin in the area of the Caspian Sea and northwest China, stretching down to Asia Minor.

These dogs were originally bred to protect livestock. Over the years, they have also been bred for personal protection or as working dogs. As a result, they excel in obedience, territory protection, and personal protection, and are very intelligent. These traits have evolved from thousands of years of working with humans and adapting as a breed.

In Turkmenistan, the Alabai is considered a symbol of national heritage. In 2020, a gilded statue of the Alabai dog was unveiled in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, to honor the breed.

Central Asian shepherd, Alabai, standing on a rock in the mountains.

Central Asian shepherd, Alabai, standing on a rock in the mountains.

©Degtyaryov Andrey/Shutterstock.com

Owning an Alabai Dog: 3 Pros and Cons

Pros!Cons!
Easy to groom: Alabais are pretty easy to groom and only need to be brushed about once a week.Large: Alabais are a very large breed and will require a lot of space and food.
Good with other animals: Central Asian Sheep Dogs are generally good with other dogs and cats.Can be challenging to train: Alabais are a very independent breed, which can make obedience training more difficult.
Protective: Alabais are courageous and will protect their family. Their bite force of 500 to 650 pounds per square inch backs up their bark if threatened.Not suited for apartment living: Central Asian Shepherd Dogs need to live in a home with a large fenced-in yard and will not do well in an apartment setting.

Size and Weight

The Alabai dog is a very large breed. Males and females are both at least 25.5 inches tall and may be over 27.5 inches tall. They typically weigh a minimum of 88 pounds but can get up to over 110 pounds.

Common Health Issues

The Alabai dog has been around for over 5,000 years, and natural selection has helped to create a very healthy and genetically resistant breed. However, since they are such a large breed, they may develop hip or elbow dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip bone does not develop properly. The joints rub against each other and cause deterioration. This can make it very uncomfortable for an Alabai to walk and may require surgery.

Similarly, elbow dysplasia affects an Alabai’s elbow joints. It can also make walking very difficult and painful. An Alabai dog may require surgery to correct this condition as well.

To review, the two most prevalent health concerns that Alabais face are:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia

Temperament and Behavior

Alabais have a very independent personality. They are also very confident, territorial, and protective, and if they sense a threat to their loved ones may exhibit aggressive behaviors. This breed is extremely loyal to its loved ones and can be quite affectionate.

The Alabai’s traits make them a good family dog for homes with older children, but due to their size are generally not recommended for homes with small children.

Front view of charismatic and smiling Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Alabai, standing on a spring field at dawn.

The Alabai has been around for over 5,000 years and is a very healthy and genetically resistant breed.

©Alex Zotov/Shutterstock.com

How to Take Care of an Alabai Dog

Since an Alabai is such a unique breed, you will need to keep their temperament, size, nutritional needs, activity needs, and training needs in mind when creating a care plan.

The Best Dog Food For Your Alabai Dog

Because of its size, we recommend a high-calorie dog food for your Alabai. When choosing a food for an adult Alabai, look for one specifically formulated for large breeds. Since Alabais are not a high-energy breed, you should also look for something for lower-energy breeds. Depending on your dog, it may be best to offer them just one larger serving of food each day or two smaller servings. Your vet will be the best resource to confirm how much food they should eat and how many servings they should be fed daily.

A puppy will have different dietary requirements than an adult Alabais. They have smaller stomachs and will need to eat multiple small meals throughout the day. Check with your veterinarian, but in most cases, puppies under six months old should eat between three and four meals a day.

Maintenance and Grooming

Alabais are very easy to groom. They don’t shed very much throughout the year, but do have one very heavy shedding season. Between shedding seasons, an Alabai will just require occasional brushing and bathing.

An Alabai’s nails do grow very quickly and should be kept trimmed to keep them from getting too long, cracking, splitting, or making it uncomfortable for the dog to walk. Owners should also take care to keep the Alabai’s ears clean and teeth brushed regularly.

Dog Training

An Alabai’s independent nature can make this breed challenging to train. Experienced owners who can devote the necessary time to training this breed will likely achieve the best results. Consistent and fair training is essential to help an Alabai learn expectations and become an affectionate and well-behaved pup.

Dog Exercise

While Alabais are not a very high-energy breed, they still require daily exercise. Aim to take your Alabai on long walks, give them a task to complete outdoors, or play with them in a fenced-in yard. This breed should be given at least an hour of daily exercise.

Puppies

Alabai puppies will grow quickly, and owners will need to be prepared to meet the growing demands this breed offers. Puppies will need to be given plenty of playtime and activity to keep them busy and entertained. They often enjoy playing with tough toys made from rubber that won’t be easily destroyed.

Before bringing home an Alabai puppy, be sure your home is puppy-proof and that you are ready for the commitment involved in raising this breed. They require greater supervision and more continuous training than many other breeds.

Alabai puppies on a white background in the studio.

Alabai puppies on a white background in the studio.

©Kristina Korotkova/Shutterstock.com

Alabais and Children

Alabais can be very good with children. They are affectionate, protective, and loyal. However, since this breed is very protective, they may not be as accepting of strangers, such as a child’s playmate, in the home. Alabais are also very large and could accidentally injure a smaller child, so they should be closely supervised when around children.

Beautiful big white Alabai, (Central Asian Shepherd), on a background of white snow .

Alabais can be very good with children, as they are affectionate, protective, and loyal.

©Tetiana Dollezhal/Shutterstock.com

Dogs similar to Alabai

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Mastiffs, and Tibetan Mastiffs are three breeds similar to the Alabai.

  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and Alabais are both very large breeds that weigh over 100 pounds. Both breeds are very territorial and can make an excellent watchdog. Alabais generally do better with other dogs and cats than Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.
  • Mastiff: Mastiffs and Alabais are both affectionate dogs who are very protective of the people who are important to them. Mastiffs are more easygoing and can be easier to train than Alabais.
  • Tibetan Mastiff: Tibetan Mastiffs and Alabais both weigh over 100 pounds, though an Alabai is generally taller, with an average height of 29.5 inches compared to the 26.5-inch average height of a Tibetan Mastiff. Alabais make a better pet for homes with children or other animals than Tibetan Mastiffs.
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Sources

  1. American Kennel Club / Accessed June 5, 2021
  2. Wikipedia / Accessed June 5, 2021
  3. Dogtime / Accessed June 5, 2021
  4. 101 Dog Breeds / Accessed June 5, 2021
  5. Pet Guide / Accessed June 5, 2021
  6. World Dog Finder / Accessed June 5, 2021
  7. Doggie Designer / Accessed June 5, 2021
Bethany McKay

About the Author

Bethany McKay

Bethany is a professional copywriter and editor, working with newspapers, small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and everything in-between. She graduated from Penn State University with degrees in journalism and international studies. She loves her cat, Maggie, and has had numerous pets over the years, including guinea pigs, hermit crabs, fish, and a red-eared slider turtle. She lives among farmlands in southcentral PA and enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and sewing.
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Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The price to purchase an Alabai from a breeder can vary based on your location, the dog’s pedigree, and the breeder’s reputation. Most Central Asian Shepherd Dogs cost between $1,200 an $1,500 to purchase, but the price to purchase some could be more $2000. It is also possible that you may find an Alabai through a local rescue organization for adoption. The price to adopt this breed should be significantly less, and depending on the shelter will likely cost between $100 and $300.

Alabais will also need care and supplies, which will cost additional money. The first year you own your Alabai, you should expect to spent at least $1,000 to $1,500 to purchase everything you will need to care for the pup. The following years should be less expensive, but budgeting at least $500 to $1,000 each year is a good idea to make sure you have money for everything you need and any unexpected expenses that come up.

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