People who love large breeds of dogs want to have a strong and reliable protector. And one of the best options is Caucasian Shepherd and Alabai. And many people have a question: what is the difference between these two breeds, how can they be compared? To answer the questions, it will be necessary to figure out what the main characteristics of such dogs are.
Description of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog
This name was given to this dog because it appeared in the Caucasus. This breed was formed thanks to the actions of the indigenous people. For a long time, shepherds guarded the house and property of the owners. And therefore Caucasians have a great hunting quality. They have good intelligence, and they are very determined. But not all this breed will do.
The dog is strong and hardy, can live in any climatic conditions. Her build is powerful and muscular. The body is massive and wide body, also dog handlers point out its elongation, but tend to think that it is rather a disadvantage. The neck is of medium length, the neck is pronounced. Dogs are able to analyze the situation and do not panic. They have good vigilance, dogs are incredulous about strangers.
Positive traits:
- great guard and protector;
- distrustful attitude towards strangers;
- composure;
- developed intelligence;
- love for the owner;
- restraint;
- ability to analyze and evaluate the situation.
Negative qualities:
- very stubborn;
- capricious;
- the master must have firm character and great patience;
- thorough care of the fur is necessary;
- requires great effort for training;
- can not start people with a soft character;
- can not be kept in the apartment.
By the nature of these dogs are very calm, restrained. They trust only family members, and when there are strangers, they are very suspicious of them. And this distrust appeared because the main goal of the Caucasian dogs was to guard the house.
Description alabaya
This breed of dog is called the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. And it already exists more than 4 thousand years. The Alabai descended from the dogs of Tibet and underwent harsh natural selection due to the harsh conditions and constant struggle with the enemy. And that is what influenced the character and appearance of the dog.
Positive traits:
- developed intelligence;
- calm;
- does not need special care;
- distrust of others;
- moderate appetite;
- loves the owner;
- innate protective instinct.
Negative qualities:
- willfulness;
- demanding;
- training is difficult;
- prone to vagrancy;
- can not start people with a soft character.
The dog is serious and confident. Also alabai owners, but this is manifested only on its territory, but at a party they do not show it.
And when strangers approach the house, males react very sharply and are ready to attack right away, but females are careful in this regard and attack only when strangers come close.
Differences in appearance
There are several points by which you can determine which of the breeds in front of you. It should be based on the differences of the following body parts:
- wool;
- paws;
- head and muzzle shape;
- eyes;
- tail.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a long, hard and thick undercoat, but alabay has the opposite. In the spring, each of the breeds molt. First you need to comb every day or at least every other day so that the wool is not confused. Alabayev should not be so often combed, but in order to avoid skin diseases, it is necessary to do this more often during shedding.
Caucasians have paws shorter, but thicker. They also have a bigger head. In Alabai, the shape of the muzzle is more acute in the nose. Their eyes are not raised up, and therefore they do not mow. But in the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs they are small, deep-set and mowed.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog has a short tail, because at birth it is stopped, and Caucasians do not do this operation. So he has them long, fluffy and bent into a ring. But still do not do the cupping, it is carried out only at will.
And the rocks are similar in their large form. And since they have an excellent physique and thick undercoat, they can make a company to their owner in any business. They easily endure various difficulties, such as lack of water and food. Also, these breeds originally guarded the sheep, so they can make decisions themselves.
Who is bigger?
The height of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog at the withers is approximately 60 cm, and in the Alabai it is from 70 to 80 cm. In some cases, the Caucasian can reach 75 cm. The weight category can be from 45 to 75 kg, and for an Asian from 45 to 80 kg. Nevertheless, both breeds are very large, and their muscles are well developed. Usually Central Asians are much more, but it all depends on feeding and physical activity. Their lifespan is also different. Caucasians live 10-11 years old, Alabai 12-15.
Who is stronger?
Both dogs have almost identical strength indicators, but they fight a little differently. Caucasian Shepherd comes fearlessly and can predict the subsequent actions of the enemy, when the Central Asian Shepherd quickly reacts to everything and acts on the move. Also, the first will act to the last. Caucasians win because of their strength, and alabai due to dexterity and cunning.
Comparison of rocks by other criteria
Since these breeds are also shepherd, they stand out among the rest with their intelligence and wit. Because security work requires an adequate assessment of what is happening. These dogs are very brave and can act independently. Caucasians love freedom, and that is why it will be difficult for them to obey the owner, but alabai will look forward to attention and approval. Central Asian Shepherd Dog cunning and docile, also gets along well with children and can become a “nanny” for them.
Who is content on the street for?
For any large breed, including the Caucasian Shepherd, it will be more comfortable in a private house with a larger plot than in a small apartment. Since this dog loves freedom, she needs constant physical exertion. This breed is perfect for the role of a guard. But the loyalty and dedication of the dogs to the owners will have to be earned.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are among the best guards, they will serve the family faithfully. Relationships must be built on respect. But since shepherd dogs love freedom, they cannot sit on chains, they regard it as humiliation, because they cannot move freely, and this negatively affects their morale.
The best option would be a spacious aviary with a house. Due to its wool, dogs can easily tolerate any temperature conditions.
And even when the animal lives in an open-air cage, it must also be walked, because it needs walks to develop muscles.
How to feed?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can eat anything. You can feed the dogs dry and wet food. An adult dog must be fed with meat (up to 1 kg per day), boiled chicken, fish and vegetables. There should also be cereals: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, wheat and pasta. The consumption of fruits and greens is very useful for animals, but they should not be given in large quantities, they must be raw.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are completely unpretentious in food, but since they may have problems with joints, it is simply necessary that the diet has an elevated calcium content.This breed must be fed meat (beef and veal), sea, lean fish, raw or cooked vegetables, cereals. Chicken should not be made in the diet.
Both breeds are strictly forbidden to give: pork, bones, beets, potatoes, citrus fruits, legumes, various seasonings, smoked meats and canned food.
Who is to choose?
Of course, it is always difficult to make such a choice between these two breeds, since the difference between them is not very big. Also, everything will depend on the nature of the owner, whether he can build relationships with the dog.
The main thing is not to forget that these breeds have different characters, and if a person is going to bring up a dog alone, then it is worth staying at the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. For a large family fit Alabai, who loves a lot of attention.
A cross between alabaya and Caucasian shepherd
This process takes place exclusively at the amateur level. Therefore, the new breed will not. Puppies are called mestizo. Appearance they get from both parents. Puppies come out large, they learn very easily, guard and guard qualities are always passed to them. They, too, are very suspicious of strangers and always protect their territory. Also very stubborn and always dominate. Not everyone will be able to cope with the nature of such a dog and its leadership qualities.
About the features of these two dog breeds, see the following video.
