All about Afghan Shepherd Dogs

Afghan Shepherd Dogs are called one of the oldest breeds. Very often there is confusion in the definitions: Afghan shepherd, Afghan hound, saga koche (heaps) - are these names of one breed or are they all representatives of different breeds? Let's try to figure out how they differ.

Saga koche (Afghan Shepherd Dog) is a little-known ancestor of the modern Central Asian Shepherd Dog - Alabai. The weight of these dogs varies in a large range from 38 to 80 kg, the “fork” of height is also variable - from 66 to 90 cm at the withers.

The Persian name of the breed is “kuti”, “heap”, it has nothing to do with the pampered and elegant Afghan hound. Just look at these two dogs, and the differences between them become visible to the naked eye.

Breed lived in Central Asia since ancient times, perfectly adapted to the harsh climatic conditions. The breed has practically not been selected, it is truly “clean”. Representatives of the saga are mountainous, steppe, and desert, depending on the initial habitat conditions.

Each type has its own body build. These dogs are very strong, tough and independent, of course, now they are much more socialized than before, however, you should think carefully before you have such a pet.

Beginner breeders would hardly be able to cope with the upbringing and training of such a self-sufficient and strong animal.

Saga koche - large dogs with a hard coat. Their necks are long and strong, their ears are cropped, like tails.

In representatives of the desert type, in addition to wool, there is an undercoat of strong density, while the steppe saga also has elongated wool. The dogs of the mountain species are broad-boned, and those of the steppe are folded more easily and gracefully.

The colors and type of coat may be different, the head may have a different shape and size. Common signs of the breed are:

• great physical strength;
• Indefatigable movement on uncomfortable surfaces - mountains, sand, hills;
• the presence of suspension in the neck.

Although the hair in the saga is thick, it is not particularly necessary to care for it.

Because dogs are adapted for outdoor living, their appearance is the result of such living. The only human intervention in the appearance of these four-legged - the cropping of the ears is practically “under zero” and the tail is 1/3 of the length.

The advantages of the Afghan Shepherd Dog are undoubtedly such qualities as:

• excellent health;
• lack of care;
• excellent guard and security qualities;
• remarkable strength and endurance.

The disadvantages, but rather the features of the breed should include:

• the need for early socialization and constant communication with the owner;
• aggressiveness, intolerance for others, even if the dog is socialized;
• "Loud" breed, the dog barks, howls, growls;
• can not be alone, the dog becomes aggressive and angry;
• you can not keep dogs in the apartment, suitable only fenced area in a private house.

By their character and temperament, the saga koche dogs breed fully correspond to the conditions in which they historically lived. They are independent, balanced and fearless. In battle, merciless, aggressive towards others, often show stubbornness even in relation to their own owner. At the same time, they are faithful and strongly attached to the owner and his family members.

There is also no need to allow collisions and fights of Afghan shepherds with other members of the canine family. Saga koche need to communicate with the owner in large numbers, otherwise he will become uncontrollable and aggressive.

This is a very "talkative" breed.such dogs show their joy and sadness through barking, growling, howling and other sounds. Unaccustomed people such "vocals" can scare.

In order to properly study the characteristics of the character and temperament of your pet, the owner needs as much time as possible to be with him.

In connection with genetically incorporated aggression towards all people who are not members of the family, as well as animals, walks with it will be practically impossible.

In addition, a stranger will simply not be able to enter the apartment, the saga of the koche will be against it, and it’s good if the dog only bark at the guest.

The dog defines the boundaries of the protected area himself. And very often it is not only a house, a yard and a fenced plot. People who have never seen such dogs before may look sleepy and slow, but this is not true. The apparent relaxation of the dog says only that he accumulates the strength to "jerk" from the place with lightning speed, if he decides that someone else is coming to the house

The attack of the saga koche is swift and powerful, therefore if you are not confident in your own abilities, do not enter the houses where the sago koche live.

There are only 2 kennels of saga koche in the world. For example, from European countries only Germany can offer for sale puppies of this breed. The German kennel is periodically replenished with dogs from Afghanistan, this is done in order to maintain the purity of the breed.

The cost of a puppy saga koche starts from 18.5 thousand rubles (2019). This is if making a purchase in Afghanistan.

And in the German nursery the price is 3-4 times higher. You also need to coordinate with the breeder the purchase of a puppy in Russia, since they do not always agree to this.

The shepherds of Afghanistan have chosen and continue to choose the saga koche puppies like this: they squat down in front of each of them and make cotton palms right in front of the baby's nose.

This dog was not created to live in a city apartment, or to sit on a chain (no dog was created for the chain).

Much better for an animal, so that at night you can go out and run around the territory.

Of course, the area around the house must be securely fenced, otherwise strangers may suffer, which the dog will take for others and throw.

Regularly (every day) you need to inspect the eyes and ears of a dog, but a puppy should be taught these procedures. An adult dog will not understand the owner's manipulations and become angry.

If a dog enters the house, it is necessary to wipe its paws (and it is also advisable to teach her to this at puppyhood).

You have to spend a lot of time with her she can't be alone.

If you do not pay attention to this animal for a long time, then aggression and strength will prevail over common sense and obedience.

Representatives of the breed are completely unpretentious in food. After all, since ancient times, their food was like a camel - to eat, how and what happens, and to drink, when possible. The dogs accompanied the caravans and were accustomed to a very meager set of products. Survival was ensured only by the strongest and most undemanding animals.

This does not mean that modern sausages should be kept on bread and water. They should have constant access to clean drinking water, as well as regular and hearty meals.

The more exercise a dog regularly experiences, the more protein (that is, meat) he needs. Otherwise, it will be difficult for her to maintain her excellent health at the proper level.

If the owner wants to transfer the dog to dry food, it must be a good, expensive composition of the “holistic” category.

Since saga koche is a street breed, it does not need frequent hygienic procedures. However, as the pollution (for example, slushy in autumn and spring) the dog needs to wash its paws, and if it lives in the house, then after each walk.

Mainly representatives of the breed live in Afghanistan.

Russians more often give birth to Alabayev. Combing wool is necessary 2-3 times a week, physical activity - daily. If the dog participates in an exhibition, before it starts, you must wash the dog with a special dry shampoo.

The problem of training and education of the Afghan shepherd one - the independence of the nature of the dog. She is devoted to the owner, loves him, but she has big problems with obedience. And if you remember what physical strength this breed possesses and how tough her character is, then it will be very difficult for a novice dog planting owner to cope with a dog. To explain who is in charge of the house, the owner must once - clearly and strictly.

Previously, the dog was advised to beat, and the advice came from dog handlers. Now cruelty to animals is unacceptable. Explain your leadership position through words and intonation.

This breed needs constant physical exertion because it has been used to it historically. City conditions are not suitable for this.

Therefore, the dog must be kept only in a private house with a large fenced areawhere the dog can move around a lot without harming his activity to others. Classes with a professional canine should be regular from an early age.

A small clip from the Tajik nursery about Saga koche (Afghan Shepherd Dog) can be viewed below.