Presenting Alabay dog breed, I should say that according to FCI it is a sheep-dog from Central Asia. But why ALABAY?
First of all, this breed remained mostly untouched in Turkmenistan. It originates from there.
Secondly, all Central Asian dog breeders admit that the genofond which has extended in other countries comes from Turkmenistan.
Thirdly, АLABAY is a national treasure of Turkmenistan which other countries should not appropriate. Unfortunately, it did not went this way and today this breed is officially called Central Asian sheep-dogs. This breed has extended not only on all Central Asia region, but also across the former Soviet Union. Today they do not avoid presenting this breed as Russian. And there is a reason for it. The breed mutated and gained a new character, also standards have changed. It is only possible to guess that another blood has been poured in. Large dogs have become fashionable.
I will not present Central Asian standards of sheep-dogs as they can be found. My purpose is to allocate which features characterize or distinguish ALABAY from Central Asian sheep-dogs.
ALABAY is a working dog in Turkmenistan. Basically, its aim is to protect sheep herds from predators and to protect owner`s property. This had the basic attention in these dogs selection throughout centuries. They were raised and deduced, keeping the best working qualities. For this purpose not only the best selectional experience has been used by Turkmen, but also natural selection. Only the strongest survived and had the right of the nature to breed. In consequence, the soldier dog was generated. It can enter a battle without any compromises with anyone invading their protected territory. Another integral feature - teamwork. There is a very evident hierarchy in the group. The dominant male is not only the leader of the group, but also the co-coordinator of the relationships in it. The main enemy during collisions - wolf. Impudent, organized and furious enough. So here ALABAY abilities appear. At first youth announces the alarm, then females enters in, and if intruders do not disengage a "heavy artillery", males, enter. All group operates in an organized and precise manner. Outstanding males are able to fight with several wolves at the same time and still win. Stories about them spread, they have been appreciated and people wished to breed them in their groups. Turkmen tested these males in fights with other males since ancient times to define the champion of region or country. It is the old tradition, which does not have anything in common with aggression, but very precisely specifies a way of selection. It can appear inhumane to the Europeans. Then why we test hunting dogs with wild animals? Why does hunter need husky which "does not go" on a wild boar? Who needs fox terrier which cannot get a fox from a hole?
АLABAY is a mighty creation. Even physique forces to act respectfully with it. Quiet, solid and even a little bit phlegmatic at first sight. But as soon as it feels danger, it can blow up as a nuclear bomb. Owner, his family and his property is sacred to it. It will protect till the last gasp. And will never show any aggression against them.
АLABAY is the child of nature. Freedom is more important to it than food. Especially in Turkmenistan, shepherds have no possibility to feed the dogs completely. They are obliged to provide themselves with food. Flapjack often happens to be the only thing they get from the shepherd.
There are no conditions in Lithuania for the dogs to live easily on the loose. But if someone has this luck, the Asian will be the happiest and healthiest dog. My dogs always choose a ride instead of food.
So what distinguishes АLABAY from Central Asian sheep-dogs? I would say force, courage and fighting capacity. Their physique is much more chilly. As Turkmen comment, the Central Asian sheep-dogs who today take first places at exhibitions are so well-fed that in Turkmenian conditions they could not only fight with a wolf, but also would not be able to chase the herd.
I wish to keep congenital features of this breed and call it ALABAY.