Turkmen Alabay or Central Asian Shepherd Dog

The Turkmen Alabay 🐶 is a large and powerful breed of livestock guardian dog originating from Turkmenistan. Known for their strength, loyalty, and protective instincts, these dogs have traditionally been used by Turkmen shepherds to guard livestock, primarily sheep and goats, from predators such as wolves and thieves.

They are characterized by their muscular build, thick coat, and distinctive appearance. The breed is highly regarded for its intelligence, bravery, and devotion to its owners, making them valued companions and guardians in their native region.

Real sheepdogs learn to protect against wolves even before they’re born. Their parents need to be strong and purebred dogs. During the gestation period, the female dog is provided with supplemental nutrition. Usually, there are no more than four puppies born after two months and ten days. Then, the shepherds pick the strongest puppy using different methods and start looking after the rest of them.

A puppy that stays with its mom and drinks her milk is called “Yekemen” which means “The only me”. This is because the puppy is raised to be stronger and braver than others. The puppy gets special food and trained every day.

The image of the Turkmen Alabay is placed on the state medals “People’s Dog Breeder of Turkmenistan” and “Honored Dog Breeder of Turkmenistan”. In 2020, a 15-meter Alabay monument was opened in Ashgabat.