Introduction to the Breed

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the the oldest dog breeds in the world. According to historical findings, it appears to have remained unchanged for about 4000 years.

Russia is recognised as the country of origin for the Central Asian Ovcharka, thus the Russian name "Ovcharka" which ranslates from Russian as "Shepherd's dog". However it would be more correct to specify that in fact this dog is native to quite a number of countries. Some of those countries were part of the former USSR at the time the native dog populations of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tadjikistan were first researched and described by Russian scientists and the first ever standard for the breed was developed.

A shepherd with a boy-servant and dogs - picture on a silver cup from Northern Afghanistan, 3500-1700BC. Louvre, Paris

The official standard (FCI #335) covers a large group of molosser type dogs with common roots, native to and widely distributed in the Asian part of the former USSR and Middle East since approximately 2000bc. This dog carried the characteristics of the ancient mastiff through at least 3000 years of its existence in a semi-primitive state, practically unnoticed by kynological enthusiasts until the end of the 19th century.

Terracotta statue found in Turkmenistan, 2000BC. The statue shows that the cropping of the ears and the tail was done the same way as today.

The territory of Middle Asia includes many countries, some of which consist mostly of deserts and/or steppes, and others - of high mountains. It is very diverse not only in climate and landscapes but also in the cultures of the native peoples inhabiting it. But what has always been, and still is, common between all these regions is the extreme living conditions for both human and dog, constant struggle for food, harsh cold winters, very hot and dry summers and an abundance of both large and small predators, always requiring the highest level of performance from livestock guardian dogs.

For many reasons, such as difficult accessibility and political reasons, Middle Asian countries remained relatively isolated and, therefore, almost uninfluenced by the changes taking place in the outside world - until recent times. That part of the world is amazingly rich with unique authentic breeds of animals, but provides very scarce sources of information about its treasures. Not long ago horse fanciers around the world "discovered" the Turkmen "heavenly horse" - Akhal-Teke, recognised now as the ancestor of the Arabian, and getting praise for taking part in the creation of the Thoroughbred.

Only now, researching the notes of occasional travellers, old sculptures, paintings and native folklore, are we starting to learn about the world’s oldest native guardian dog — the Sredneaziatskaya Ovcharka.

During wars, revolutions and government changes, these dogs kept doing their jobs - guarding flocks from predators and houses from thieves, and following caravans along the trade routes.

In the most native cultures dogs were not part of the family, often left fending for themselves, keeping busy with their own lives, not bothering people, usually resting in the shade during the heat of the day. Only occasional explosions of fights between large males would attract attention to the dogs, entertaining men.

Unlike many other old breeds, that have been lost somewhere along the history path when their services were no longer required by men, these dogs have never been out of a job: at all times big ferocious dogs were considered an important asset by every proprietor, no matter what his possessions were — huge flocks of sheep, or just a small house, or a beautiful daughter. This is probably why time made almost no impact on the appearance and temperament of these dogs. Instead, generation after generation, century by century, they’ve been slowly and thoroughly polished by mother nature with little help from man, for the skills needed to survive and for doing their job: outstanding intellect, combined with highly instinctive and intuitive behaviour, enormous physical strength and size, adaptability, hardiness and a very stable nervous system.

Over the centuries, native dogs of Middle Asia formed large, rather homogeneous populations, characterised by very distinctive and consistently inherited features, which now allow us to call them a breed.

Today Central Asian Ovcharka is still a rare breed in the USA and Australia but over the last 20 years has gained enormous popularity in Eastern Europe and its country of origin - Russia, where it was named the most popular breed in 2003.

This breed's physical and mental soundness make it a truly versatile breed, highly adaptable to many conditions and lifestyles and successful in different fields. CAO's roles in the modern world include police and military work, personal protection, country property and livestock guarding, family companionship, sport, hunting and, of course, Show career.

More about origin of Central Asian Ovcharka and its relation to modern mastiff breeds:

http://www.moloss.com/breeds/stuvx/s007/ . Also please check our "Links" page for more resourses on Central Asian Mastiff