The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (CASD) is one of the most striking of the rare molosser breeds. This robust and courageous dog can be a hidden treasure as a watchful guard—but only for the experienced dog owner.
This ancient breed was originally brought up across Central Asia by nomadic tribes, serving to protect livestock from predators and property from intruders and thieves. In addition to being one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence, the CASD is among the most resilient, having been developed in harsh climates that ranged from hot and dry to extremely cold and windy. As the breed developed naturally in such conditions, only the hardiest of dogs were able to survive.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is rarely seen in the United States today, but it is still found in a working capacity across Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The breed is very popular in Russia where the Breed Standard was adapted.
This is a very large breed that needs sizable accommodations to live a happy and healthy life. Ranging from 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighing 88 to 110 pounds, the CASD is an impressive and imposing dog, indeed.
The FCI Breed Standard describes the breed’s overall appearance as follows:
“The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is of harmonious build and large stature, moderately long (neither long nor short in body). Robust, muscular body, voluminous, but not with visible muscles. Sexual dimorphism is clearly defined. The males are more massive and courageous than females with more pronounced withers and a larger head. Full maturity is reached by the age of 3 years.”
If the Central Asian Shepherd Dog sounds like a breed that you’d potentially like to make a part of your life, here’s a look into five things to know before bringing home one of these ancient protectors:
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an adaptable breed. Throughout its history and over a broad area, the breed has proven its ability to adapt to diverse climates. This resiliency has been proven by the dogs’ capacity to adjust to a variety of extreme environments across Central Asia. The CASD has been able to thrive in such difficult terrain thanks in part to its insulating double coat.
In many ways, this is a dog that can adjust well to life on a modern working ranch or farm. Apartment living and small residences without ample room to roam are strongly advised against.
There’s a common misperception that guard dogs are barkers. However, many breeds that fall into this category aren’t exactly vocal—they bark mostly only when needed to alert for strangers or a potential form of danger. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog falls firmly into this category, and many people who have worked around this breed describe the dogs as having “relaxed” personalities.
But don’t take this description to infer that the CASD does not mean business when it comes to protecting its master and property. This molosser was primarily bred to guard livestock and it continues to serve this purpose admirably to the present day. And alluding to a relaxed personality largely has to do with the fact that this is not a dog that requires hours of strenuous exercise. Instead, a daily walk and generous living accommodations with an ample backyard are typically recommended by those who have had success with the breed.
If you’re into novelty and have an appreciation for history, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more intriguing breed than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. The CASD is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. Originating from Central Asia, these dogs spread across the region from the Caspian Sea to China, and from Southern Ural to Afghanistan.
Most dog breeds of this size have a shorter life expectancy than their smaller counterparts, usually living roughly 10 years. But the Central Asian Shepherd Dog tends to live a longer life, with an average lifespan sitting between 12 and 17 years—with some individuals living even longer than that. Environment, level of care, diet, and genetics all play a role in how long each unique dog may be expected to live. It’s important to take into consideration that breeders who only select XXL dogs tend to produce CASD with a shortened life expectancy. The dogs from kennels advertising XXL heavyweights will often not live even nine years and will likely have plenty of health issues and almost no stamina.
The Central Asian Shepherd tends to be a largely bold and independent breed, and, while intelligent, this dog can be a bit stubborn and difficult to train at times.
The FCI Breed Standard describes the CASD’s temperament as “self assured, balanced, quiet, proud and independent.”
“The dogs are very courageous and have high working capacity, endurance and a natural instinct of territory,” it continues. “Fearlessness towards large predators is a characteristic feature.”
To their owners, when trained properly, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a loyal, affectionate gentle giant that is protective in a healthy capacity. However, for a breed of this size with a tendency to be suspicious of strangers, it is important to get to formal obedience classes early on from puppyhood. It is equally imperative to make sure your young CASD is exposed to a wide variety of different environments, noises, people, and animals from the start.
