Central Asian Shepherd: Livestock Guardian Dog Breed

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The Central Asian Shepherd is one of the oldest known dog breeds in the world. Known for its strength and stamina, this beautiful dog has a lot of potential.

Does the Central Asian Shepherd make a good livestock guardian? Yes, these dogs can make excellent livestock guardian dogs as they have been bred to do so for thousands of years. However, it is important to note that they have also been bred for military and fighting dog purposes – you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a dog from a working line.

Does the Central Asian Shepherd make a good pet? Yes, these dogs can make magnificent household companions as long as they are properly socialized and trained. This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners as they can be challenging to train and can be very aggressive to other dogs.

Central Asian Shepherds have been very successful as working dogs, and have made excellent guardians to many ranches and homesteads. Below, you will find everything you need to help you decide if the Central Asian Shepherd is right for you! And for information on how to train livestock guardian dog breeds with positive methods, check out a review on my favorite training program here.

Other Names: Central Asian Ovcharka, Sredneasiatskaia Ovcharka, Central Asiatic Ovcharka, Middle Asian Ovcharka

Central Asian Shepherd at a Glance

Characteristics	Central Asian Shepherd
Male Size	Height: 27-31" Weight: 110-145 lbs
Female Size	Height: 22-29" Weight: 88-125 lbs
Barking Frequency	Can be high, particularly at night, females may howl
Fencing Required	High and strong
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Human Aggression	Suspicious of strangers, good with children
Other Dog Aggression	High with unfamiliar dogs
Training	Lifetime socialization necessary, can be challenging to train
Coat	Double coat, short- and long-haired varieties
Grooming	Low-moderate
Lifespan	12-14 years
Age to Maturity	2-3 years
Cost (in U.S.)	$1200-$2000
Food Requirements	2070-5785 cal/day
Health Problems	Hip and elbow displasia
Similar Breeds	Caucasian Ovcharka, Armenian Gampr
Availability (in U.S.)	Uncommon

Central Asian Shepherd Personality/Temperament

The Central Asian Shepherd is especially known for its independent nature, dominance, reactivity, courageousness, and self-confidence. As far as livestock guardian dog breeds go, they tend to have lower energy levels than most. Because of this, and the high variability in their breeding lines, they have become more commonly kept as household pets than as livestock guardian dogs. Their rarity as working dogs, however, does not exclude them from being successful in that role.

Central Asian Shepherd Livestock Guardian Traits

The Central Asian Shepherd is fairly low energy when threats are not present. However, they are active defenders that use aggression in an escalating manner once any threat makes itself known. They begin to warn predators of their presence by barking and charging. If the predator continues to advance, the dog will fearlessly prepare to fight them. However, they typically cease to pursue the predator after it has left their property/territory. Whether or not your property is entirely fenced off, they will be instinctively aware of where their territory ends.

This breed does bark – especially at night – to ward off predators. Female Central Asian Shepherds also employ a howl that can be ear-splitting. If you have neighbors that reside in close proximity to your property, you may want to let them know your dog may bark at night and the reasoning behind their noise. By properly communicating, you can save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run. For more on why livestock guardian dogs bark and how to handle “excessive” barking, see my article, Livestock Guardian Dogs and Barking.

The Central Asian Shepherd is a more social livestock guardian dog breed than many others. It has been said that they bond with their humans first and the flock second – this can become problematic, but most of the time won’t interfere with the protection of the flock. On a positive note, this can make them more obedient and trainable! For help with obedience training using positive methods (an absolute must for Central Asian Shepherds), I highly recommend the online program, Brain Training for Dogs (affiliate link). For a thorough review of what the program includes, the things I love about it, and the things I dislike about it, see my review article here.

Along these same lines, it is important to note that their orientation towards people make them unsuitable for remote work where they will not be around their handler very often. They are also very good with children – children are considered part of the dog’s “property” and will be well protected.

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As long as they are properly socialized and introduced, these dogs will be accepting of visitors. However, if their owner is not present, they may be aggressive towards anyone that enters their territory – even if the person is known to them. They are highly protective of their family and property and will not back down.

They can also be highly dog aggressive. Cat Urbigkit talks about her Central Asian Shepherd’s aggression toward other dogs in her book, Brave and Loyal: An Illustrated Celebration of Livestock Guardian Dogs (Amazon link). She says:

“Rant, one of our Central Asian Ovcharkas, has a high level of canine aggression [which] made him a dangerous threat to canine predators, and his enthusiasm for initiating attack – actively challenging predators – made him appropriate for guardian duty within wolf range.”

Although her dog’s canine aggression worked out in her favor (as she lives in wolf country and needs this type of protection), you’ll want to carefully introduce any unfamiliar dogs as they may perceive them as a threat and attack. The Central Asian Shepherd should do fine with other family pets as long as they have been raised with them.

The Central Asian Shepherd tends to work well with other livestock guardian dogs. In fact, if placed with other working dogs of the same breed, they will tend to naturally split the work – some will stay with the stock while others might find a high point to watch over the property. This can be much more effective than just having one or two dogs to guard your livestock.

One potential pitfall to this breed is their history as fighting dogs. When you purchase a Central Asian Shepherd to work as a livestock guardian, you’ll want to make sure to do your research and discuss the dog’s history at length with the breeder. The fighting dog lines can be much more aggressive and these dogs have a higher prey drive. This can cause problems with the livestock.

Unless you live on a massive ranch, the Central Asian Shepherd will need high and strong fencing as they were historically used by nomads and their territories were highly spread out. You’ll want a fence that is at least six feet high. In addition, these dogs do tend to dig – you may want to invest in fencing that runs underground.

Be aware that this breed can take longer to mature and to be trustworthy with the stock. It is important to supervise your Central Asian Shepherd with the stock until you are 100% sure they are properly bonded with their charges and understand their role.

Lastly, if you are planning on purchasing a Central Asian Shepherd to work as a livestock guardian dog, be prepared to keep them with you for life – whether or not they work out as guardians. Because of their tendencies to strongly bond with their families and property, it can be extremely hard and heartbreaking for an adult Central Asian Shepherd to be given away. Supposedly this is harder on them than other dog breeds (although I think this is incredibly stressful and upsetting for any dog). So please be absolutely certain you want this dog prior to purchasing one.

If you are thinking of getting Central Asian Shepherds for livestock guardian purposes, you may also be interested in:

Central Asian Shepherd Pet Traits

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In the United States, the Central Asian Shepherd is seen more commonly as a family companion than as a working dog. This is primarily due to the uncertainty of their breeding – many dogs come from non-working lines and won’t be suitable for livestock guarding. Regardless of their background, they are highly intelligent dogs that will be loyal to you from day one.

The Central Asian Shepherd does best with families who have time to socialize and exercise them properly. Though they have less energy than your typical livestock guardian dog breed, they are still meant to be working dogs and will need to expend that energy. Socialization throughout this dog’s life is also incredibly important. Because they are so protective of their family and property, it is especially crucial to get them used to strangers, other dogs, and children while they are puppies so they aren’t aggressive towards people/dogs coming into your home.

They also will require a lot of training, though their tendency to be people-oriented does make them easier to train than some other livestock guardian dog breeds. Make sure you are consistent, confident, and fair – they will appreciate and respect you for this. As with all dogs, positive training is the best approach.

If you want to learn how to obedience train your dog using positive training methods, check out the online program, Brain Training for Dogs (affiliate link). This program is perfect for people who want to raise a livestock guardian dog as a pet. If you want to know why, see my review article here.

These dogs are absolutely not meant for apartment life and may not be a good breed to purchase if you live in the city – they tend to bark quite a bit, especially at night (see my article, Train Your Central Asian Shepherd to Stop Barking, for ways to control this). They do best in a home with a large yard and an inside spot to sleep at night. They also really enjoy hiking and walking – environments where this can happen year-round are ideal.

The Central Asian Shepherd may not be for you if you are a first-time dog owner. Don’t bite off more than you can chew – this breed can be a handful and does not do well when re-homed. Make sure you have lots of time on your hands for positive training and that you are fully committed to making things work with the dog.

If you are thinking of getting a Central Asian Shepherd as a pet, you may also be interested in:

Central Asian Shepherd Livestock Guardian Dog History

Place of Origin: Central Asia

Traditional Livestock Guarded: Sheep, goats

Traditional Predators: Wolves, bears, jackals, hyenas, foxes, lynx, cheetahs, and mountain or snow leopards

Central Asian Shepherd Livestock Guardian Dog Lifestyle

For thousands of years, the Central Asian Shepherd has been used as a livestock guardian dog to protect sheep and goats against a myriad of threatening predators. Historically, they traveled with nomads according to the seasons – to the highlands during the summer and the lowlands during the winter months. In addition to guarding flocks and herds, they also guarded caravans, homes, and villages.

Central Asian Shepherd Additional History

The Central Asian Shepherd is one of the oldest livestock guardian dog breeds in history. Their origins date back to 3000 B.C. It is thought that they traveled on the Silk Road trade routes alongside nomads and their herds of sheep, goats, and camels. Because of this, it has been highly speculated that the Central Asian Shepherd might have been bred with the Tibetan Mastiff, but because they are such an ancient breed, it is hard to tell for sure.

These dogs were not purposefully bred with any other breed, nor were they bred by selection. They have been naturally shaped by the climate and environments in which they have lived for thousands of years to become the impressive breed they are today.

Previously lumped together with many other breeds from the same area, the Central Asian Shepherd was given its official name in the 1930s and gained quite a bit of recognition. However, at this time during the 20th century, there was also great deal of unrest in many of the Eastern countries. The Soviet Union’s rule impeded many sheepherding activities and greatly reduced the amount of traditional livestock guardian dogs – including the Central Asian Shepherd. Though a popular dog, they were no longer needed to guard livestock. This is the time when many were bred to be fighting dogs, which now makes it difficult to obtain a dog from a pure working line.

In the 1990s, many countries were freed from Soviet rule. With this freedom came the ability to export these dogs from Russia or Central Asia to Europe and North America.

Other Central Asian Shepherd Jobs

The Central Asian Shepherd has also been used as guard dogs, military dogs, and fighting dogs.

Central Asian Shepherd Appearance

Central Asian Shepherd Size

Height: 27 – 31 inches (male), 22 – 29 inches (female)

Weight: 110 – 145 lbs. (male), 88 – 125 lbs. (female)

For more on LGD breed sizes, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dog Sizes.

Central Asian Shepherd Colors

Because the Central Asian Shepherd is a landrace breed that has not been selectively bred, they vary quite a bit in appearance and come in a variety of colors. Those from their true origin – central Asia – are typically yellow, tan, brown, sable, brindle, or gray with white markings. Some have a black mask. Dogs who come from the Russian patrol lines are usually black and may or may not have markings.

Disclaimer: If your dog is not black with markings, it does not mean your Central Asian Shepherd came from a livestock guardian line for certain. You’ll want to discuss the dog’s history and temperament with your breeder at length.

Central Asian Shepherd Coat

The Central Asian Shepherd comes in both short- and long-haired varieties. Both types have a thick double coat that can be up to four inches in length (although shorter coats are more common). The outer coat has a coarser texture and is weatherproof, whereas the undercoat is soft and insulates against both hot and cold temperatures.

Central Asian Shepherd Head

The Central Asian Shepherd has a large, broad head that has a bear-like appearance. The muzzle is slimmer and can either be black or brown. Their eyes are deep-set and oval-shaped, typically hazel or brown in color. Traditionally, Central Asian Shepherds’ ears were cropped (a painful procedure) to prevent predators from biting them. Most dogs of this breed, working or not, will have cropped ears. If not, their ears are quite small for their head and hang by the side of their heads.

Central Asian Shepherd Body

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The Central Asian Shepherds are large, extremely powerful dogs. Their bodies are very muscular and have a more athletic appearance than some other livestock guardian dog breeds. Interesting fact – their bodies may actually be larger lengthwise than in height.

These dogs have thick necks and heavy dewlaps, but typically do not have large jowls.

Dogs with larger than average bodies or weights that exceed 150 pounds have likely been crossbred with larger breeds or selectively bred to be of extreme size. This may not interfere with their working qualities, but it can be helpful to know and understand where their genes come from.

Central Asian Shepherd Tail

The Central Asian Shepherd’s tail is nearly always cropped. Some dogs will have a very short “stub” of a tail while others may maintain some of its original length. If the tail is not docked at all, it is quite wide and will end in a crook-like shape. When the dog is excited, they will carry their uncropped tail curved over their back.

Central Asian Shepherd Grooming

The Central Asian Shepherd does not require as much grooming as some other livestock guardian dog breeds. Most have heavy sheds twice per year while this breed typically only sheds once per year! Extra brushing and care will be needed during this time to prevent matting and help them shed their fur more efficiently. You’ll likely need to purchase a pin brush (here on Amazon), a comb, and a deshedder.

While this dog doesn’t need to be bathed often, it is nice to scrub them once in awhile to freshen them up, especially if they are outside working hard a lot of the time.

Many livestock guardian breeds have nails that do not require regular trimming (although you should always check for cracking or overgrowth). However, this breed has nails that tend to grow faster than average, and are quite strong – they may not wear down naturally. You made need professional giant dog nail clippers.

Although all dogs should have their ears checked regularly, special attention should be given to the ears of working dogs. Because they are exposed to more dirt and debris on a regular basis, they can be prone to ear infections.

Veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth a few times per week to remove any plaque build up and prevent gum disease. You should also take your Central Asian Shepherd in for a professional tooth cleaning at least once per year.

For everything you could ever want to know about grooming Central Asian Shepherds, check out my guide, Grooming Central Asian Shepherds: The Ultimate Guide.

Central Asian Shepherd Diet/Eating Habits

The number of calories needed for the Central Asian Shepherd to function healthily and efficiently will vary depending on their weight and level of activity. Males will require anywhere from 2445 to 5785 calories per day. Females generally need fewer calories – ranging from 2070 to 5175 calories per day. See the table below for more specific estimates:

Central Asian Shepherd	Light Activity	Moderate Activity	High Activity
Male	2445-3470	2820-4045	3290-5785
Female	2070-3105	2385-3620	2785-5175

Especially as puppies, it is incredibly important to feed your Central Asian Shepherd a large to extra-large breed food. These are specifically formulated to ensure that your pup remains healthy and does not grow too fast. As your Central Asian Shepherd grows, continue to feed it a large breed dog food but can also add in some raw foods if your dog’s digestive system complies. Be careful not to overfeed, especially Central Asian Shepherds who are family companions because they are prone to obesity.

For advice on how to properly feed your Central Asian Shepherd, check out these resources:

Central Asian Shepherd Lifespan

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The lifespan of the Central Asian Shepherd is between 12-14 years, a longer than usual lifespan for a livestock guardian dog. However, this will vary depending on the dog’s lifestyle – a working dog living in harsh climates may not live to be as long, whereas a well-taken care of house dog might live longer.

The Central Asian Shepherd takes longer to mature than other livestock guardian breeds. Although they may be able to guard stock at two years old, supervision until three years of age is recommended. This will vary from dog to dog, however.

For more information on livestock guardian dog lifespans, what to expect from puppies, and how to care for older dogs, see my article, What is the Lifespan of a Livestock Guardian Dog.

Central Asian Shepherd Cost

Central Asian Shepherd puppies cost between $1200-$2000 in the United States. Those being imported may cost more. Beware of very inexpensive dogs – they may have come from a non-working dog line or if they are full-grown, may not have worked out as a livestock guardian dog.

If you are interested in adopting a Central Asian Shepherd from a rescue, check out my article, Rescue Livestock Guardian Dogs – Should You Get One?

Central Asian Shepherd Health Problems

Because the Central Asian Shepherd has not been inbred and is considered a landrace breed, the dogs generally have fewer health problems than other breeds that have undergone heavy artificial selection. However, like most large breed dogs, they will be at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia – simply because of their size.

Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds Similar to Central Asian Shepherds

Similar breeds include the Caucasian Ovcharka and the Armenian Gampr. For more information about the Caucasian Ovcharka, read my article, Caucasian Ovcharka: Livestock Guardian Dog Breed.

Central Asian Shepherd Breeders

If you’re interested in getting a Central Asian Shepherd, check out the website, Guardian Dog, for high-quality dogs. Central Asian Shepherd breeder, Katerina, is a certified dog trainer and has had experience with this breed since she was a teenager.

Katerina’s breeding dogs come from a kennel in Russia that breeds champion show dogs and guardians.

In the YouTube video below, you can see a couple of her dogs visiting a chicken coop.

“Our goal is to show the beauty, loyalty and capability of this breed to people who are in need of loving companions, property and family guards.”

— Katerina, Owner of Guardian Dog

Visit Katerina’s website, Guardian Dog, for more information.

What is the difference between the Caucasian Ovcharka and the Central Asian Shepherd?

The Central Asian Shepherd and the Caucasian Ovcharka are nearly identical breeds. They both come from ancient dog lines and both are likely to have originated from Mesopotamian areas. The Central Asian Shepherd tends to have a calmer, less reactive demeanor but is more people-oriented. The Caucasian Ovcharka is also stockier in appearance and is very headstrong – some have said they are more difficult to train. Both dogs have been used as livestock guardian dogs for thousands of years. However, the Central Asian Shepherd were traditionally employed by nomads and roam further than the Ovcharka. Read my article on the Caucasian Ovcharka here.