The Central Asian Shepherd is a very ancient breed with a history stretching back thousands of years. To adapt to the demands of guarding flocks, it developed a calm, steady nature but also an extreme wariness of strangers. These characteristics are advantages during work, but when the breed is kept as a household pet, they become obvious disadvantages. That is one reason the Central Asian Shepherd is generally not ideal for ordinary family life.
Central Asian Shepherd Intelligence
Most shepherd breeds are regarded as highly intelligent, such as the Border Collie and the Rough Collie, because herding is a complex job. The Central Asian Shepherd, however, is not built in quite the same way. This dog is known more for calmness and fearlessness than for exceptional intelligence. It carries the blood of several ancient mastiff-type dogs, and its intelligence is generally considered no more than average. Most very ancient breeds are not especially high in intelligence, and since the Central Asian Shepherd has a history of around 5,000 to 6,000 years, it is not surprising that it is not an especially quick learner.
Drawbacks of the Central Asian Shepherd
The Central Asian Shepherd is one of the very ancient mastiff-type dogs and has long been used to guard livestock. It has a large body and a lively, cheerful character, which means it needs a great deal of living space and room for activity. One obvious drawback is the amount of food it consumes. The breed needs a large intake of food and nutrients every day. In addition to dog food, owners often need to provide eggs, meat, and other protein-rich foods. Because it is already a large breed with a strong appetite, it also needs enough daily exercise to use up its abundant energy. Running in open areas and regular activity are important for maintaining both fitness and control.
There is also one especially serious disadvantage: the breed can be quite stubborn and has a clear attack tendency. Years of selective breeding made the Central Asian Shepherd highly suitable for flock guarding. It is extremely wary of unfamiliar people and unfamiliar things. Once it believes that something has entered its territory, it may attack without hesitation. That powerful guarding instinct is exactly why the breed is not considered suitable for city life or for being left alone with children.