The Central Asian Shepherd is a Group 2 dog: Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molossoids, Mountain Dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs. Like all dogs in this group, it is very resistant and with an innate territorial instinct. Its courage in the face of large predators is characteristic.

The Central Asian Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds. The race was formed by natural selection over more than four thousand years in the vast territory which, today, extends from the Caspian Sea to China and from the Southern Urals to Afghanistan. Its heritage comes from the oldest dogs of Tibet and the herdsmen of nomadic tribes which are very close to the Mongolian Shepherd and the Tibetan Mastiff. The Central Asian Shepherd was used mainly to protect livestock, caravans and the homes of his owner; he was accustomed to being subjected to harsh natural selection. Extreme living conditions and a constant fight against predators influenced the build of the dog as well as its character, making it strong, fearless and teaching it to save its energy. In primary dwelling places it was used mainly to protect herds from predators and as a guard dog. Work on race began in the USSR in the 1930s.

The Central Asian Shepherd is a dog with a harmonious physique and large size. Males are more massive and courageous than females; they have a more pronounced withers and a larger head. Males measure a minimum of 70cm at the withers, and females a minimum of 65cm. It has massive bones and powerful musculature. Its skin is thick, sufficiently elastic and often forms folds in the neck region. Its head is massive, wide in the skull region with strongly developed zygomatics, the forehead is flat, the stop barely marked. The eyes are dark, widely spaced, rounded, set straight. The coat is coarse, straight with a developed undercoat. On the head and the front of the limbs the hair is short, lying well against the skin. The coat of the Central Asian Ovtcharka is white, black, gray, straw, red, grey-brown, tabby, piebald and spotted.

The Central Asian Shepherd is an extremely strong dog and resistant to all types of climates. Like all large dogs, there is reason to be vigilant regarding dysplasia. Apart from this common joint condition, this breed does not have any genetic diseases to screen for. Needless to say, however, that an annual visit to the veterinarian is necessary for all dogs. Concerning maintenance, weekly brushing is sufficient.

The Central Asian Shepherd is a quiet and calm dog. Accustomed to work, he is docile and very tolerant of orders. This is a dog that will appreciate a stable, firm and structured education based on consistency and mental stimulation, much through voice and non-verbal communication. It has a very extensive language code which is linked to its past as a nomadic dog: dogs communicated kilometers apart. Today we can sometimes think that he holds real conversations with those around him. This distance has also developed its hearing and sense of smell. Accustomed to long journeys in all conditions, it is a robust and enduring dog, which gives off an impression of quiet, imperturbable strength. Accustomed to covering enormous distances and living in large areas, it is not a city dog. He needs space and exercise, both physical and mental. Be careful, however, that like all guard dogs, he has a very developed protective instinct and the Central Asian Shepherd is known for stopping at nothing. to defend his surroundings/his territory. It is therefore important to develop good communication with your dog in order to hear his prevention messages (this shepherd dog always warns for a long time, often by growling before barking) and avoid any accidents. He remains very suspicious of strangers, reserving his loyalty and affection for his family. Good intensive socialization from an early age with the breeder is essential and must be continued into adulthood. The Shepherd of Asia Centrale is truly the ideal combination of the peaceful and bold dog, affectionate towards his family and protective towards intruders.