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The hardy Central Asian Shepherd Dog was originally found protecting the flocks and property of nomadic tribesmen of Central Asia, and dogs of this type can still be found guarding flocks in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The harsh climate in which the breed evolved'ranging from bitterly cold and windy or extremely hot and dry'has produced a powerful, massive working dog with a mind of its own. At minimum, CA Shepherds should be 25 ½ inches at the withers for males, and 23 ½ inches for females. No maximum height is set in the standard, so these dogs are often much larger, but the weight usually ranges from 90 to 150 pounds. The CA Shepherd boasts a huge head with facial wrinkles and a muscular neck with thick neckfolds. The heavy-set dog is protected by a weather-resistant double coat that may be short (1 ½- to 2-inch coat) or long (2 ¾- to 3-inch coat), with abundant furnishings on the ears, neck, hind legs and tail. The ears and tail are usually, but not always, cropped and docked. When left natural, the tapered, sickle-shaped tail curves gently down to the dog's hock. The dark-eyed CA Shepherd comes in lots of different colors, including white, black, gray, straw, red-brown and gray-brown, which may be brindled, parti-colored or ticked. The steady, even-tempered Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an independent thinker that needs a job to do and wide-open spaces at home. This breed is a devoted family dog, but tends to be suspicious of strange people or dogs. Early and extensive socialization as well as patient, consistent training are essential.

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