How is life, alabay? Dog expert told about the goals of the new breeding complex
Today, the Turkmen alabay has become a media person and it is true. The interest in the alabay has significantly grown up after President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s Book on Turkmen Alabay came out. In Turkmenistan and abroad, articles, historical information about this ancient breed of dogs and commentaries of dog experts are being issued. After the opening in September this year of the complex of facilities of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” Economic Society in Ak Bugday district of Akhal region, the topic has attracted even more interest.
There is a proverb: “It's better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times.” The ORIENT correspondent visited the center for breeding of alabays and now shares with the readers.
Indeed, there is everything necessary for development of this unique breed of dogs. The complex includes modern laboratory, spacious open-air cages, premises for feeding, washing and training dogs, indoor training ground, etc.
Of course, much attention is paid to the veterinary service in the center. We think that suffering from various diseases is a “privilege” of humans only, but dogs, like people, also suffer from diabetes, cardiovascular, nervous and other diseases. And they also need to be treated; the center provides a high level veterinary services.
Here, in the center, we talked with dog expert and consultant Batyr Muhamedov who has a great experience in dog breeding. He informed us about the goals of the center.
- The kennel is aimed not only for breeding and boarding alabays, but also for preservation of the genetics of the breed. for the Turkmens, alabays are not only a true friend, but also the heritage of our ancestors, as the breed was originated for thousands years ago from natural selection and artificial selection. Now we have about 90 dogs here.
According to him, in natural conditions, in the morning, together with a flock of sheep, the young dogs go to pasture, where they learn from experienced alabays how to behave in certain situations. If the wolf attacks, the puppies are in the center of the flock. Over the growing up of dogs, shepherds begin to study their abilities, courage, endurance, and if these qualities are well shown in a dog, then they are used for giving a birth to a new generation.
Muhamedov believes that alabay dogs, first of all, are characterized not by anatomical or color signs, but by character. These features are fearlessness, devotion, a friendly attitude towards children.
According to the dog expert, alabay determines the perimeter in which its owners are located, their property, and begins to protect it. Alabay is aggressive only to strangers who come very close to the perimeter or enter it.
Talking about the breed representatives abroad, Muhamedov emphasized that almost all champions of the Turkmen alabay breed in other countries, and in particular Russia, refer to Turkmenistan, as the real elite of these dogs is breeded here.
“This is a very hardworking dog, which is especially noticeable in nature, on pastures,” the dog consultant said in conclusion.
