Dog is one of the first domesticated animals. The terracotta figurines featuring alabai and the remains of ancient large dogs were found in ancient settlements on the territory of Turkmenistan as well as in the ancient towns of the antique epoch and the Middle Ages. Ceramic vessels and stamps depicting dogs that are traced back to III-II millennia BC are exhibited in the museum of history.
Alabai is one of the most ancient dog breeds, which were evolved within more than 4,000 years on the territory stretching from the Caspian Sea to China and from the Southern Urals to Afghanistan. This breed has the blood of the ancient dogs of Asia in their veins, shepherd dogs of different nomadic tribes and dog fighting breeds of Mesopotamia. These large dogs that have a shoulder height starting from 65 cm, large and heavy head on the low set, short, massive neck the coat is thick, hard and straight.
The colourful diorama “Spring time” exhibited in the ethnographic museum presents the panorama of the mountain foothills with the flocks of gazing off sheep. Women milk sheep, lambs gathered together in shelters in the distance and a shepherd with his faithful companion – alabai are in the foreground.
The Turkmen people developed the combination of useful qualities of this dog breed and the skills handed over from generation to generation. The competitions between the best representatives of the breed took place in many villages. In Soviet times, degrees were assigned to these dogs. A photo of alabai named Arlan, which was made in 1940, is kept in the State Museum. The dog from the Samsonovo state farm in Kerki area received the Ist grade certificate at the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSHV).
Turkmen painters do not ignore alabais. Byashim Nurali depicted the dog in the foreground in his work “Bakhshi among shepherds”. The artist depictured white-haired alabai. This coat pattern is not usual for this dog breed. Usually, there are black spots in the dog's coat - the name of the dog – alabai means ‘ala’ - piebald and ‘bai’ - rich.
A faithful friend and protector, friendly, strong and devoted dog that accompanied the Turkmen people throughout its long history - alabai has become the official mascot of the 2017 Asian Games. This choice proves that the Turkmen people honour the historical heritage and traditions. Moreover, this positive and energetic dog symbolizes the goodwill, hospitality and triumphal spirit.
Alabai is one of the most ancient dog breeds, which were evolved within more than 4,000 years on the territory stretching from the Caspian Sea to China and from the Southern Urals to Afghanistan. This breed has the blood of the ancient dogs of Asia in their veins, shepherd dogs of different nomadic tribes and dog fighting breeds of Mesopotamia. These large dogs that have a shoulder height starting from 65 cm, large and heavy head on the low set, short, massive neck the coat is thick, hard and straight.
The colourful diorama “Spring time” exhibited in the ethnographic museum presents the panorama of the mountain foothills with the flocks of gazing off sheep. Women milk sheep, lambs gathered together in shelters in the distance and a shepherd with his faithful companion – alabai are in the foreground.
The Turkmen people developed the combination of useful qualities of this dog breed and the skills handed over from generation to generation. The competitions between the best representatives of the breed took place in many villages. In Soviet times, degrees were assigned to these dogs. A photo of alabai named Arlan, which was made in 1940, is kept in the State Museum. The dog from the Samsonovo state farm in Kerki area received the Ist grade certificate at the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSHV).
Turkmen painters do not ignore alabais. Byashim Nurali depicted the dog in the foreground in his work “Bakhshi among shepherds”. The artist depictured white-haired alabai. This coat pattern is not usual for this dog breed. Usually, there are black spots in the dog's coat - the name of the dog – alabai means ‘ala’ - piebald and ‘bai’ - rich.
A faithful friend and protector, friendly, strong and devoted dog that accompanied the Turkmen people throughout its long history - alabai has become the official mascot of the 2017 Asian Games. This choice proves that the Turkmen people honour the historical heritage and traditions. Moreover, this positive and energetic dog symbolizes the goodwill, hospitality and triumphal spirit.
