The history of the origin of the Alan breed, external standard, behavioral and health features, advice on care, training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. It was these dogs that Francis Goya depicted on his canvases. In the XIV century, they were written about as unsurpassed hunters. Unfortunately, they are not recognized by the canine organization solely because of their small number. Divorced only in Spain and Italy. Even in their historical homeland, there are still few of them. How often a tender child's soul lives under an unapproachable and threatening shell. They are affectionate and agile, but above all serious working animals.
The history of the origin of the Alanian fighting dog breed
During the domination of the Romans, the people of Alans came to the Iberian Peninsula. The warriors brought their dogs with them. Having appeared on the territory of Spain, they found a wild bull here. With their pets, people hunted these large and strong animals. After unsuccessful wars with the Visigoths, passing through the peninsula, the Alans went to North Africa and left some of their dogs in Spain.
The first written records of Alanian fighting dogs date back to the XIV century. It was then that the king of Castile and Leon, Alphonse XI, ordered to write a treatise on hunting with these dogs. It described: what should be the head, body, temperament, and also a bite. He said: "That they bite not because they are hungry, but because by nature they are endowed with a desire to capture everything that moves." The monarch was always accompanied by two dogs of this breed. He died of plague, during the siege of the fortress of Gibraltar in 1350. They say that until the last breath, next to him were his Alans. When people wanted to take his body to rest, the pets did not let anyone near him for a long time.
In historical chronicles, these fighting dogs are very often mentioned, in the context of the conquest of the peoples of South and Central America by the Spaniards. It was these animals that were in the detachment of Orlando Cortez, who conquered the Aztecs. For every enemy killed, four-legged warriors received money. Some fighting dogs were paid more than soldiers. In the army of the commander-in-chief there were only six hundred soldiers and sixty Alans. The Aztec capital was guarded by twelve thousand soldiers, but the capital fell without a fight. And all because among the peoples of Central and South America, dogs were considered a link between people and gods. When the people of the country saw people dressed in armor, and four-legged warriors with them, they bowed to them like gods, surrendered the capital and gave up all the riches.
In medieval Spain, they were used as hunting, pickling, sentry and even as nannies. When a man left for a long time in the field, they were left with a house, with the ability to make their own decisions. They were trusted completely and continue to do so to this day. Alans traditionally took part in a mass spectacle - bullfighting. At first, four dogs were released on the bull, when the first two died, another pair was released.
A struggle has been going on against this bloody spectacle for a long time. In the 20th century, the use of dogs in this "performance" was banned. The Alanian breed began to disappear, because a significant part of them were raised precisely for this. In 1915, driven hunting for large animals was also banned. Then a civil war broke out in Spain, and these "fighters" were on the verge of complete extinction.
Only in 1975 began the search for the remaining individuals for their revival. Veterinarian and cynologist Carlos Contreros found about 45 dogs, and based them on 10 pedigrees. In Spain, one and a half dozen dog breeders are engaged in them. Five of them, breed only show dogs. Currently, there are about 700 of them. The main selection criterion remains working qualities. Spanish dog handlers say that it is quite easy to restore according to external signs, it is more difficult to preserve their working essence. Usefulness to humans is the main characteristic that saved these animals from complete extinction.
They are the progenitors of such European and American breeds as: Fila Brasillero, Argentinean Great Dane, Pit Bull Terrier, Stafoshir Terrier. Nowadays, in Ossetia, work is being carried out to restore the local breed. They are called differently: Ossetian mastiff or wolfhound. They are also based on Alano. In essence, this is the restoration of historical justice. After all, these animals are from the state of Alania, which ceased to exist in the XIII century. Now, this is a small area, in the very center of the Caucasian ridge. In the Balkan and Karachai languages, the word "Alan" means one's own or a relative. Over the years, they have become incredibly popular in this country. Acquire them because of their working qualities.
The outer standard of the Alanian fighting dog
The Alanian fighting dog is strong and lean, with a mesomorphic constitution. With their power and strength, they have a balanced disposition. The weight category of adults should not exceed 34 kg for bitches and 45 kg for males. Height at the withers is 58–56 cm.
- Head - large with a wide forehead and prominent cheekbones. The frontal groove is clearly visible.
- Muzzle wide, medium length. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is pronounced. The jaws are developed. The flews hang over the lower jaw. Lips with black pigmentation. Powerful canines and teeth. The bite is possible straight and in the form of scissors.
- Nose the Alanian fighting dog has a large one. The nose is slightly turned up. Only black.
- Eyes - small, oval. Set wide enough. They can be brown in different shades: yellow, greenish, grayish and amber. The look is confident, intelligent and expressive.
- Ears - triangular, hanging, high-rise. They are almost always docked short.
- Neck Alanian dog of medium length. Very powerful and muscular. The scruff of the neck is clearly visible.
- Frame - elongated, with mesomorphic muscles. The chest is developed, wide. The back is straight and strong. Rounded ribs, lean belly.
- Tail low planting, wider at the base, tapering towards the end. Goes down to the hock joints. Bends slightly. When moving, the dog lifts it up.
- Limbs long, erect in relation to each other, strong bones and lean muscles. Hind legs with strong, elongated thighs.
- Paws medium in size, collected in a ball. The toes are close together. The pads are dense, the nails are strong.
- Coat Alanian fighting dog is short, close-fitting to the skin. There is no undercoat. Appearance: the coat is shiny, to the touch: velvety, smooth and soft.
- Color hairline: possible fawn, sand, brindle. All colors can be with different shades. Only a black mask on the face is required.
Characteristic features of the behavior of the Alanian fighting dog
Possess courage and nobility. And also great perseverance and the ability to endure pain. Even with the wounds inflicted by the beast, they do not release it until the last end. The best qualities of a hunter are in the dogs: courage, nobility, temperament and passion. Because their genes carry a two thousand year history.
Alanian fighting dogs are, first of all, reliable friends, helpers and human guards. And especially one who lives in harmony with nature. Balanced calm and strong dogs. They never rush into the attack immediately. First, they warn, if a person does not understand, then they show aggression more strongly.
They are very loyal to small representatives of the human race. Dogs not only protect children, but play and babysit with pleasure. They will never be harmed. They choose only one owner for themselves, and obey him implicitly.
They love movement and physical activity - this is their element. Without this, they cannot exist. If the animal does not live in agricultural conditions, then it must be taken to the feeding stations or to the forestry.
Alanian Fighting Dog Health
Dogs of the Alanian fighting breed with a fairly strong immunity. Many of them live to be 14 years old. Throughout life, they practically do not get sick, but this is provided that the animals were raised with dignity. To properly raise a healthy Alan, you need to follow the basic rules.
The very first is the diet and regimen of the dog. Then balanced physical activity. Food should include 80% - protein, 20% - fat, carbohydrates and fiber. The pet is provided with an additional intake of vitamins and minerals. Food is given regularly at the same time. In puppyhood, they feed five to three times a day. An adult animal is fed in one or two meals. Walk the dog only before meals. Otherwise, it threatens volvulus.
Physical activity should be increased gradually. In no case should you overload a young pet's body. The musculoskeletal system and the cardiovascular system may be affected. Thus, you can seriously undermine the health of the Alan dog. To avoid infection with various viral and infectious diseases, a four-legged friend must be vaccinated. Such procedures are carried out regularly. By the age of one year, the animal should receive three vaccinations. Then, throughout his life, he is vaccinated once a year.
Also an important area is the regular treatment of the Alanian combat friend from parasites. They are: both internal and superficial. Both of them bring unpleasant problems of a different nature. Internal (helminths) deplete the pet's body by sucking all the vitamins from it. External (fleas, ticks) can ruin its fur, bring an unpleasant sensation, and even endure deadly diseases.
Of course, this breed has hereditary diseases. These can be: arthrosis, hip dysplasia, epilepsy. But they appear so rarely that they can be ignored. Naturally experienced breeders discard such dogs. They are not suitable for breeding. They are kept only as pets.
Alanian Fighting Dog Care Tips
- Wool. Since the animal is short-haired, it is not difficult to keep track of its fur coat. They are not bathed often: once a month or as they become dirty with typified means. Although Alan's coat is short, they also need to be combed out. Only do it with a brush with thick natural bristles, or a special rubber mitten. This will create an additional massage for the animal's body, which is also very beneficial.
- Ears. Since the ears of the Alan dog are cropped, their ventilation is good. But due to their openness, excess moisture and foreign particles can get into them. Therefore, it is better to clean them regularly.
- Eyes. They do not require special care.
- Teeth. It will be good if from puppyhood, you teach your Alan how to clean them. This will save him from many problems with the oral cavity, and you from unnecessary worries. You can remove plaque from teeth by chewing solid food, pressed bones, and special toys. If you missed all these things and your pet has tartar, it needs to be removed urgently. Otherwise, he faces not only gum disease, but also dental caries. This can be done in a veterinary clinic using a special apparatus. The animal is given an immobilizing injection, and only then the procedure is carried out. Since she is not pleasant, almost all pets resist.
- Claws. Alanian fighting dogs are mobile, so claws should be cut extremely rarely. If it is necessary to shorten them, then this is done with the help of scissors-claws for dogs.
- Feeding. They have very serious physical activity. They need well-being and endurance. And for this, their diet must be complete. If the food is natural, it needs to be well thought out. Most of it includes non-fatty meats. The diet should contain slow carbohydrates and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals. Concentrates from well-known manufacturers already contain everything you need in the right balance. By consuming them, the animal's body is kept in a vigorous state. This can be seen in his appearance and behavior.
- Walking. Movement is life, and especially for this gambling dog. If the Alanian dog does not live in a farm, it must be walked well. In addition, special classes will only benefit him. This could be agility or dog playground activities.
Training of Alan dogs
Puppies of Alanian fighting dogs are brought to the pasture at three months. First, they are taught to be among calves, cows and bulls. When they get used to it and stop being afraid, a slow learning process begins. It is a difficult and long "science", but dogs are very smart and courageous. Alans are distinguished by a mobile mind - it is a pleasure to work with them.
If a dog is kept at home for love and adoration, this does not mean that it does not need to be brought up. By teaching her obedience and compliance with the rules of conduct in the home, you will make your life easier.
Interesting facts about the Alanian fighting dog
The selection of individuals for procreation is carried out quite rigidly. They are shown a bull and see how the dogs will react to it. If they attack him, this dog is good for breeding. When they run away, it means that purebred Alans will not work out of them.
In approximately the same way, Alexander the Great selected soldiers for his army. The person who made the selection approached the recruit and did not hit him hard. If a person turned pale, he was rejected, when he turned purple, clenching his fists, he was considered a future good fighter.
The Alans know how to catch a cow in the mountains. They bite the ears or neck only so that the shepherd can come and tie the animal. For these parts of the body, dogs are taught to grab because the ears heal quickly, and by the neck you can lean the bull to the ground. That is, they do not inflict traumatic, serious wounds on him.
In Spain, cattle are kept semi-wild and it is dangerous for people to approach them. Cope with a five hundred to six hundred kilogram bull, which has moved away from the herd, only Alanian war dogs can. They do this in pairs. One barking distracts him, and the second attacks. With what grace and superiority the Alans work!
It is curious that as soon as the bull is defeated, and the owner bandages the animal's legs, the dogs immediately move away. They have neither anger nor aggression. They are not used for atrocities or pleasures - they are shepherds' assistants. They are brave, strong and calm. Also, for their speed, agility and agility, they are called "snakes". It is almost impossible to hit them with horns or hooves.
Designed for hunting wild boar and deer. Fearlessly rush into battle with a wild boar, despite the fact that they weigh four times less. Possess courage and nobility. Even with the belly ripped open by the fangs of the beast, they do not release it until the day they die. Their two thousand-year-old genes contain the best qualities of hunters.
Acquiring an Alanian Fighting Dog Puppy
To buy a puppy, you do not need to travel to Italy or Spain. Now Alanian fighting dogs, they began to breed in Ossetia, the only caveat is the quality of the working data. There are not many Alanian dogs there, because Caucasians have just begun to revive the breed. Everything will depend on what requirements you have for the dog. The choice is always yours.
In any case, wherever you go, it is better to get a puppy in professional kennels. They love the breed and raise animals with all the proper requirements. In addition, you can always, completely free of charge, consult the breeders on any breed questions.
It is impossible to name the price of puppies in Italy and Spain. Everything is recognized at the place of arrival. Puppies that are raised in the Caucasus cost: bitches 20,000 rubles. and males 25,000 rubles.
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