Sarabi Dog: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

The world of dogs is vast and diverse, enabling us to learn about unique breeds every day! Among these gems is the Sarabi Dog, a rare breed that deserves recognition. Hailing from the region of Sarab County in Iran, this massive beast has a distinctive appearance and an array of intriguing features. Alas, they are very hard to find in other parts of the world, and your best bet is probably to go directly to Iran to find a breeder. But before jumping onto that first flight, let’s explore their key characteristics. Despite their beauty, noble presence, and great independence, these fascinating pups are not for everyone!

The Sarabi Dog possesses a unique appearance with a sturdy build, a wide chest, and a thick double coat. They have distinctive facial expressions characterized by a broad forehead and deep-set eyes, giving them an imposing yet gentle appearance. The Sarabi’s rarity definitely adds to their intrigue and uniqueness!

Sarabi Dog Puppies

Finding a Sarabi Dog breeder in North America can be tricky due to their rarity and limited presence outside of Iran. However, with dedicated research and networking, it may be possible to locate a breeder who works with the breed and has successfully imported puppies. By using online platforms and contacting local breed clubs or international breeding organizations, you can increase your chances of getting one of these adorable teddy bears.

As for the cost of this breed, it is nearly impossible to provide an exact figure, as several factors can influence the price, such as the breeder’s reputation, location, lineage, and demand. Just keep in mind that such a hard-to-find breed will command a much higher price than more common breeds.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Sarabi Dog🧠

The Sarabi Dog is renowned for their loyal and protective nature. Bred for guarding and herding purposes, these dogs exhibit a strong sense of loyalty toward their families. They are highly dedicated and will go to great lengths to protect their loved ones. They also tend to be a bit wary of strangers but are not overly aggressive.

Intelligence is a notable characteristic of the Sarabi—brains and brawn, they seem to have it all! Indeed, their sharp intellect makes them highly trainable, provided that they receive consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods. Their natural inclination to please their owners, coupled with their quick wit, enables them to excel in various training tasks.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Sarabi Dogs can be outstanding companions for families, though certain factors need to be considered. These pups are known for their loyalty, protective nature, and strong bonds with their owners, making them dedicated family companions. But their guarding instincts and reserved nature with strangers require early socialization to ensure that the dog is well-adjusted and comfortable in various social situations. When raised and socialized properly, they will be gentle and affectionate with every family member, including small children.

These dogs are massive, sometimes reaching over 200 pounds, which is why it’s important to train and socialize them from the start, in order to avoid problematic behaviors in the future.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The compatibility of Sarabi Dogs with other pets, including dogs and cats, can vary depending on individual temperament, socialization, and early exposure. With proper socialization and introductions from a young age, Sarabi Dogs can coexist peacefully with other pets. However, their protective instincts and prey drive should be taken into consideration, and supervision is always necessary to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for all animals involved.

Things to Know When Owning a Sarabi Dog

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Like any other breed, the Sarabi Dog requires a balanced and nutritious diet to thrive. High-quality commercial food that caters to their age, size, and activity level is recommended. Moreover, monitoring their weight and adjusting portion sizes accordingly is crucial for preventing obesity in these already impressively built pups.

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Exercise 🐕

One look at their strong build is enough to tell you that these beasts aren’t meant to sit next to you on the couch all day! Daily physical activities like brisk walking, jogging, or play sessions are the bare minimum to stimulate their minds and avoid boredom. A well-fenced yard is ideal for these dogs to roam free and burn off excess energy. A lack of exercise can lead to behavioral problems, which can be particularly devastating in animals of this size.

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Training 🎾

Training a Sarabi requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. Basic obedience training should be started from an early age, focusing on obeying commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” and walking on a leash. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them eager learners, but firm and gentle guidance is necessary to channel their protective instincts appropriately.

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Grooming ✂️

The Sarabi Dog has a medium-length, dense double coat that protects them from harsh weather conditions. Regular grooming will help maintain their coat’s health and prevent matting. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be required. Sarabi Dogs do not have a strong odor, so occasional bathing is sufficient unless they get excessively dirty.

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Health and Conditions 🏥

These massive pups are generally healthy, but like all dog breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. That’s why it’s important to keep up with veterinary exams, feed them high-quality food, and provide them with the right amount of exercise.

Male vs Female

Male Sarabi Dogs are typically large with a robust appearance, while females tend to be slightly smaller and have a more refined build. In terms of temperament, males may display higher assertiveness and dominance, whereas females can be more independent. However, individual personalities and behaviors can vary, and proper socialization and training are essential for both sexes. Ultimately, the decision between a male or female Sarabi Dog should be based on individual preferences and compatibility with your lifestyle and expectations.

The 3 Little-Known Facts About the Sarabi Dog

1. The Sarabi Dog Breed Is Extremely Old

The Sarabi Dog is considered one of the oldest and most powerful indigenous dogs in Iran, where they are mainly used for guarding and fighting. They are natives of East Azerbaijan province.

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2. The Sarabi Dog Can Fight Bears and Wolves

These brave animals have historically been highly valued for their ability to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears! Their fierce loyalty and protective instincts have made them invaluable assets to the local communities, who deeply appreciate their guardianship and depend on them to safeguard their herds.

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3. The Sarabi Dog Is Quite Versatile

While primarily bred for guarding and herding, Sarabi Dogs have displayed versatility in various roles. Some individuals have excelled in activities like search and rescue, tracking, and even therapy work due to their intelligence and adaptability.

 

Final Thoughts

With their loyal temperament, intelligence, unique looks, and versatility, the Sarabi Dog is truly a hidden gem in the canine world. Their qualities make them remarkable companions for experienced owners. By understanding their needs and providing them with the necessary care, exercise, and training, Sarabi Dogs can thrive and bring immense joy to their families—provided that you can get your hands on one!

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Featured Image Credit: Persian Mastiff, Mostafameraji, Wikimedia Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication