On January 20, 2024, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his visit to the city of Arkadag, announced that information had been received from the Russian Kynological Federation regarding the successes of the Turkmen alabay “Ak Dost” in the international arena. In this context, the National Leader of the Turkmen people solemnly presented the vice-president of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri” with certificates awarded to this Alabay at competitions in Russia.
“Ak Dost”, presented in 2021 by the President of the International Associations of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and “Türkmen alabaý itleri” Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, became the champion of Russia in the “Central Asian Shepherd Dog” nomination in two areas, in which about 200 dogs took part.
So, on January 15, 2024, he was awarded the first award for purebredness and beauty. In this direction, attention is paid to height, weight, physique and compliance with the generally accepted requirements of Central Asian shepherd dogs. On January 17, 2024, he was awarded a prize for his understanding and attentiveness.
It should be noted that “Ak Dost” gained experience by participating in several exhibitions and competitions held in different cities of Russia. The victory of “Ak Dost” in the competition among dogs of different breeds is another evidence of the versatility of the Turkmen Alabais.
Today the Turkmen Alabay is recognized as one of the most popular breeds in the world. Having a six-thousand-year history, along with loyalty to their owner, alabay are capable of protecting property and flocks of sheep. As a result of the work carried out by domestic breeders to preserve the purebred Alabai breed, its original appearance has been preserved to this day.
In Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Alabay Holiday is celebrated annually, a competition for the title “Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy” (Brave Turkmen Alabay of the Year) is held, the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri” (Turkmen Alabay Dogs) operates, and a museum of Turkmen Alabays operates.
Alabay has firmly entered the life of the Turkmen people. The image of the Turkmen alabai “Vepaly” was chosen as a symbol of the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games held in Ashgabat in 2017. A monument to Alabay was erected in the capital of the country.
The Russian Kynological Federation was created in 1991 and is a public association, the only official representative of Russia in the International Kynological Federation and a major dog breeding association in Russia.
The Russian Kynological Federation includes the Federation of Service Dog Breeding of Russia, the Federation of Hunting Dog Breeding of Russia, the Federation of Amateur Dog Breeding of Russia, and the All-Russian Association of Public Associations of Independent Dog Breeders.
Currently, approximately 5.5 million dogs, 1,427 kennel clubs and 22,358 dog facilities from all regions of the country are registered in the stud book of the Russian Kynological Federation.
