Tajikistan Dog Names

An author wrote about their experience accompanying individuals guarding their flocks in Tajikistan. The smallest and poorest of the Central Asia republics, Tajikistan may be the only one where sheep husbandry continues today as a sole means of a living for much of the population. First, the author encountered what they called “one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen”. The author explains that the flocks of sheep are typically small to medium in size and that shepherds will usually move them each year from the steppe areas to the high mountain pastures so as to ensure they have plenty to eat. These shepherds are descendants of nomads who have been moving through the Central Asian countries for centuries. They are proud of their lifestyle, their livestock and their amazing dogs.

One such shepherd is Mansur Tanokov, who is well-known from the steppes up to the wild Alpine valleys of Tajikistan, famous for being generous and for his group of guardian dogs and flock of over 1500. The author had the chance to meet him and accompany him and his animals to their summer pastures located in alpine areas. The author joined dogs, sheep, rams and lambs along with Tanokov, camping in a small tent at 3,000 meters, having the chance to observe the hard work of those involved.

Mansur Tanokov’s pack of working dogs includes a pale adult male named Aktosh (means “white stone”), a female dog from Turkmenistan and a black female with a leg injury receiving medication. There are also puppies along; two black, and one black and white, who are the children of his dogs, as well as two who joined Tanokov’s group from a nearby herd (one ginger in color and one a mix of charcoal and ginger colors). An important rule is to not exit one’s tent in the dark; the dogs may not recognize people in the dark and coming out can result in an attack 

The dogs are guardians, however, their work has breaks. When watching, the author is able to see the behavior and tactics that they dogs know instinctively. They appear to always be preparing, looking for the perfect position (usually up high) so that they can see threats, chosen in relation to the position of the flock at a particular time. When a threat is discovered, according to the author, the “infantry” or subordinates, are the first to jump into action, places themselves between the pack leader and intruder. The pack leader checks things out and decides if the danger is worthy of their efforts. If so, the pack leader will quickly join the subordinates for attack. Otherwise, the pack leader will keep watch while the other dogs engage. The puppies have a more relaxed schedule, sleeping and resting more during the day and remaining at the camp. The shepherds will move the young dogs from the camp, which helps them get used to moving around the surroundings and guarding at a young age.  The author sees these livestock guardian dogs as “brave animals”.