Persian Sarabi Dog

Information and Pictures

An extra large breed, tan with black, tall thick-coated dog with a long fluffy tail and small fold over ears with dark eyes and a dark nose standing in snow.

Simba the Persian Mastiff (Sarabi Dog) at one year old

Other Names

Persian Mastiff
Persian Sarabi Mastiff
Sarabi Dog
Sarabi

Pronunciation

Description

The Persian Sarabi Dog is giant with heavy bones with a very big molosser head. The broad muzzle is neither too long or too short. It has somewhat smaller dewlaps than some other giant mastiff breeds, but the upper lips do hang down. Eyes are almond shaped with a dark yellow color. The back is straight. The legs are heavy boned. The thick tail is long and sickle shaped. The Persian Sarabi Dog usually comes in shades of brown with a black mask and in a solid black color. Some white on the chest is acceptable. Coat has two types, short and medium.

Temperament

The Persian Sarabi Dog is a livestock and property guardian. This breed is one of the most powerful dogs in the world, with a giant body, big head and terrifying bite force. Very loyal to its owner and aloof to strangers. It guards livestock very efficiently. Whenever any wild beast approaches the dog goes into alert mode with erect ears, tail up with a very loud bark to alert everyone. The dog generally avoids direct confrontation, but when in intruder approaches it stands its ground going in an intimidating mode.

Height, Weight

Height: Male: 32-35 inches (81-89 cm) Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)

Weight: male: 143-198 pounds (65-90 kg) some can reach over 220 pounds (100 kg)

Female: 110-154 pounds (50-70 kg) Some can be heavier

Health Problems

A very healthy breed with few issues. Some are prone to hip dysplasia.

Living Conditions

This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They need space and will do best with at least a large yard. The Persian Sarabi Dog can adapt to any climate from very low temperatures to the heat of summer with proper shelter.

Exercise

The Persian Sarabi Dog should be taken on daily regular walks if it is not an active working dog to help release its mental and physical energy. It's in a dog’s nature to walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.

Life Expectancy

This molosser breed can live from 12 to 15 years.

Litter Size

About 6 to 8 puppies

Grooming

This giant breeds coat comes in a short and medium length variety. It needs an occasional brushing. It is a moderate shedder.

Origin

The Persian Sarabi or Persian Mastiff is a livestock guardian and property guardian dog breed that originated from the north of Iran (Sarab Ardebil). It is said to have evolved from large Assyrian dogs or war dogs of Ancient Persia.

Group

Mastiff, Flock Guardian

Recognition

Front view of a shorthaired puppy with a tan coat and a black muzzle. It has ears that are cropped in a round shape and a big black nose with dark eyes. Its pink tongue is hanging out.

Volga the Persian Sarabi Dog as a puppy at 4 month old from Iran

Side view - A tan large breed puppy with a black muzzle and dark eyes with ears that are cropped in a rounded shape laying down in grass. The words 'Sarabi Mastiff' are overlayed

Arraz the Persian Sarabi Dog as a puppy at 6 month old from Iran

Front side view - A tan large breed puppy with a black muzzle and dark eyes with ears that are cropped in a rounded shape laying down in grass. The pup has a thick body and a lot of extra skin.

Arraz the Persian Sarabi Dog as a puppy at 6 month old from Iran

Front side view of a short haired tan and black dog sitting down looking up. Its ears are cropped very short to almost nothing so they stand up. Its muzzle is black and its neck is thick. Its mouth is parted showing its pink tongue and white teeth. Its almond shaped eyes are dark.

Arraz the Persian Sarabi Dog as a puppy at 5 month old from Iran

A thick, stocky, large-pawed mastiff looking tan with black dog standing on a white tiled floor with small ears that fold down and its tail curled up and over its back. It has a black nose and dark eyes.

Arraz the Persian Mastiff (Sarabi Dog) as a puppy at 1 month old from Iran—"Arraz is from a noble familly shown here at one month old and he is a male."

A huge tall dog with a thick tan with black coat, a long tail, black snout, dark eyes and ears that hang down to the sides standing in snow with a man kneeling down beside him.

Simba the Persian Mastiff (Sarabi Dog) at one year old

A tall, large breed, tan with black Persian Sarabi dog is standing under the shade of a tree in dirt and its head and tail is up. There is a boy dressed in black sweat pants, a light blue shirt and peach colored sandals behind it tightly holding its leash. The dog's ears are cropped small.

A Persian Sarabi Dog in Iran—"The Sarabi Persian Dog is the best dog in the world."

Front side veiw - A tall, large breed, tan with black Persian Sarabi Dog is standing in dirt and it is looking to the left. There is a person holding its leash behind it. The words - reza qomi - is overlayed on top of the dog. The dog's ears are cropped short.

A Persian Sarabi Dog in Iran

Front view - A tall, huge, black with white Persian Sarabi Dog is walking across patchy grass and next to it is a person holding its leash. The dogs mouth is open and it is looking up and to the left. The words - sarabi bomu reza qomi - are overlayed.

A Persian Sarabi Dog in Iran

Side view - A tan with black Persian Sarabi Dog is standing in dirt and it is looking forward. The words - reza qomi - are overlayed. There is a man wearing gray pants, a black coat and blue sandals behind the dog holding its leash. THe dogs ears are cropped very small.

A Persian Sarabi Dog in Iran

Understanding Dog Behavior