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Sarabi
Working breed from Sarab County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Sarabi
The Sarabi is a giant-sized working breed from Sarab County in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. It is a landrace breed developed over centuries as a livestock guardian dog. Known for its protective, independent, calm, loyal, and courageous temperament, the Sarabi is not officially recognized by major international kennel clubs. Its recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult weight ranges from 54 to 90 kg for both sexes, and estimated adult height ranges from 71 to 89 cm. The estimated lifespan is 10 to 12 years. Energy, trainability, grooming, and shedding scores are all moderate (3 out of 5). Suitability for children, other dogs, and apartment living is also moderate (3 out of 5). These scores are based on modelled estimates and may not reflect every individual dog.
Quick facts
Sarabi at a glance
Sizegiant
Breed groupWorking
OriginSarab County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Lifespan10–12 years
Male weight54–90 kilogram
Female weight54–90 kilogram
Male height71–89 centimetre
Female height71–89 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Sarabi is an ancient landrace breed from the Sarab region of northwestern Iran, specifically Sarab County in East Azerbaijan Province. It was developed over centuries as a powerful livestock guardian dog, bred to protect flocks from large predators such as wolves and bears. The breed's history is rooted in its working role, and it remains closely associated with its region of origin. Despite its long history, the Sarabi is not officially recognized by major international kennel clubs. Its recognition status varies by registry, meaning some organizations may acknowledge it while others do not. The breed's development as a landrace—rather than a standardized breed—means its characteristics can vary, and its history is based on traditional use rather than formal breeding records. Uncertainty remains about the exact timeline of the breed's development and its historical relationships with other livestock guardian breeds. The information available is based on general knowledge of the region and the breed's traditional purpose, not on documented historical events.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
54–90 kilogramAdult weight71–89 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesPendingCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Protectiveindependentcalmloyalcourageous
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Sarabi-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Compare this breed
Growth chart
Sarabi puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight54–90 kilogramAdult female weight54–90 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Sarabi?
The Sarabi is a giant breed. Estimated adult height ranges from 71 to 89 cm for both males and females. Estimated adult weight ranges from 54 to 90 kg for both sexes. The estimated lifespan is 10 to 12 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the Sarabi's temperament like?
The Sarabi is described as protective, independent, calm, loyal, and courageous. As a livestock guardian breed, it may be wary of strangers and protective of its family. However, individual temperaments can vary, and not every dog will display all these traits equally.
How much exercise does a Sarabi need?
The Sarabi has a moderate energy level (score 3 out of 5). It likely requires regular daily exercise, but not excessive amounts. As a large working breed, it benefits from activities that allow it to use its guarding instincts, but specific exercise needs can vary by individual.
What are the grooming requirements for a Sarabi?
Grooming needs are moderate (score 3 out of 5). The breed has a moderate shedding level (score 3 out of 5). Regular brushing to manage shedding and occasional baths are typical, but specific coat care depends on the individual dog's coat type, which is not specified in the available data.
Is the Sarabi suitable for families with children or other pets?
The Sarabi has moderate suitability for children (score 3 out of 5) and moderate compatibility with other dogs (score 3 out of 5). As a livestock guardian breed, it may be gentle with family members but cautious with unfamiliar children or animals. Early socialization and training are important, and individual behavior can vary.
Can a Sarabi live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is moderate (score 3 out of 5). Due to its giant size and protective nature, a home with a yard may be more appropriate. However, with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, some individuals may adapt to apartment living. This depends on the dog's temperament and training.
Where does the Sarabi originate from?
The Sarabi originates from Sarab County in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. It is a landrace breed developed over centuries as a livestock guardian dog in that region. Its recognition status varies by registry, and it is not officially recognized by major international kennel clubs.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.