The Central Asian country of Turkmenistan celebrated a new national holiday dedicated to the Alaby, a native
variety of shepherd dog, according to BBC. The dog was presented with an awards for its
service and President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov honoured the breed as a symbol
of national heritage. Alabays and Ahal teke horse breed are the nation’s pride.
 

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The dogs took the centre stage on
Sunday, where a procession of Alabay dogs were
judged on appearance and agility. The President later awarded the
top prize to a dog, who was in border guard service, and it was presented by
the president’s son.

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Last year, President Berdymukhamedov was seen unveiling a 19ft golden
statue of an Alabay dog in the capital. The city is filled with similar
monuments, including a gold statue of Mr Berdymukhamedov’s likeness on a
golden horse. He was criticised for his handling of a dog he gave to Russian
President Vladimir Putin after a video of the incident went viral in 2017.