Dog groomers, like the man behind @animalkingdomdoggrooming’s social media accounts, get to spend time with so many different and rare dog breeds. Grooming salons will always be filled with curly-coated Poodle mixes and long-haired Shih-Tzus, but on January 10, the Southern California groomer got to see a breed that’s quite rare in the United States.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, or Alabai, is a large livestock guardian dog breed that can grow to well over 100 pounds. At only 10 weeks old, though, the puppy who came for her first grooming appointment still has a lot of growing to do. At this age, she looks more like a baby polar bear than a dog!
What an adorable puppy! For most people, it would be so hard to get work done with that kind of cuteness around, but luckily for this groomer, interacting with the puppy is his work!
The little one’s first appointment is a big deal for everyone, but with so many smiles and tail wags, it’s easy to see it was a huge success. Now that she has positive first impressions of her groomer, future appointments will be much easier! When this extra-large breed dog grows to her full size, this smart groomer will give himself a pat on the back for being so proactive.
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Commenters like @bebotop16 are convinced, “this is a mini polar bear,” and the comparisons will only continue as she grows. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have muscular bodies and large, round heads that contribute to their bear-like appearance, but the puppy’s tiny size is the cherry on top. She’s the cutest polar bear ever!
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs
Thousands of viewers agreed with @myaknight_everything, who realized, “I have never seen a dog like that before.” That’s because these dogs are relatively rare in the US. Even though many farms rely on livestock guardian dogs to keep their animals safe, other breeds, like the Great Pyrenees, are more common in the States.
These dogs are highly driven and independent, which makes them such wonderful working dogs. Because they need so much activity, socialization, and enrichment to thrive, they are much better suited for life on a farm than in a small yard. This dog groomer and his fans are excited to see how this puppy will grow up, and they’re waiting with bated breath for the next update.
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.