Turkmenistan dedicates new national holiday to native dog breed

A man dressed in a national costume performs with his border guard shepherd dog Alabay during Dog Day celebration in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. (AP Photo)

The Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan has celebrated its new state holiday honouring the native Alabay dog breed.

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov established the holiday to be observed on the same day that Turkmenistan lauds its Akhla-Teke horse, a breed known for its speed and endurance.