He is soft!! They have an awesome double coat. Renat has a video showing how filthy they get, and somehow the next day they are clean. I have priced that burrs roll right off of him, as to where our mini schnauzer gets them all tangled in her fur, and I end up having to cut them out....
I read that the nomads would use the Alabais fur for clothes. Not sure if it's accurate but I thought that was cool.
Their color is meant to blend in with the sheep they are protecting. Karakuls are known to stand up to dogs who trying to heard them. The calm temperament and strong will of the Alabai area good match for the Karakuls.