What is an Anatolian Shepherd Dog?
Like all recognized breeds, the Anatolian
Shepherd Dog was bred for a specific purpose, which was guarding livestock.
The breed originated in
The
Anatolian possesses
extraordinary speed (up to 40 mph)
and agility
which allows them to run
down a predator with great efficiency.
They are designed for surviving in a harsh environment and killing wolves and
other large predators. Much of
The first Anatolian Shepherd Dogs to enter the
The Anatolian is a
very
versatile breed. In the
I thoroughly enjoy my Anatolians. They are
kind, loving, funny, and intelligent. They process information differently
than your “regular dog” and if you learn to view the world through their eyes,
you open a window of communication with them that is second to none. They
are fun to watch – with cat–like movement and precision. You wouldn’t
think that something that appears so large and calm can go from zero to thirty
mph in seconds flat! They
also possess a good sense of humor and when you think they are lazy and not
paying attention – you find out later that they didn't miss a thing.
They are highly adaptable, easily
house–trained and as long as you are a diligent owner – taking dog ownership
seriously by properly socializing your puppy and continuing to socialize your
dog as an adult, teaching them manners and requiring respect towards you and
other people/animals – you will be rewarded with a long life of devotion and
canine companionship.
The American Kennel Club Standard is below:
General Appearance
Large, rugged, powerful and
impressive, possessing great endurance and agility. Developed through a set of
very demanding circumstances for a purely utilitarian purpose; he is a working
guard dog without equal, with a unique ability to protect livestock. General
impression - Appears bold, but calm, unless challenged. He possesses size,
good bone, a well-muscled torso with a strong head. Reserve out of its territory
is acceptable. Fluid movement and even temperament is desirable.
Size, Proportion, Substance
General balance
is more important than absolute size. Dogs should be from 29 inches and weighing
from 110 to 150 pounds proportionate to size and structure. Bitches should be
from 27 inches, weighing from 80 to 120 pounds, proportionate to size and
structure. Neither dog nor bitch appear fat. Both dog and bitch should be
rectangular, in direct proportion to height. Measurements and weights apply at
age 2 or older.
Head
Expression should be intelligent. Eyes are medium size, set apart,
almond shaped and dark brown to light amber in color. Blue eyes or eyes of
two different colors are a disqualification. Eye rims will be black or brown
and without sag or looseness of haw. Incomplete pigment is a serious fault.
Ears should be set on no higher than the plane of the head. V-shaped,
rounded apex, measuring about four inches at the base to six inches in length.
The tip should be just long enough to reach the outside corner of the eyelid.
Ears dropped to sides. Erect ears are a disqualification. Skull is
large but in proportion to the body. There is a slight centerline furrow, fore
and aft, from apparent stop to moderate occiput. Broader in dogs than in
bitches. Muzzle is blockier and stronger for the dog, but neither dog nor
bitch would have a snipey head or muzzle. Nose and flews must be solid
black or brown. Seasonal fading is not to be penalized. Incomplete pigment is a
serious fault. Flews are normally dry but pronounced enough to contribute to
"squaring" the overall muzzle appearance. Teeth and gums strong and healthy.
Scissors bite preferred, level bite acceptable. Broken teeth are not to be
faulted. Overshot, undershot or wry bite are disqualifications.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck slightly arched, powerful, and muscular, moderate in length with
more skin and fur than elsewhere on the body, forming a protective ruff. The
dewlap should not be pendulous and excessive. Topline will appear level
when gaiting. Back will be powerful, muscular, and level, with drop
behind withers and gradual arch over loin, sloping slightly downward at the
croup. Body well proportioned, functional, without exaggeration. Never
fat or soft. Chest is deep (to the elbow) and well-sprung with a distinct
tuck up at the loin. Tail should be long and reaching to the hocks. Set
on rather high. When relaxed, it is carried low with the end curled upwards.
When alert, the tail is carried high, making a "wheel." Both low and wheel
carriage are acceptable, when gaiting. "Wheel" carriage preferred. The tail will
not necessarily uncurl totally.
Forequarters
Shoulders should be muscular and well developed, blades long, broad and sloping.
Elbows should be neither in nor out. Forelegs should be relatively
long, well-boned and set straight with strong pasterns. The feet are strong and
compact with well-arched toes, oval in shape. They should have stout nails with
pads thick and tough. Dewclaws may be removed.
Hindquarters
Strong, with broad thighs and heavily muscled. Angulation at the stifle and hock
are in proportion to the forequarters. As seen from behind, the legs are
parallel. The feet are strong and compact with well-arched toes, oval in shape.
Double dewclaws may exist. Dewclaws may be removed.
Coat
Short (one inch minimum, not tight) to Rough (approximately 4 inches in length)
with neck hair slightly longer. Somewhat longer and thicker at the neck and
mane. A thick undercoat is common to all. Feathering may occur on the ear
fringes, legs, breeching, and tail.
Color
All color patterns and markings are equally acceptable.
Gait
At the trot, the gait is powerful yet fluid. When viewed from the front or rear,
the legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each
other. With increased speed, footfall converges toward the center line of
gravity. When viewed from the side, the front legs should reach out smoothly
with no obvious pounding. The withers and backline should stay nearly level with
little rise or fall. The rear assembly should push out smoothly with hocks doing
their share of the work and flexing well.
Temperament
Alert and intelligent, calm and observant. Instinctively protective, he is
courageous and highly adaptable. He is very loyal and responsive. Highly
territorial, he is a natural guard. Reserve around strangers and off its
territory is acceptable. Responsiveness with animation is not characteristic of
the breed. Overhandling would be discouraged.
Disqualifications
Blue
eyes or eyes of two different colors.
Erect ears.
Overshot, undershot, or wry bite.
Approved: June 1995
Effective: June 1, 1996