“Large, Rugged, Powerful and Impressive,” That is the essence of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.”
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a “working guard dog without equal.”
This is a Working Dog first and foremost. Shepherd is in the dog’s name, but he is not a “herding” dog. He is the shepherd’s dog. An even temperament is sought and reserve out of territory is acceptable. Anatolians are not natural “show dogs.” He “shows” by appearing confident, alert, intelligent and watchful. They go to shows to please their masters, not for making new friends or hearing applause. The Standard calls for “bold, but calm, unless challenged.”
DO NOT expect this dog to respond to you with animation. No jigging chiclets or baby talk, please! His way is to tolerate your exam. Most of the Anatolians you will see in the showring are livestock guardians and shown by their owners. Please allow time to set the dog for exam with plenty of room between exhibitors. Approach the dog by speaking to the handler and examine him quickly and efficiently. Always ask the handler to show the bite and teeth. Note: this breed does not have to have full dentition nor are broken teeth a fault. Overshot, Undershot or Wry bite is a disqualification – Level bite acceptable Scissor bite preferred. This breed is presented, not shown. Loose lead is a must at the gait with plenty of room in between exhibitors.
Some notable phenotypical and Standard requirements to keep in mind. This is not to be considered a complete listing just some of the highlights.
These dogs have a job to do, and they must be built to do the job. The old “form follows function” applies here. Head: Expression should be intelligent. Eyes: are almond in shape, set apart, brown to light amber in color without sag or looseness of haw. Pigmentation of the eye rims will be black or brown. Blue eyes or two different color eyes are a disqualification.
Skull: in proportion with the body containing a slight centerline furrow fore and aft, from apparent stop to moderate occiput. With a powerful squared muzzle. Neck: slightly arch, powerful, well-muscled, moderate in length with more skin and fur than elsewhere on the body, forming a protective ruff. Topline: There is a slight nick behind the withers, the back portion of the top line is powerful, muscular, and level leading to a gradual arch over the 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. Do not uncurl the tail to measure it to the hock, unless you see it as very short. (And for heaven sakes do not pull on it.) 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.” “Wheel” carriage preferred. Coat: according to the standard all coat colors and markings are acceptable. The coat is a double coat and is anywhere from 1 inch to four inches in length. Somewhat longer and thicker at the neck forming that protective ruff. A thick undercoat is common to all! Remember the function of the breed: the coat protects from the elements and the predators. Gait: 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 increase speed, footfall converges toward the center line of gravity. When viewed from the side, the front legs reach out smoothly with no obvious pounding. The withers and back line 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.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed, some say dating back to biblical times.
Its origins are in Turkey and throughout Asia Minor. The dog developed to meet the needs of ancient agrarian societies of The Old World. As the trade merchants in ancient times traveled throughout Europe and Asia Minor the dogs that traveled with them bred with the dogs in those areas. This breed is a Molosser type breed derivative with Sight Hound. Thus, the Anatolian is Large, Rugged, Powerful, and Impressive. This is also the reason they are agile and light on their feet and fast.
The breed came about to fulfill the need of shepherds to have their livestock protected. This is a true livestock guardian breed (LGB). It's as easy as that.
Over the centuries the predation protection demands placed on the shepherds helped them to choose their breeding stock “as those who would answer the call.” The ASD you see today harken back to those courageous ancestors centuries ago. They were not chosen for beauty but for bravery, intelligence, calmness under fire and an instinct to decide what is a threat and what is not.
Study the Standard and consider the dog’s purpose. These are key elements in correctly judging our wonderful breed.
We at the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America stand ready to help you understand and appreciate our beloved breed.
Laura Edstrom Smith Chairman, Judges Education
Published,2021 Showsight Magazine
