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U.K.C. Breed Standard for the Anatolian ShepherdOfficial United Kennel Club Breed StandardHistory The Anatolian Shepherd is a
shepherd's guard dog of ancient lineage; probably
descended from the large hunting dogs existing in
Mesopotamia. The breed has evolved over the ages to suit
a specific set of circumstances. Of these, the most
formative are the climate (hot and very dry summers; very
cold winters), the people's lifestyles (from settled to
semi- and wholly nomadic), and the work assigned to the
dogs. They guard flocks traveling great distances on the
Central Anatolian Plateau, staying out through all
weather conditions. General Appearance The Anatolian Shepherd is a large,
upstanding, powerfully built livestock guarding dog that
is capable of great speed. The head is broad and strong,
and the double coat is dense in cooler climates. Size and
stamina are imperative. Characteristics The Anatolian Shepherd is an active,
hard-working breed thats original function was a flock-
guarding dog for sheep. It is capable of enduring
extremes of heat and cold. Head & Skull The large skull is in proportion to
the body. It is broad between the ears and slightly
domed; mature males have a broader head than females. The
stop is slight.
NeckThe muscular, powerful neck is rather thick. It is slightly arched and moderate in length. There is a slight dewlap. ForequartersThe sloping (oblique) shoulders are well-muscled.
BodyThe well-muscled, powerful body is never fat. The backline (from the withers to the set-on of the tail), is relatively level, with a slight arch over the loin. It is rather short in proportion to leg length. The croup is of moderate length and slope. The chest is deep, descending to the point of the elbow. The rib cage is sufficiently long. The ribs are well-sprung. The belly is well-tucked-up. HindquartersThe hindquarters are powerful, but are not overloaded with muscles.
FeetThe strong feet have thick pads and well arched toes. The nails are short. TailThe tail is set on rather high. It is long, reaching the hock. When the dog is relaxed, it is carried low with a slight curl. When the dog is on alert, it is carried high and over the back, especially in males. Coat The breed is double-coated. The
outer coat is short or half-long and dense. The undercoat
is thick. The coat is longer and thicker at the neck,
shoulders and thighs. It tends to be longer in winter.
There are great variations in length, influenced by
climate. However, a very short, smooth coat and/or one
that is totally devoid of undercoat is a
disqualification. ColorAll colors are acceptable. Height & WeightIdeal height and weight ranges apply to mature dogs.
Gait At a walk the topline (from the
point where the neck joins the head to the set-on of the
tail), is noticeably level; movement is even, supple and
long-reaching, with great power - giving the impression
of stalking. Pacing is acceptable at slow speed. DisqualificationsUnilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness. a too short muzzle; one-third or less of the total length of the head. a very short, smooth coat. a coat totally devoid of undercoat. Overshot bite. Undershot bite. A dog incapable of guarding livestock. [ Back to The Club ] This page copyright by Anatolian Shepherd Dogs International, Inc. ® . |
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