Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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 peoples’ life-style- settled, semi- and wholly nomad – and the work assigned to the dogs. They guard flocks travelling great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau. They stay out whatever the weather may be.

Large, upstanding, tall, powerfully built, livestock guarding dog with broad, strong head and dense double coat.
Must have size and stamina. Capable of great speed.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: Foreface slightly shorter than skull.

Steady and bold without aggression, naturally independent, very intelligent and tractable.
Proud and confident. Loyal and affectionate to owners, but wary of strangers when on duty.

Skull: Large, but in proportion to body, broad between ears, slightly domed. Mature males have broader head than females.
Stop: Slight.
Nose: Black, except in livers, where it is brown.
Muzzle: Seen from above almost rectangular. Profile blunt, tapering very slightly to end.
Lips: Very slightly pendulous, black-edged. Edge of upper lip not lower than the profile of the underjaw. Corner of mouth tight.

Rather small in proportion to size of skull, set well apart, showing no haw. Golden to brown in colour according to coat colour. Eye rims black except in livers.

Medium sized, triangular in shape, rounded at tip, pendant with front edge close to cheek, higher when alert.

Teeth strong, with a perfect scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaw. Complete dentition.

Slightly arched, powerful, muscular, moderate in length, rather thick. Slight dewlap.

Set well apart straight and well boned; of good length.
Shoulder: Well muscled, oblique.
Elbow: Close to sides, free moving.
Metacarpus (Pastern): Strong, slightly sloping when viewed from side.

Powerful, well muscled, never flat sided.
Top line: Horizontal, slightly arched over loins.
Back: Rather short in proportion to leg length.
Loin: Slightly arched.
Chest: Deep to point of elbow; ribs well sprung, ribcage sufficiently long.
Underline and belly: Belly well tucked up.

Powerful, not overloaded with muscles. Hind legs vertical when seen from rear.
Thigh: Long.
Stifle (Knee): Good turn of stifle.

Forefeet: Strong, with thick pads and well arched toes. Nails short.
Hind feet: Strong, with thick pads and well arched toes. Nails short.

Long, reaching to hock, set on rather high, when relaxed carried low with slight curl; when alert carried high and curled over back, especially by males.

Very noticeable level line of body, head and neck when walking, movement even, supple and long reaching, giving impression of stalking, with great power. Pacing acceptable at slow speed.

Hair: Short or half-long, dense, with thick undercoat. Great variations in coat length according to climate. Longer and thicker on neck, shoulders and thighs. The coat tends to be longer in winter.

All colours acceptable.

Height at the withers:
Males: 74 – 81 cms
Females: 71 – 79 cms.

Weight:
Mature males: 50 – 65 kgs.
Mature females: 40 – 55 kgs.

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

SEVERE FAULTS:
· Low to ground, heavy and slow, too massive; too light in build.
· Flat skull.
· Hackney action, mincing gait, stiffness.
· Coat too long and hanging.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
· Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
· Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
· Overshot or undershot bite.
· Muzzle too short (one third of the total length of head).
· Coat very short and smooth, devoid of undercoat.

· Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
· Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.