Showsight - October 2021

BREEDERS Q&A

2. In your opinion, what is the current condition of your breed overall? Has your breed changed in ways that you consider to be positive? Any negative changes? Overall, our breed still has relatively good health and longev- ity. However, the lack of regard for OCD shoulder and elbow and hip dysplasia test results are leading to a higher incidence of these problems. Also, the need for awareness of the consequences of feed- ing “grain free.” Some of the bloodlines in our breed seem to have a “predisposition” for sensitivity to taurine deficient cardio myopathy. 3. Do you think your breed is portrayed accurately online and on social media? How is it represented correctly? How is it misrepresented? Our breed has become very much “in demand” recently, with the migration of people to rural areas and starting up their mini farms. Predation is very much a problem, and our dogs provide a somewhat “predator friendly” solution because they warn the preda- tor to go away first before a lethal solution is used. They are not “attack dogs.” They are livestock “guardian” dogs, fitting into the lifestyle of their charges unless needed to protect. They are amaz- ing when properly socialized to fit into an environment with people and livestock. It is sometimes misunderstood how much is involved with the initial “training and orientation” of a puppy into its role as the farm protector. The demand for these dogs has led to some “mass production” and lack of support, and incorrect guidance or no guidance at all from certain breeders to their clients. Owners of a puppy that has been sold should have lifetime educational support from their breeder. 4. What advice would you offer SHOWSIGHT Magazine about providing breed-specific information about your breed? How can we help to educate the general public as well as inform breeders, exhibitors, and conformation judges? The parent club, ASDCA, has some very good advice and edu- cational materials about our breed. SHARONHOWSE 1. Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your breed and how long have you been breeding? How many litters have you produced and how many champions? My husband, Jerry, and I purchased our first Cairn Terrier in 1976, and we bred our first litter in 1978. Our first litter produced our first two champions. Over the years, we’ve bred 20+ litters, and we’ve finished a total of 23 champions. Of those champions, 17 have been bred by Jerry and me. 2. In your opinion, what is the current condition of your breed overall? Has your breed changed in ways that you consider to be positive? Any negative changes? Sadly, the Cairns seem to be getting bigger and bigger. I think people are forgetting that these dogs were bred to go into a hole and flush out vermin. Some of the dogs being shown today would have a hard time going into a nine-inch hole, turning around, and coming back out. There is also a loss of breed type, which is very sad to see. 3. Do you think your breed is portrayed accurately online and on social media? How is it represented correctly? How is it misrepresented? Thanks to the Wizard of Oz and Toto, the breed is very well- presented on social media, and everyone loves Toto in the Wizard of Oz . 4. What advice would you offer SHOWSIGHT Magazine about providing breed-specific information about your breed? How can we help to educate the general public as well as inform breeders, exhibitors, and conformation judges?

and are on our fifth generation. Our dogs are sound, correct in type, have excellent temperaments, and have a natural working ability. In the past 25 years, I have had 11 litters. I have worked hard to produce sound, working dogs. My dogs are tough when they need to be. They can be in your face, barking, holding you at the fence one minute, then sweet and gently licking a new baby lamb the next. They have made excellent service dogs, have gotten their CGC certificate, and have done well in the show ring. I like to say, “From Ranch to Ring.” I have not shown a lot, but have produced 10 champion show dogs. 2. In your opinion, what is the current condition of your breed overall? Has your breed changed in ways that you consider to be positive? Any negative changes? The breed has changed somewhat. People want a more “up” dog for the show ring; more movement. This is not always the personal- ity of an Anatolian. People will see an “up,” happy dog and think that they are a great family dog. We need to keep the working abil- ity of the breed. While Anatolians are not right for everyone, I do believe that they are wonderful guard dogs in the right home. 3. Do you think your breed is portrayed accurately online and on social media? How is it represented correctly? How is it misrepresented? Social Media? It really depends on which site you are on. It may show an “up” show dog; easy-going. This is not always the case. They can be very stubborn, head strong, guarding. What you don’t see as a threat, they might. From the AKC site? Yes, this is pretty correct. Anatolians must have a strong leader. An Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a rugged, imposing flock guard- ian of ancient lineage. Protective and territorial, but also intelligent, patient, and profoundly loyal. These muscular avengers are prized as working guard dogs without equal. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog stands between 27 and 29 inches at the shoulder and can weigh as much as 150 pounds. Profusely muscled but nimble afoot, Anatolians are more than a match for the predators and harsh terrain of their homeland. Anatolians descend from some of the oldest known domestic canine bloodlines. This lends the breed a sense of timelessness, a no-frills, untouched qual- ity that takes us back 6,000 years to the Bronze Age. Anatolians are smart, devoted, responsive, and adaptable. They will protect their flock, livestock, children, smaller dogs, and even the family cat, with intensity. Anatolian owners must be strong leaders, will- ing and able to handle a dog as dominating and demanding as he is calm and loving. 4. What advice would you offer SHOWSIGHT Magazine about providing breed-specific information about your breed? How can we help to educate the general public as well as inform breeders, exhibitors, and conformation judges? Judges need to know not to approach an Anatolian fast, from the front. They don’t always like men with hats or sun glasses. Move slowly, and have the handler show the teeth. Also, tails are not always up over the back. DEBORAHGRUNNAH 1. Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your breed and how long have you been breeding? How many litters have you produced and how many champions? I have been breeding Anatolian Shepherd Dogs for 24 years. I am an AKC Breeder of Merit with 16 litters produced and 32 AKC champions; eight Bred-By-Exhibitor champions, two ASDCA Sires of Distinction, three Dams of Merit, and several ASDCA Working Dog Awards.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2021 | 187

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