LARGE, RUGGED, POWERFUL AND IMPRESSIVE THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOG Large, Rugged, Powerful and Impressive THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOG
THE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOG IS A ‘WORKING GUARD DOG WITHOUT EQUAL.’
T his 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 ter- ritory is acceptable. Anatolians are not natural “show dogs.” He “shows” by appearing confident, alert, intelligent, and watchful. He goes to shows to please his master, 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 jig- ging 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 are 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 a wry bite is a disqualification; a level bite is acceptable, a scissors bite is preferred. This breed is presented, not shown. A loose lead is a must while gaiting, with plenty of room in between exhibitors. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed, some say it dates back to biblical times. Its origins are in Turkey and throughout Asia Minor. The dog was developed to meet the needs of ancient agrarian societies of The Old World. As the trade merchants in ancient times traveled through- out 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 Sighthound. Thus, the Anatolian is large, rugged, powerful, and impres- sive. 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 ASDs that you see today harken back centuries to those courageous ancestors. They were not chosen for beauty, but for brav- ery, 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 ele- ments 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.
BY LAURA EDSTROM SMITH CHAIRMAN, JUDGES EDUCATION
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2021 | 253
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