JUDGING THE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD A JUDGE'S GUIDE furnished by CATHERINE EMANUEL, ASDCA President and ASDCA JEC Chair
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is, first and foremost, a working guardian. It is reserved when taken out of its element. This is not to say it is timid. It should be alert, in varying degrees aloof, and most probably disinterested. As a judge, one should be aware of the demeanor and not fault the dog for not reacting to a squeaky toy, a whistle or the clap of hands. All colors, patterns and markings are equally acceptable as well as variations in coat length (1" to approx. 4" length). Pronounced white markings on the face, neck, chest and legs are common. The neck should be slightly arched, powerful and muscular with more skin and fur than elsewhere on the body
forming a protective ruff. Slight feather- ing may occur on the ear fringes, legs, breaching and tail. Pigmentation around the eyes and on the nose must be complete. Lack of pigment is not acceptable. Seasonal fad- ing of the nose is normal. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a muscular and athletic canine. However, the breed is very slow to mature. The judge will notice greater differences in the young males and bitches through their second year, chest noticeably less dropped and body appearing much leaner. Equal consideration, however, irrespective of level of maturity, should be given to all dogs based on overall balance, structure and breed type.
A s the Anatolian Shepherd Dog enters the ring, the judge should immediately be impressed by the dog’s size and soundness. It is a large and for- midable breed. It should be noted that as the dogs first goes around the ring, some dogs will have their tail carried in a wheel and others will have tails car- ried lower. When gaiting, however, the tail should go up and over, some more than others. Wheel carriage preferred. This is indicative of the dog’s awareness in the show ring setting. The information furnished in this article was written and approved by the ASDCA Judges Education Committee and approved by the ASDCA BOD 8/10/13.
298 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J ANUARY 2018
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