This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, January 2018 issue. Judging the Anatolian Shepherd: A Judge’s Guide 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. As the Anatolian Shepherd Dog enters the ring, the judge should immediately be […]
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This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, January 2018 issue.
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.
As 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 formidable breed. It should be noted that as the dog first goes around the ring, some dogs will have their tail carried in a wheel and others will have tails carried 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 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 feathering 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 fading 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.
Variation in body structure is acceptable as long as height, weight and bone are in proportion to overall size. Size should not be given precedence over balance, structure and correct breed type.
The skull is broader in dogs than in bitches. The head will also not have expanded to its mature broadness until after the age of four years. Certainly there are exceptions to every rule. The judge should not expect to see a dog that is covered heavily with extra flesh.
The profile of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, when standing, should show a slight drop behind the withers (not a sway back or weakness in the topline) with gradual arch over the loin, sloping slightly downward at the croup. The topline of the Anatolian will appear level when gaiting. With proper ease of movement, the head will drop, the back will remain strong (no rolling), and the tail will rise. When these three elements come together, the leveling of the topline will become evident to the viewer.
Approaching the Anatolian Shepherd Dog should be from the shoulder and not “head on.” The handler should be allowed to present the bite. It is not in the best interest of the dog for the judge to over handle this breed during examination. This is a working dog and should be respected as one.
The judge should make sure adequate space between dogs is available in the ring while the dogs are lined up for examination and ensure that crowding does not occur during gaiting so each dog’s movement can be seen to its potential. Gaiting should be light and fluid. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog exhibits good reach and drive and covers a lot of ground. There is converging toward center line as the gait picks up. Crossing over in front or from the rear is not acceptable. Although the dog is capable of great speed, the breed instinctively conserves energy. Speed is not necessary or expected in the show ring.
It is the desire of the Anatolian Fancy to have the dogs presented for conformation judging in their best light. Judges passing judgment on our Anatolian Shepherd should be looking for a dog that is large, powerful and impressive, with superior breed type, physically and temperamentally capable of guarding flocks from predators. Judges must consider the whole dog and not overemphasize any one part. General balance is more important than absolute size. An Anatolian Shepherd Dog that is most typical of the breed as defined by the breed standard is not exaggerated; he is the ideal; he is functional; he is perfectly balanced.
The AKC Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed Standard allows for all coat colors and markings to be equally acceptable. There is no preference given to coat color. It should be noted that some colors create optical illusions. Often markings can create the appearance of illusion of a narrow head or an unusual ear set.
The AKC Breed Standard reads, “Shoulders should be muscular and well developed, blades long, broad and sloping. Elbows should be neither in nor out. Forelegs should be relatively long, well boned and set straight with strong pasterns.” Specific measurements and proportions are not given. The overall balance and functionality of the dog should take precedence over any specific measurement.
The AKC Breed Standard states, “General balance is more important than absolute size. Dogs should be from 29 inches and weighing from 110 to 150 pounds proportionate to size and structure. Bitches should be from 27 inches, weighing from 80 to 120 pounds, proportionate to size and structure. Neither dog nor bitch appear fat. Both dog and bitch should be rectangular, in direct proportion to height. Measurements and weights apply at age two or older.” When judging the ASD you will see a wide variety of sizes in the ring to include a size difference between dogs and bitches. There is no disqualification for height or weight in the breed standard. The breed is very slow to mature; therefore, height and weight suggestions are not applicable until the entrant is over the age of two. A six month old puppy may not meet the height or weight suggested in the breed standard. Size is only one part of the dog and should not overrule general balance.
Anatolian bites may be scissors or level is acceptable. Disqualifications include overshot, undershot and wry bites. Broken teeth and missing teeth are acceptable. Many of the dogs that are being exhibited today are coming straight from their pastures. It is not uncommon for a working dog to have broken or missing teeth as a result of protecting their charges. This should not be faulted.
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