Judging the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, May 2013 issue.

Judging the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an exciting addition to the Working Group. The Anatolian is first and foremost a working dog. It is still bred for its original purpose, and the breed’s type and temperament are very much a component of its function.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is large, rugged, powerful, and impressive, possessing great endurance and agility. The Anatolian Shepherd is not a giant breed. It should be large enough to present a threat to an unwanted predator. It should appear powerful enough to kill a predator, rugged enough to scare a predator, and impressive enough that a predator will not intrude.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent and independent thinking; therefore, the show-ring may seem quite trivial to the thinking working guardian. The Anatolian Shepherd may appear reserved when taken out of its environment. The dog’s inherent aloofness may not lend itself to baiting or excitement over squeaky toys. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is not to be penalized for a lack of interest in the showing process.

Some dogs will have their tail carried in a wheel, and others will be carried low (not to be faulted). When gaiting, the tail often will go up and over. Wheel carriage is preferred when gaiting. This is an indicator of the dog’s reserve and awareness in the show ring setting. It also allows for the topline to be judged and seen with ease.

The profile of the 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 Shepherd Dog 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.

Judges should not expect to see this dog “fly around the ring.” While the Anatolian Shepherd is capable of explosive action while on guard duty, the dog naturally conserves energy throughout much of the day. However, correct fluid movement is essential for the soundness and longevity of the dog. Gaiting should be light and fluid. There is converging toward centerline as the gait picks up. Crossing over in front or from the rear is not acceptable.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has great drive and covers a lot of ground. It would be the judge’s responsibility to assure adequate space to see the movement to its full potential. Clean, fluid movement should be considered part of the breed type. The Anatolian should be shown on a loose lead, if possible. This is the best way to see the dog’s natural characteristic movement.

While the classic fawn and black mask coloration is the most common, all coat colors and markings are equally acceptable. In addition, the coat may range from short to rough (one inch to approximately four inches in length). The presence of a dense undercoat is expected to serve as protection from the elements. The variety of colors and coat lengths can be found in a single litter and should all be treated equally, with no preference or fault. The coat and skin will typically be greater around the neck, forming a protective ruff. The ruff has a functional purpose of protecting the dog in battle.

Males should be at least 29″ in height at the withers and at least 110 lbs, and bitches should be at least 27″ tall and 80 lbs.

These measurements and weights apply at age 2 or older in our Breed Standard. There is no disqualification for a dog or bitch that does not meet the height or weight requirement.

The breed is very slow to mature. Most Anatolians, males in particular, are not fully mature physically (or mentally) until they are three to four years of age. Overall general balance should be considered before the consideration of the height and weight requirements.

When judging our wonderful breed, you will see a variety that still fits within our standard. You will see a variation in color, size, hair length, tail carriage, etc. This variety allows for a more exciting selection of dogs and it allows the breed to achieve maximum genetic diversity. This variety contributes to making the Anatolian Shepherd Dog one of the healthiest, long-lived breeds in the Working Group.

Approaching the Anatolian Shepherd Dog should be from the shoulder, at an angle and not “head on.” The handler should be allowed to present the bite. This is not a breed that should be overhandled by either the handler or the judge. It is unnecessary and can eliminate a good dog from competition. Aggression is not acceptable as the dog should be sensible and in control.

When judging the Anatolian Shepherd, the essence of the breed is that it is a calm, quietly observant working flock guardian breed that should be capable of doing the job it has been bred to do for thousands of years. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog should be judged on balance, structure, and correct breed type.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America is pleased about judges who want to learn about our wonderful breed. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog may not be the flashiest breed in the working group, but if you ask any owner, exhibitor, or breeder, the Anatolian is definitely the most exciting and impressive, especially given the breed’s history. A complete list of Club-approved mentors and further resources about the breed can be found at https://asdca.club/