Post by DogGoneGood on Mar 10, 2009 19:59:27 GMT -5
Group: III - Working Dogs
Origin: Turkey
Date of Origin: Middle Ages
Purpose: Sheep Gaurdian
Other Name(s): Coban Kopegi, Karabas, Kangal Dog, Karabash
Turkish shepherds never used dogs to herd sheep, only to protect them from predators. These sheepdogs were collectively classified as coban kopegi, but in the 1970s breeders began to investigate type and found several regional differences. Anatolian-type sheepdogs are found in central Turkey and closely resemble the sheepdogs of eastern Turkey. In its native land, the Anatolian remains a guardian, protecting flocks from wolves, bears, and jackals. Strong willed and independent, it is not an entirely suitable companion, although with careful socialization it can adapt to a family enviroment.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a shepherd's guard dog of ancient lineage, probably descended from the large hunting dogs existing in Mesopotamia. Over the ages, the breed has evolved to suit a specific set of circumstances; guarding flocks traveling great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau; staying out whatever the weather may be.
An active breed originally used as a guard dog for sheep; hard working; capable of enduring extremes of heat and cold.
General Appearance:
Large, upstanding, tall, powerfully built, livestock guarding dog with broad strong head and dense double coat. Must have size and stamina. Capable of great speed. Foreface slightly shorter than skull.
Life Expectancy:
10-11 Years
Size:
Height:
Dogs 74-81 cm (29-32 inches) at the shoulders
Bitches 71-79 cm (28-31 inches) at the shoulders
Weight:
Mature dogs 50-65 kg (110-145 lbs)
Mature bitches 40-55 kg (85-120 lbs)
Tail:
Long, reaching to hock, set on rather high, when relaxed carried low with slight curl; when alert carried high and curled over back, especially by males.
Head:
Skull: Large, but in proportion to the body, broad between ears, slightly domed, with slight stop. Mature males have broader head than females. Foreface: Seen from above almost rectangular. Profile blunt, tapering very slightly to end. Nose: Black, except in livers, where it is brown. Lips: Very slightly pendulous, black-edged. Edge of upper lip not lower than the profile of the underjaw. Tight lip-corners. Eyes: Rather small in proportion to size of skull, set well apart, deep set, showing no haw. Golden to brown in colour according to coat colour. Eye rims black except in livers. Ears: Medium sized, triangular in shape, rounded at tip, pendant with front edge close to cheek, higher when alert. Mouth: Teeth strong, with a perfect scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaw. Complete dentition.
Neck:
Slightly arched, powerful, muscular, moderate in length, rather thick. Slight dewlap.
Forequarters:
Shoulders: Well muscled, oblique. Forelegs: Set well apart, straight and well boned; of good length. Elbows: Close to sides, free moving. Pasterns: Strong, slightly sloping when viewed from side.
Hindquarters:
Powerful, not overloaded with muscles. Hindlegs vertical when seen from rear. Thighs: Long. Stifle: Good turn of stifle. Feet: Strong, with thick pads and well arched toes. Nails short.
Body:
Powerful, well muscled, never fat. Topline: Rather short in proportion to leg length, horizontal, slightly arched over loins. Underline: With the belly well tucked up. Chest: Deep to point of elbow, ribs well sprung, ribcage sufficiently long.
Gait:
Very noticeable level line of body, head and neck when walking;
movement even, supple and long reaching, giving impression of stalking, with great power. Pacing acceptable at slow speed. Mincing or hackney action highly undesirable.
Coat and Colour:
Coat
Hair: Short or mid-length, dense, with thick undercoat. Great variations in length according to climate. Longer and thicker at neck, shoulders and thighs. The coat tends to be longer in winter.
Colour
All colours acceptable
Temperment:
Steady and bold without aggression, naturally independent, very
intelligent and tractable. Proud and confident. Loyal and affectionate to owners, but wary of strangers when mature.
Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault.
History:
About 1,000 years ago, the Turkic-speaking people entered Asia Minor, occupying the region that is now Turkey. They brought with them their great, herd-guarding dogs. The Anatolian descends from these dogs.
Sources:
Canadian Kennel Club Official Breed Standards - Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The New Encyclopedia Of the DOG by Bruce Fogle DVM Page 351
Origin: Turkey
Date of Origin: Middle Ages
Purpose: Sheep Gaurdian
Other Name(s): Coban Kopegi, Karabas, Kangal Dog, Karabash
Turkish shepherds never used dogs to herd sheep, only to protect them from predators. These sheepdogs were collectively classified as coban kopegi, but in the 1970s breeders began to investigate type and found several regional differences. Anatolian-type sheepdogs are found in central Turkey and closely resemble the sheepdogs of eastern Turkey. In its native land, the Anatolian remains a guardian, protecting flocks from wolves, bears, and jackals. Strong willed and independent, it is not an entirely suitable companion, although with careful socialization it can adapt to a family enviroment.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a shepherd's guard dog of ancient lineage, probably descended from the large hunting dogs existing in Mesopotamia. Over the ages, the breed has evolved to suit a specific set of circumstances; guarding flocks traveling great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau; staying out whatever the weather may be.
An active breed originally used as a guard dog for sheep; hard working; capable of enduring extremes of heat and cold.
General Appearance:
Large, upstanding, tall, powerfully built, livestock guarding dog with broad strong head and dense double coat. Must have size and stamina. Capable of great speed. Foreface slightly shorter than skull.
Life Expectancy:
10-11 Years
Size:
Height:
Dogs 74-81 cm (29-32 inches) at the shoulders
Bitches 71-79 cm (28-31 inches) at the shoulders
Weight:
Mature dogs 50-65 kg (110-145 lbs)
Mature bitches 40-55 kg (85-120 lbs)
Tail:
Long, reaching to hock, set on rather high, when relaxed carried low with slight curl; when alert carried high and curled over back, especially by males.
Head:
Skull: Large, but in proportion to the body, broad between ears, slightly domed, with slight stop. Mature males have broader head than females. Foreface: Seen from above almost rectangular. Profile blunt, tapering very slightly to end. Nose: Black, except in livers, where it is brown. Lips: Very slightly pendulous, black-edged. Edge of upper lip not lower than the profile of the underjaw. Tight lip-corners. Eyes: Rather small in proportion to size of skull, set well apart, deep set, showing no haw. Golden to brown in colour according to coat colour. Eye rims black except in livers. Ears: Medium sized, triangular in shape, rounded at tip, pendant with front edge close to cheek, higher when alert. Mouth: Teeth strong, with a perfect scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaw. Complete dentition.
Neck:
Slightly arched, powerful, muscular, moderate in length, rather thick. Slight dewlap.
Forequarters:
Shoulders: Well muscled, oblique. Forelegs: Set well apart, straight and well boned; of good length. Elbows: Close to sides, free moving. Pasterns: Strong, slightly sloping when viewed from side.
Hindquarters:
Powerful, not overloaded with muscles. Hindlegs vertical when seen from rear. Thighs: Long. Stifle: Good turn of stifle. Feet: Strong, with thick pads and well arched toes. Nails short.
Body:
Powerful, well muscled, never fat. Topline: Rather short in proportion to leg length, horizontal, slightly arched over loins. Underline: With the belly well tucked up. Chest: Deep to point of elbow, ribs well sprung, ribcage sufficiently long.
Gait:
Very noticeable level line of body, head and neck when walking;
movement even, supple and long reaching, giving impression of stalking, with great power. Pacing acceptable at slow speed. Mincing or hackney action highly undesirable.
Coat and Colour:
Coat
Hair: Short or mid-length, dense, with thick undercoat. Great variations in length according to climate. Longer and thicker at neck, shoulders and thighs. The coat tends to be longer in winter.
Colour
All colours acceptable
Temperment:
Steady and bold without aggression, naturally independent, very
intelligent and tractable. Proud and confident. Loyal and affectionate to owners, but wary of strangers when mature.
Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault.
History:
About 1,000 years ago, the Turkic-speaking people entered Asia Minor, occupying the region that is now Turkey. They brought with them their great, herd-guarding dogs. The Anatolian descends from these dogs.
Sources:
Canadian Kennel Club Official Breed Standards - Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The New Encyclopedia Of the DOG by Bruce Fogle DVM Page 351
