Page 21 - ShowSight Presents The Anatolian Shepherd
P. 21
“JUDGES PASSING JUDGMENT ON OUR ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD SHOULD BE LOOKING
FOR A DOG THAT IS
LARGE, POWERFUL AND IMPRESSIVE...”
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 converg- ing 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 con- serves 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 conforma- tion 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
148 • SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2015
temperamentally capable of guarding flocks from predators. Judges must con- sider the whole dog and not overempha- size any one part. General balance is more important than absolute size. An Anato- lian 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What color is preferred?
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 cre- ate the appearance of illusion of a narrow head or an unusual ear set.
Should the forearm be equal to or longer than the depth of chest?
The AKC Breed Standard reads, “Shoulders should be muscular and well developed, blades long, broad and sloping. Elbows should be neither in nor out. Fore- legs should be relatively long, well-boned and set straight with strong pasterns.” Spe- cific measurements and proportions are not given. The overall balance and func- tionality of the dog should take precedence over any specific measurement.
