Anatolian may easily live to be 11 or 12, many into their teens. Like all large dogs, however, the breed can occasionally be susceptible to hip and elbow problems, but responsible breeders continue to have their dogs x-rayed and seek certification for all breeding stock. The Anatolian can be extremely sensitive to anesthesia and anyone owning the breed should advise his vet of this problem. It is important to remind vets and their technicians of this periodically to avoid its being overlooked in notes kept on your dog.
DOGS, DOGS, GOOD FOR YOUR HEART!
People usually purchase dogs for companionship, but studies show that dogs can help to improve their owners’ health and level of activity, as well as lower a human’s risk of coronary heart disease. Without even realizing it, when a person puts time into exercising, grooming and feeding a dog, he also puts more time into his own personal health care. Dog owners establish more routine schedules for their dogs to follow, which can have positive effects on their own health. Dogs also teach us patience, offer unconditional love and provide the joy of having a furry friend to pet!
Another congenital defect occasionally found in the breed is entropion, a condition in which the eyelid rolls in toward the eye, allowing the lashes to rub against and irritate the cornea. It is important to consult your vet if excessive tearing or irritation persists.
Some instances of hypothyroidism have been reported in the breed as well. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland malfunctions, resulting in reduced output. The signs may include poor coat, lethargy and weakness, along with poor appetite in spite of increased weight gain. Treatment usually requires long-term, even lifetime, medication.
Although bloat (gastric torsion or dilatation) is not actually known to be an inherited problem, it does occur often in large deep-chested breeds such as the Anatolian. Little is known about the actual cause of bloat. Many theories have been offered, but none actually proven. This often-fatal condition seems to occur frequently at night after the dog has had a large meal, ingested a great deal of water and then exercises strenuously.
Symptoms can range from a severe attack of gas to death. It can occur so suddenly and swiftly that only immediate attention by a vet experienced in dealing with the condition will save your dog’s life.
Simply described, bloat causes the stomach to rotate so that both ends are closed off. The food contained in the stomach ferments but the gases cannot escape, thereby causing the stomach to swell, greatly pressuring the entire diaphragm and consequently leading to extreme cardiac and respiratory complications. The affected dog is in extreme pain and death can follow very quickly unless the gas is released through surgery. Again, immediate veterinary assistance is necessary if your dog displays any symptoms of bloat. Symptoms and prevention are discussed at more length in the health chapter.
INTRODUCTION TO THE STANDARD
In the earliest days of man’s relationship with dogs, he began to see that those dogs constructed in a certain way were more successful at performing the tasks assigned to them. It then became those particular characteristics that guided man’s breeding practices. The people who kept the dogs that were serving them best gathered to make comparisons and seek out stock to improve their own dogs. The more successful keepers were asked to observe the dogs at work and evaluate them.
With industrialization, little villages grew into large cities and towns and the citizenry moved into urban dwellings. Fewer dogs were given the opportunity to perform in the capacity for which their breeds were created. To avoid the respective breeds’ losing their ability to perform, dog fanciers began to select their stock on the basis of the conformation that they determined would produce the most successful workers. The guidelines became theoretical rather than practical.
In the case of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, as far back in time as one wishes to trace, the same characteristics were important. The dog had to be large enough and strong enough to handle predators of all sizes and degrees of aggressiveness. He had to be protective and of a calm demeanor to coexist with the flocks he attended. These characteristics typify the breed and remain paramount in the minds of breeders who champion the cause of the Anatolian today.
It should be noted here that these descriptions, written by knowledgeable individuals in the breed for their peers, were the forerunners of what are known today as breed standards. The descriptions were used primarily as checklists or blueprints to breed by and they served as reminders so that important points of conformation would not be lost.
Today’s Anatolian Shepherd Dog breed standard describes a dog that is entirely capable of performing the duties it has been called upon to perform for thousands of years. It includes a description of ideal structure, temperament, coat, color and the manner in which the breed moves (gait). All of these descriptions relate directly to the breed’s original purpose.
Outward appearance means nothing without correct structure underneath. Show judges use a hands-on approach to evaluating the dog’s physical conformation.
As stated, breed standards are used by breeders to assist them in breeding toward this goal of perfection. While no dog is absolutely perfect, the dogs that adhere most closely to the ideal are what breeders will determine are show or breeding stock. The standard is also used by dog show judges to compare actual dogs to the ideal. The dog adhering most closely to this ideal, in the judge’s opinion, is then the winner of his class and so on down the line.
An Anatolian dog of correct type, balance and substance.
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB STANDARD FOR THE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOG
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Large, rugged, powerful and impressive, possessing great endurance and agility. Developed through a set of very demanding circumstances for a purely utilitarian purpose; he is a working guard dog without equal, with a unique ability to protect livestock. General impression—Appears bold, but calm, unless challenged. He possesses size, good bone, a well-muscled torso with a strong head. Reserve out of his territory is acceptable. Fluid movement and even temperament is desirable.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE
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 2 or older.
HEAD
Expression should be intelligent. Eyes are medium size, set apart, almond shaped and dark brown to light amber in color. Blue eyes or eyes of two different colors are a disqualification. Eye rims will be black or brown and without sag or looseness of haw. Incomplete pigment is a serious fault. Ears should be set on no higher than the plane of the head. V-shaped, rounded apex, measuring about 4 inches at the base to 6 inches in length. The tip should be just
