Anatolian Karabash or (Anatolian Shepherd) Dog breed or breeds

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog which originated in Anatolia (central Turkey.) The Anatolian is a muscular breed,with thick neck, broad head, and sturdy body.

An active breed originally used as a guard dog for sheep; hard working; capable of enduring extremes of heat and cold. They have a thick double coat that is somewhat wirey, that needs to be brushed 1-2 times a week in warm weather due to excessive shedding. They have very thick hair on their neck to protect their throat. They are seen with docked as well as intact tails. They are a naturally thin animal with a large rib cage and small stomach. They look as if they are heavier than they actually are, due to the thick coat.

• Recommended for: Working.
• Lifespan: 9 - 15 years
• Height: Dogs 74-81 cm (29-32 ins)
• Height: Bitches 71-79 cm (28-31 ins)
• Weight: 80 to 150 pounds (males average 130 pounds, females average 100 pounds)
• Colour: Any colour, but Gernerally Fawn or Cream with a Black mask.
• Hair: Short or mid-length, dense, with thick undercoat. Great variations in length according to climate.
• Head: Strong and broad. Slightly domed skull. Slight stop. Muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. Black lips.
• Ears: Medium size, drop, triangular with rounded tips.
• Eyes: Small. Golden to brown color depending on coat color.
• Body: Powerful. Thick, muscular neck. Deep chest. Belly well tucked up. Chest well-down. Ribs well sprung.
• Tail: Long, carried low and slightly curled.
• Longer and thicker at neck, shoulders and thighs. The coat tends to be longer in winter.
• 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.
• Its lips are tight to its muzzle and it has triangular drop ears.
• They should be deep chested with well sprung ribs. The forelegs are set well apart and are well boned, the hindlegs are powerful and lighter than the forelegs. The tail should be carried low when relaxed and carried high and curled over the back when alert.