I read this review on Amazon this morning, as I decided to order myself a 3rd copy of this book & I wanted to see what others thought of it...the review below (by "Amazon Customer") so beautifully encapsulates the state of the Anatolian in today's (the USA anyway)..Anatolian zone: "This book was authentic, thorough, and eye opening. I have several dogs of Anatolian origin working in the field with livestock. This book gives a perspective of these dogs enlightened by the necessary eastern perspective. The key points: a. Turkish working dogs were developed as landrace breed based on performance traits. The application of western aesthetic criteria and breed standards via the kennel clubs will destroy the very genetic selection process that made the dogs legendary. The hyper-focus on appearance over temperament by those with a commercial interest, and the tendency of western buyers to fall into the trap, will accelerate the divergence and dilution of the traditional Coban Kopegi. b The difference between Anatolian transitory livestock management requirements and western static livestock management requirements are inevitably diluting the lines of the dogs, especially as traditional selection processes for the dogs are discarded. c. The variation in dogs such as Kangal, Yoruk (claimed as the modern Boz), and others has historically been very diverse and fluid, and that breeding with a primarily aesthetic focus from dogs with micro-regional traits excludes most of the gene pool. d. The application of western standards to dog "preservation" dilutes the lines, not preserves them. e. Defined breed standards in Anatolia along with those often encountered on social media are based on commercial interest and not pastoral traditions. The gene pool is being intentionally constricted and manipulated for profit in Euros and Dollars, which trump the Lira. f. These blue collar dogs are being turned into dogs for the aristocracy and a show breed, not a working breed. g. The shepherd community has been exploited by the kennel club/breeder community. h. Traditional practices for caring for and developing this breed as guardians produce different results than western practices. The western system, due to worldview and legal reasons, cannot fully execute traditional Anatolian management practices. All in all, this book is a must have for those owning Anatolian Shepherd Type dogs, or looking to purchase one for working purposes. I wish I had read this book before I accepted at face value the claims of some breeders in the United Stated and Turkey about what makes a Kangal a Kangal, etc. The truth is, the genetic potential of the dog, individual temperament, and early practices with pups are the key to producing dogs like the ones of legend. This book will help give an insight into the breed which may be useful when determining if the breed is right for you, whether your care practices can be tailored or modified, explain some of the behaviors encountered, and whether narrative controlled commercial interests are encroaching on your purchase decisions. I already held my dogs in high esteem..........this book took that esteem to a new level and also recalibrated the way I understand everything about them in a positive manner." Comments are closed.
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AuthorHowl-O! I'm Julia Jensen- devoted student of dogs & religious sampler of cheesecake, wheat beer, huehuetenango coffee & almost any chocolate out there. I indulge these fancies & more, in the remote silence of the pacific NW. *PLEASE NOTE* The videos selected for bloghism could be construed as "disturbing" to those of certain bents, sensitivities, natures, mind-sets, etc.. I have a distinct interest in relaying footage of dogs doing what they have been doing for centuries....& in some cases, I also include dog show footage just as a matter of interest. If you do not like my selections, by all means, do not view them. Archives
June 2024
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