SARKANGIK SHEPHERD ñ U Z B E K I S TA N CONTINUED FROM PAGE 234
from predators for more than 3000 years. They never interfered with the selection or ever controlled the dogís natural breeding. Probably descending from the Alabai, the Sarkangik had also inˇuence of other breeds as for instance the Persian Mastiff, the Mongolian Shepherd, and the Russian Ovcharka. These dogs certainly enforced their resilience and courage. Other outcrosses contributed for ensuring the preservation of the best working qualities of the breed. The Sarkangik is one of the most valued dogs of the country because it has reliable temperament, is smart and intelligent, and is well-adjusted to the harsh temperatures of the locale. The Uzbekistan Shepherd Dog is separated in two types according to the duties they perform. The one called Torkuz is a heavier, enormous mastiff whose head is broad, the bones and muscles are very strong and are used as guard and defense dogs (unfortunately as ring ˇghters as well). The other type is not as tall or as heavy as the Torkuz, but is as strong and powerful as the other, and its duty is to drive and defend the herds, seldom used for ˇghting. Crosses between the two types are frequent but regardless of the differences the Uzbekistan Shepherd Dog is an impressive Mollosser, appreciated for its calm temperament and
gentle ways around people, proving themselves as excellent family partners for selected, strong and patient owners. Instinctively territorial and alert toward strangers, these enormous dogs are not vicious or aggressive, instead they are trustable and obedient, yet serious and mostly for their impressive appearance intimidating guard and watchdogs. Due to their size and temperament (also for being naturally deˇant with other dogs) early socialization and responsible handling is of great importance. This healthy and resilient breed requires a certain amount of exercise, and likes to have some task to be occupied with. The ears
and tail can be seen either cropped or in their natural state in Uzbekistan. The dog is slightly longer than tall. The ribs are well sprung and let down to, or slightly below, the elbows. The chest is broad and deep. The line of the back declines very slightly downward from broad, muscular, prominent withers to a strong, broad back with a straight upper line. The loin is short, broad, muscular and slightly arched. The croup is broad, long, muscular, and slightly sloped. Tuck-up is moderate. The skin is thick and elastic. The coat is fairly short, but very thick and densely undercoated, usually a bit longer during the winter months. Many colorings exist, but most dogs are either whitebased with patches of darker shades or mostly black, brown, grey or fawn with white markings. Average height is around 32 inches, although smaller shepherds, as well as taller mastiffs, can be found. Our dear readers can ˇnd the complete Standard at the United Kennel Club breeds section under the Central Asian Sheepdog title. *The Silk Road was a network of trade routes formally established during the Han Dynasty of China which linked the regions of the ancient world in commerce. As the Silk Road was not a single thoroughfare from east to west, the term ëSilk Routesí has become increasingly favored by historians, though ëSilk Roadí is the more common and recognized name. Both terms for this network of roads were coined by the German geographer and traveler, Ferdinand von Richthofen, in 1877 CE, who designated them ëSeidenstrasseí (silk road). The network was used regularly from 130 BCE, when the Han ofˇcially opened trade with the west, to 1453 CE, when the Ottoman Empire boycotted trade with the west and closed the routes. (Ancient History Encyclopedia).
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