The ideal male Anatolian Shepherd Dog should have a shoulder height of 29 inches and weigh between 110 to 150 pounds, with well-proportioned, balanced structure. The ideal female should have a shoulder height of about 27 inches and weigh between 80 to 120 pounds, well-proportioned and well-structured. Neither males nor females should appear overweight; both genders’ body proportions should be rectangular. This standard applies to dogs over 2 years old.
　　Morphological Characteristics
　　AKC Standard
　　Head
　　Expression: Appears very intelligent and lively.
　　Eyes: Medium-sized, well spaced, almond-shaped, color ranging from dark brown to light amber. Blue eyes or mismatched eye colors are disqualifications. Eye rims are black or brown; eyelids should have no laxity or drooping. Lack of pigmentation is a serious fault.
　　Ears: Positioned above the top of the head. Ears are V-shaped with rounded tips, length about 4~6 inches. The ear tips should just reach the outer corners of the eyes. Ears should be drop ears; erect ears are disqualifying.
　　Skull: Large but proportionate to the body. A slight wrinkle runs along the midline from the stop to the occiput. Males have broader skulls than females.
　　Muzzle: Fairly dark; males have sturdier muzzles. Neither males nor females should have a coarse head or muzzle.
　　Nose: The nose leather and lips must be black or brown. Seasonal fading is permitted. Lack of pigmentation is a serious fault. The upper lip is appropriately tight but enough to form the square muzzle appearance.
　　Teeth: Teeth and gums are strong and healthy. Scissor bite is ideal; pincer bite is also acceptable. Missing teeth are not faults. Overbite, underbite, or twisted bite are disqualifications.
　　Neck, Topline, Body
　　Neck slightly arched, strong and muscular, moderate length, with more hair than the body forming a protective mane. The throat should not sag or be exaggerated. The topline should remain straight when walking. The back is strong, muscular, and very straight; the withers slope backward, and from the lumbar region to the croup is slightly curved downward towards the rump. Body proportions are appropriate, with no exaggerations, never overweight or soft. Chest is deep (to the elbow), well-expanded with a clear boundary from the waist. Tail is long, extending to the hock. The tail set is high; when relaxed, the tail naturally hangs with the tip curling upwards. When alert, the tail is raised and constantly "rotates." Both a hanging or "rotating" tail are allowed when walking. "Rotating" is preferable; the tail need not be fully stretched out.
　　Forequarters
　　Shoulders should be muscular, well-extended; shoulder blades are long, broad, and inclined. Elbows neither turn out nor in. Forelegs are relatively long with enough bone mass, straight with strong wrists. Feet are strong and compact; toes arched to form oval-shaped paws. Nails are short and thick; pads are thick and tough. Dewclaws may have been removed.
　　Hindquarters
　　Solid, with broad thighs and ample muscle. Stifle joint at a proper angle, hock proportionate to hindquarters. Viewed from behind, legs are parallel. Feet are strong and compact, toes arched to form oval-shaped paws. Double dewclaws may be present, or dewclaws may have been removed.
　　Coat
　　Coat varies from short (about 1 inch long, loose) to coarse and loose (about 4 inches long). Neck and mane hair are longer and thicker. A dense undercoat is present all over the body. Feathering is on the edges of ears, legs, rump, and tail.
　　Color
　　Any color and pattern are acceptable.
　　Gait
　　At a brisk walk, gait appears strong, powerful, and smooth. From front or rear, legs remain vertical, neither turning inward or outward; no crossing or interference occurs. As speed increases, feet converge toward the body’s center line. From the side, forelimbs should reach steadily forward; withers and topline nearly totally straight, with only slight rising and falling. Hindquarters are structured for smooth drive; hocks flex and extend freely.
　　Temperament
　　Alert and intelligent, calm and cautious. Innate protectiveness, brave and highly adaptable. Very loyal. Naturally possess a strong territorial guarding instinct. Shows reservation towards strangers, but if strangers are outside their territory, generally not problematic. This breed usually does not react impulsively. Excessive dominance is a fault.
　　Disqualifications
　　Blue eyes or mismatched eye colors, erect ears, overbite, underbite, or twisted bite.