Sage Ashayeri is an ancient shepherd dog of the Bakhtiari and Qashqai tribes of Western and Central Iran. Traditionally used as a flock defender, the Ashayeri Sheepdog also makes an excellent wild boar and bear hunter, as well as a valued wolf killer, when used in packs.
The Sage Ashayeri has strong legs, muscular body and a powerful neck, making this rugged Iranian breed an impressive working Moloss, prized for its superb speed, courage and resilience. The tail is usually docked, but there are many examples with their tails intact.
Usually bicoloured, the Iranian Ashayeri Sheepdog comes in yellow/white, red/white, brown/white and the very popular Border Collie-like black/white colouring, but solid fawn, brown and grey dogs are fairly common. There are also some brindle and tricoloured specimens to be found, as well. Quite smaller than most other breeds of the region, it rarely exceeds 20 inches in height.
This breed is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.