Sage Ashayeri

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

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.

Color

This dog is most usually found in bicolouring with yellow/white, red/white, brown/white and black/white colouring. Solid colour Sage Ashayeri dogs are also seen in brown, fawn and grey colours and some dogs of this breed are tricoloured and brindled as well.

Coat

There are two coat varieties for these dogs. The dogs that are associated with Qashqai tribe have short and smooth coats while the dogs that are associated with Bakhtiari tribe have longer coats.

Personality

The Sage Ashayeri are working dogs with an independent nature. They are used for several purposes such as guarding of homes, flocks, hunting and several other tasks. This dog is territorial and has high protecting instincts. As such, it is wary of strangers, be it men or dogs. This dog is ferocious towards strangers. It is a fearless and very courageous breed that can take on wild animals much larger than its size like wolves, bears and wild boars. This breed is very alert, attentive and territorial, hence makes an excellent watch and guard dog. It is used in urban areas to guard the homes and pets. Since very little is known about this breed, it can be assumed that this dog is friendly with its family. No efforts have been made to get this breed recognized and it remains rather rare outside its country of origin, Iran.

Care

The short-coated variety of Sage Ashayeri will need less grooming than smooth coated variety. Short-coated Sage Ashayeri dogs will need occasional brushing while smooth coated Sage Ashayeri may need two times brushing of the coat to keep it in top condition.

Training

Independent dogs usually need a firm trainer and consistent training to be a well rounded house pet. Same should be the case with this breed. These dogs are accustomed to performing most task without directions from their owners, hence have independent nature. An experienced owner will be needed to tame these dogs.

Activity

As a working breed, the Sage Ashayeri will need high exercise routines to use up its high energy levels. These dogs are used to large open spaces and will not adopt to apartment or small house life style. This breed is most suitable in a rural setting with lots of open space to run and play.