Lucky Hit Ranch's Anatolian Page - Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case)

Erick Conard's Lucky Hit Ranch: Anatolian Page

LUCKY HIT'S Shadow Kasif (CASE)
Pictures Taken when TWELVE YEARS OLD
A Forth Generation Anatolian

PICTURES OF A
WORKING LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN
Taken when TWELVE YEARS OLD at Lucky Hit Ranch...
Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture

Link to LUCKY HIT'S Shadow Kasif (CASE) Page

Link to Pictures of Case
from One through Eleven (1-11)Years
Always working the Big Pasture

Link to Pictures of Case as a puppy (0-1)
Growing up with Goats

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Each morning Case likes to follow the goats into the big pasture to insure it is safe for his goats.
The following pictures were taken one day when he was twelve as I followed him making is morning round with his goats.

LUCKY HIT'S SHADOW KASIF (CASE) IS A
TOP PRODUCER OF AKC CHAMPIONS
(DESIGNATED the AKC TOP PRODUCING MALE
in both 2009 and 2011)

Click picture below for
Erick Conard's Address Email and Phone Number Information
in a New Window
Erick's Address Email and Phone Numbers Link

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

After following the goats across the valley, Case takes a break in the shade as the goats nibble on juicy spring plants.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

The goats slowly travel across the pasture, so Case gets up and follows, head low to signal all is well.
You can see his head position is similar to a goat as it walks along peacefully looking for something good to eat.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Case heads toward shade as the goats move to the oak trees on the far hill across the valley.
He keeps his head low so he can check out the many smells in the pasture. Has a predator crossed here?

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

As Case moves across the pasture he fully investigates some smells he comes across.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

When Case finds a good spot to watch his goats, he stops, sits, and quietly enjoys his view.
However, he is always watchful.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

If the goats stay in one place a while, Case patiently lies down, waiting and watching.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Laying down and watching everything is what a good working Anatolian does the majority of the day. It requires a great deal of patience and a certain kind of temperament.
Anatolians that lack this quality and instead have loads of animation, so highly desired by some ignorant AKC judges, frequently make poor livestock guardians.
Anatolians with too much animation also have difficulty quietly following a grazing herd and so have greater difficulty fitting in as a herd member.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Finally, Case sees that the herd is moving on beyond his comfort range.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

As they move away, Case quietly gets up and patiently follows them back into the hot sun to watch over them.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Case never forgets to check out the many smells he come across as he follows his goats around the pasture.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Even as a twelve year old Case remains beautiful. Although not the muscular powerhouse he once was, Case still comands respect.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Case frequently scouts ahead of the herd as it moves to be certain nothing lies in wait for one of his goats.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Case carefully checks out every potential problem for his herd. An incredible sense of smell is vital in all working Anatolians.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

As the herd moves forward Case scans ahead to insure predators are not lurking and waiting.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Case has a big job and some might think it a lonely one, but Case loves his goats and as long as he has them to watch over he is happy.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Watching Case and other Lucky Hit working Anatolians
has informed my understanding of the AKC Standard and how to interpret it properly.
Responsible Breeders use correct working behavior and demeanor as their primary selection criteria.
I believe it is irresponsible to breed Anatolians who are untested over time with either sheep and/or goats.

The ONLY way one can correctly determine a dog's actual working ability is observation over time with sheep and/or goats!
Irresponsible breeders are full of excuses for failing to do the hard work required to be an Anatolian breeder.
Don't fall for those excuses.

Obtain your Anatolian only from a breeder who is willing
to do the very hard work of selecting for good working ability with sheep and/or goats.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Case's elevated head indicates he has noticed something of interest and wants to determine if it is a threat or not.
If not, he will again walk with his head down or level, which is a signal to the goats that all is well.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

As the day grows warmer, Case decides to take a drink and a well deserved dip in the spring.

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

Leaving the spring, Case continues to carefully check out all interesting smells.
Who has been coming by for a drink?

Twelve year old Lucky Hit's Shadow Kasif (Case) - Still Guarding Full Time in the Big Pasture at Lucky Hit Ranch

As Case moves about the pasture he is always accepted by every animal he guards. Even the llamas know he adds to their safety!
A Working Anatolian's job is never done! And it is a life that working Anatolians truly love!

Link to LUCKY HIT'S Shadow Kasif (CASE) Page

Link to Pictures of Case
from One through Eleven (1-11)Years
Always working the Big Pasture

Link to Pictures of Case as a puppy (0-1)
Growing up with Goats

Link to Lucky Hit Ranch Main Home Page
Link to Lucky Hit Ranch Anatolian Page
CLICK HERE to CLOSE this window
and return to the previous page.