Does any dog breed called the Anatolian Shepherd Dog exist?

As detailed above, there is no such breed as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog among the purebred dogs of Turkey, not in name, not in concept, and not in reality. However, the flock guardian breed so called the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is well-known across the world. Despite the name Anatolian Shepherd Dog being used by some countries, mostly the United Kingdom and the USA, in my view a purebred dog known as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog does not exist. Excluding the purebred dogs described above, all the flock guardian dogs seen throughout Anatolia, called Anatolian Shepherd Dogs by their owners and breeders in foreign countries, consist, in fact, of a population created by the uncontrolled mating of the purebred, true Kangal (Karabash) Dog with some other breeds. This is because a controlled mating technique, namely breeding on a pedigree basis, is not practised in villages. This matter is better illustrated by the photographs on further pages.

 
Today the majority of these mixed-breed and stray dogs live independently in villages, towns and even cities in Turkey. Bitches can mate easily and freely with one or more of these male dogs during their seasons. These mating male dogs may not always be Kangal (Karabash) Dogs but various breeds, mongrel and even pariah dogs. As a result a number of dogs resembling the Kangal (Karabash) Dog may be encountered in Turkey, but it can be clearly understood that they are not purebred Kangal (Karabash) Dogs if they are seriously scrutinized.

 
These dogs may be called Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, although they have no breed features since they are not purebred. In external appearance they may resemble the Kangal (Karabash) Dog when seen from afar, but they lack the size and structure of the Kangal (Karabash). Moreover, they lack the Kangal (Karabash)'s lioness-like body shape, the black-rimmed eyes and black muzzle, the ears close-set to the head, and the low-hanging tail with its slightly upward and forward curl. Resemblance to Kangal (Karabash) Dogs relates only to the colour of their coats, despite their exhibiting various colours. Piebald colours are very often seen. Their temperament and character are not as good as the Kangal (Karabash) dog.