Tinifghani Shepherd

The Tinifghani Shepherd (called Singirt in the Tinifghani tongue) is a livestock guardian dog, taking its name from the Tinifghani people of inland Abayad. It is a working dog, following the nomads, protecting caravans and flocks of sheep, goats, and other livestock from predators and thieves. Because it is intrinsically associated with the nomadic life in the remote and rugged regions of inland Abayad, it is difficult to identify a “true” Tinifghani Shepherd opposed to specimens that have been crossbred with other species, such as the Bidurajula or Biduishaq. There is no formal organizing body for dogs of Tinifghani stock, making the tracking of their numbers, pedigree, and traits somewhat difficult.

History
Geography favored the development of the various sub-types of Tinifghani Shepherd. For example, in mountainous regions, the heavier-coated and larger-boned dogs were preferred, while in lower altitude scrublands, a more agile build was desirable. Natural selection occurred due to a combination of environmental conditions and human preferences, and over the centuries, the breed settled into its two commonly accepted subtypes.

Throughout their history, the Tinifghani have needed their dogs to be extremely vigilant in guarding their livestock and belongings. They have trusted their dogs to safeguard their camps and caravans on their seasonal journeys for centuries. They also needed their dogs to be extremely tough, not only in the face of danger, but also for braving the rough environmental conditions requiring an incredible ability to adapt. The Tinifghani regular travel through mountains, valleys, and scrublands, in the cold and searing heat, through parts of Abayad that, for days, may not offer shelter, food, or even water. This necessitated the existence of a dog that could survive in all kinds of extreme conditions and still be able to perform its duties without hindering the progress of the caravan. They often had little or no spare time or energy left to feed or care for the dogs at the end of a long day, and could not afford to wait for them if they fell ill, or to check to ensure that they had not fallen behind or run off. They also needed dogs that would be fierce and possess unmatched stamina, courage, and strength, but at the same time would be extremely intelligent, trustworthy, and independent, and that could function without any special guidance or training.

Tinifghani Shepherds have not changed their basic phenotype over the past few centuries. Warfare in general unrest have historically affected the Tinifghani, of whom many have more recently settled near areas populated by mainstream Abayadis, creating ample opportunity for the breed to mix with others.

Description
The Tinifghani Shepherd possesses a rich gene pool, and the dogs adapt well to varying environments. This also means that gene expression can vary greatly from one specimen to another; it can be difficult for an unaccustomed observer to determine what makes a particular dog a true Tinifghani Shepherd, or which subset of the breed it fits within.

In general, Tinifghani Shepherds are large, with a coat that can be short, medium, or long, but is always backed by thick underwool. They vary in height, reaching 58-66 cm at the withers for females and 61 to 74 cm for males. Their weight ranges from 38 to 54 kg for females and 40 to 80 kg for males. Head shape can vary from a wedge-type head, to a brick-type, to a bear-type, the last being associated mainly with dogs of the Northern Bula Mountain variety. Their tails are usually docked by about one-third of their length and usually point either straight up or at an angle. Traditionally their ears are cropped almost to the base, but this practice has fallen out of favor with many Tinifghani clans. Tinifghani Shepherds are tall dogs with a straight backline, usually forming a square profile with the front and hind legs. Its neck is usually long and thick, with plenty of excess skin hanging from the base of the jaw to the chest. The head is carried horizontally, or at a slight downward angle, with eyes starting straight ahead. The muzzle is dry and muscular.

Their bodies are often covered with dark spots that do not show through their coats. These spots can also cover the inside of the mouth, the bridge of the mouth, and the abdomen. The color of the coat comes in many varieties, and is of no importance to determine the breed to subtype of dog. Neither is the length or structure of the hair. Most often, a stirp of longer, wirier hair covers the entire length of the backline, whereas the neck area is packed with thick and slippery underwool along with hair that is slightly longer than over the rest of the body. Tooth sizes range from small in females to larger in males, with fangs often exceeding 3.5 cm. The shape of the fangs can forma hook with a thicker base, with the point directed toward the inside of the mouth, or can be straighter and tusk-like, like that of a wolf’s.

There are three main regional types recognized, belonging to one of two body types - the lion-type and the bear-type, which are determined depending on the build and motor characteristics of the dog.

Subvariants and Types
Tinifghani Shepherds can be divided roughly into three types: the northern mountain-type, the southern mountain-type, and the scrub-type. Another way to classify the Tinifghani Shepherd could be according to a lion-type or bear-type. This division applies mostly to southern mountain and scrub-types, but is important to keep in mind that each regional variant can display characteristics found in other types as well. The difference between the two can be seen most easily in the way that they move. Bear-type dogs are more majestic in motion but also tend to be slower, appearing very proud due to the fact that they keep their heads raised while walking.
 * The northern mountain-type form a very large-boned, heavy-coated variety that is well-suited to living in the higher elevation areas of the Northern Bula range. They are usually found at higher elevations, where there is greater humidity and more extreme, cool temperatures.
 * The southern mountain-type are of a lighter build but still larger than the scrub-type. They are of medium height, with short to medium-length coat backed by very thick underwool during the cold season.  They possess characteristics of both types, especially when it comes to head structure.
 * The scrub-type are of a lighter build than the other types, with medium to long hair. They are faster and more agile in expansive flats opposed to mountain valleys, and can be characterized as having a build similar to a Bidurajula with an appearance closer to a Tinifghani Sightdog.
 * Bear-type dogs are of heavier build, with larger heads and deeper chests. Their coat is usually thicker, and they are of a medium height with a larger, squarer head.
 * Lion-type dogs are more athletic-looking, with a brick or wedge shaped head and shorter coat. They are more often linked with scrub-type dogs.

The lion-type dogs exhibit more of a sidewinding, catlike motion, with the head usually level with the body, and front paws swinging inwards when walking, running, or jumping. Both types are agile, and possess great speed and tenacity when running or fighting off foes.

Temperament
The resulting breed can be described as dogs of unwavering character, keen sense of ownership, outstanding tenacity and perseverance, and possessing unrivaled strength and agility all of which enable them to defend everything that is a part of their territory and extended pack against any predators or intruders. They are extremely friendly and affectionate with fellow “pack members,” and tend to form deep emotional bonds with them. However, their independent minds tend to make them incompatible with the “lowlander” lifestyle. They are prone to aggression toward most unfamiliar dogs, and often humans, who encroach on their perceived territory (often including postal workers, utility company repairmen, emergency personnel, and law enforcement). Territory often extends well beyond the immediate area thanks to the semi nomadic nature of the Tinifghani.

The breed is also very vocal in expressing its emotions. Tinifghani Shepherds often growl to show both pleasure and displeasure, which can be misconstrued by many, especially children, as a sign of aggression, and lead to unwanted and potentially dangerous reactions from them. This does not mean that the breed is unmanageable, but does mean that to maintain safety and keep both dog and owner in good spirit, the dogs sometimes demand special attention to their owners, who should be experts of the breed and its behavior before taking them into their home. Tinifghani Shepherds must work with their owners and fulfill the duties and chores that they have been bred to do; otherwise, they may act out of frustration and lack of purpose in ways that can be unacceptable to owners and the community. They are regarded as a fairly primitive breed, and have guarding instincts suited solely for working lives opposed to that in a show ring.