Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large, powerful animal that was bred exclusively to be a working guard dog. Fierce, protective and fast, this dog is no joke. Anatolians were bred to be very independent and to protect their “flock” at any cost. Because of these inherent traits, the Anatolian Shepherd is not recommended for the novice dog owner.

This dog will need socialization training from day one, this cannot be emphasized enough. If this dog does not get enough social interaction with other humans and dogs, their highly protective nature will dominate and it could become a very serious problem. Anatolians must have a strong master who naturally commands leadership and is able to handle a large dog that may or may not listen to commands.

It should be noted that if your Anatolian is going to guard a flock, then it should not also be the family pet. Dogbreedinfo.com says, ”Dogs that are going to work as flock guards should not be family pets or they will prefer the family over the animals they are supposed to be guarding.”

These dogs are actually great around kids, as the breed is calm, patient and loyal. Anatolian Shepherds get along with other dogs and even cats, when introduced early and often.

This dog will not do well in an apartment, and will need lots of exercise – this dog likes to run. The Anatolian would do best in a large yard with a high secure fence.

The Anatolian Shepherd first originated in Turkey over 6,000 years ago. Turkish shepherds bred this dog to blend in with the flock to protect the sheep from intruders such as wolves. It only takes three Anatolian Shepherds to take down a pack of wolves, according to Turkish shepherds, claiming they could even injure one or two.

Because the Anatolian was designed to guard, it has been integral in the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s efforts to protect the cheetah, the most endangered cat in Africa, from becoming extinct since 1994. These amazing dogs “teach” the cheetah stay away from the flock, thereby lowering the cat’s chances of getting shot by a farmer.

According to namibian.com, “The Turkish shepherd dogs (Anatolian Shepherd and Kangal) allow farmers to control predators in a non-lethal way: the dogs protect livestock from predators, so there is no more need to kill predators, and the livestock, farmers, their dogs, and the cheetahs can share the same land.”

Anatolian Shepherd Personality

Smart, calm and protective

Very loyal and loving dog to his family, should be supervised around kids and strangers

Socialization early and often

Quick learning and intelligent dog

Positive reinforcement training works best

This is not a good dog for novice dog parents – the Anatolian is an independent dog, and will need a master who can handle a large dog used to making decisions on its own

Should be supervised around smaller children

Strangers may require a proper introduction

Anatolian Shepherd Size

Big, strong and fast

80-150 pounds

27-29 inches at the shoulder

Anatolian Shepherd Family & Home Life

Fiercely loyal to family

Good with kids, loving, patient and calm

No apartment living

Needs a large yard with a high fence

Anatolian Shepherd Training & Exercise

Easy to train, but are also independent thinkers – needs a strong leader

Long walks/runs are necessary

Anatolian Shepherd Coat

This breed requires little grooming

The coat needs thorough brushing-out during the twice a year shedding season

The Anatolian Shepherd is a seasonal, heavy shedder

Anatolian Shepherd Health

Not prone to any particular disease

Hip dysplasia, while present in most large breeds, is not yet a serious problem

Entropion (inverted eyelids) is present in some

There is not a high incidence of bloat in the breed

Because of the drop ear, ear infections are fairly common

May be sensitive to anesthesia, especially if the dog is wearing a heavy-duty flea collar

Anatolian Shepherd Lifespan

The average lifespan is between 11-13 years

Anatolian Shepherd Rescue

The National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network (NASRN)

PHOTO: Pleple2000

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