| Description: These dogs were bred to herd and guard. This
breed is amicable, brave and demanding of itself.
Anatolian Shepherds can be wary of strangers, stubborn,
dominant, reasonably independent and very vigilant.
Anatolian Shepherds are still being used in the rural
districts of Turkey as the shepherds' best friend and front
line of defense for the livestock.
These dogs are not recommended for beginners, but for
an owner/handler that exudes strong leadership. It's important to start training before the dog is fully grown and too big and strong to be corrected.
Other Names:
Height: Female 27 inches, Male 29 inches
Weight: Female 80-120 Ibs, Male 110-150 Ibs
Colors: Has different colour patterns and markings.
Coat: Short (one inch minimum, not tight) to Rough (approximately 4 inches in length) with neck hair slightly longer. Somewhat longer and thicker at the neck and mane. A thick undercoat is common to all. Feathering may occur on the ear fringes, legs, breeching, and tail.
Temperament: Loyal, palert, bold and confident without aggression,
With Children:
With Pets:
Special Skills:
Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: Very High
Care and Training: This breed requires little grooming. The
coat needs thorough brushing-out during the twice a year
shedding season. You can get away with little attention the
rest of the year. The Anatolian Shepherd is a seasonal, heavy shedder.
Learning Rates:
Activity: This breed needs a lot of exercise. They do best
when they can run free in their own fenced-in yard. In this
case they will decide upon their own exercise needs.
Living Environment: The Anatolian Shepherd is not
recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive
indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This
breed is very suspicious of strangers, and it is therefore
necessary to provide a secure, fenced yard.
Health Issues: Some are prone to eyelid entropion or to
hypothyroidism. Hip dysplasia does occur, but is not as
common as some other large breeds. They are sensitive to
anesthesia. The Anatolian Shepherd's immunity often
takes longer to develop than with many other breeds and
therefore young Anatolians should be given extra vaccinations against parvo-virus.
Life Span: About 12-15 years.
Litter Size:
Country of Origin: Turkey
History: The Anatolian Orginates from the ancient land
whose general boundaries are now known as Turkey.
They may have brought with them the first mastiff strains
from the Himalayas, they were used to guard animals such as goats, sheep and cattle.
First REgistered by the AKC: 1996
AKC Group: Flock Guard
| 
