Originating from Anatolia, a region of Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd dog is an ancient breed whose history can be traced back as far as 6000 years. Originally, the Anatolian Shepherd was a guard of stock and crops, and also worked as a herding dog on farms in Turkey. The Anatolian Shepherd has since been imported into other countries around the world for use both as a farm dog and domestic pet.
Appearance
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large and muscular dog. It stands as high as 40 inches and an adult dog can weigh as much as 90 kg. It has a large head and a thick neck. Its chest is broad and its body solid. The most common colouring is sesame, a cream and pale brown coat. Some dogs will have black points to the face. The coat is coarse and short, it is a double coat and requires a moderate level of grooming. Some dogs will be docked at birth while others have full tails.
Temperament
Traditionally the Anatolian Shepherd was bred as a protector of flocks of animals, it is claimed that they can fight of bears and wolves with their strength. The dogs would spend long days alone, looking after herds of animals, ready to use brute force in order to protect their charges. This long time occupation is reflected in the temperament of modern dogs. The Anatolian will demand to be the alpha of the household, often challenging the authority of its master. A skilful trainer is needed to handle the Anatolian Shepherd. They are used to autonomy, and will treat other children and animals as their flock which needs their protection.
They are excellent guard dogs, and will protect their family at all costs. Obedience classes and in particular socialisation is required throughout their lifetime. They can be quite affectionate towards their family and do well with children. In a good sized yard they will have no problems and will rarely become destructive, they can become lazy and idle over time.
Working and Tasks
Bred as a protector of domestic animals, the Anatolian Shepherd is still put to this task in many farms today. The Anatolian Shepherd has in the last few years featured in movies, which has boosted its popularity as a domestic pet in the United States and other places around the world. There is a current conservation program in progress which breeds Anatolian Shepherds to give to farmers whose stock is attacked by Cheetas. This protects the stock and stops the killing of Cheetas, who are an endangered species.
Health
The average lifespan of the Anatolian Shepherd is between 12 and 15 years. The most common problems in the breed are skin conditions. There are occurrences of hip dysplasia and eye problems, but this is much rarer than in other breeds, and generally only occurs in countries where there is a limited gene pool and smaller numbers of dogs. It is a good idea to have the parents of puppies hip scored and eye checked.