Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed

AKC Dog Breeds: Anatolian Shepherd

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Working Group
Height: 26-30 inches Weight: 90-150 pounds Color: fawn-colored or tan with a black mask

Originating over 6,000 years ago in Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd were bred to be used as a guardian of both property and livestock. This breed was noted for being able to make independent decisions as well as for their ability to withstand harsh climates, which was necessary for their nomadic way of life. This ancient breed is regarded as the national emblem of Turkey. Large, rugged, powerful and impressive, possessing great endurance and agility. Developed through a set of very demanding circumstances for a purely utilitarian purpose; he is a working guard dog without equal, with a unique ability to protect livestock. A majestic and noble breed, the Anatolian Shepherds versatility enables them to fulfill such duties as companion, guardian, and show dog.

General Appearance
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a steady and sturdy build, and sports a serious yet alert expression. The coloring of the coat can vary, and includes fawn, red, white, sable, and brindle, sometimes with black mask and ears. The coat can be medium or medium-long in length, and the coat is usually smooth and clean. The Anatolian Shepherd is large and powerful and is commonly used as a guardian dog. It has very similar traits as the Kuvasz and Great Pyrenees, but is more agile and tends to have a slender body type. The muscles on this dog are thin but supple, giving it freedom of movement and efficient hunting and racing skills. The Anatolian Shepherd is consequently capable of great speed and endurance, and can be trained to become a racing or hunting dog as well. A notable characteristic of the Anatolian Shepherd is its thick, muscular neck.

Temperament
A loyal, deeply devoted, and intelligent breed, the Anatolian Shepherd is calm, affectionate, and brave. They are possessive and protective of their family, home, and territory. Due to their large size they are not recommended for homes with small children. They will generally get along with dogs and other household pets they have been raised with. They are wary and suspicious of strangers. This breed has a tendency to bark loudly for extended periods of time and is prone to digging. Possessive and very independent, these are not the most obedient of dogs and are very strong minded and willful, which means that they are difficult to train and best suited to those with more experience with dog ownership. This is a dog that likes to make up his own mind everything, and rather than being an interactive, playful dog he likes to play more of a supervisory and protective role. Anyone that plans to have an Anatolian Shepherd Dog needs to be assertive and experienced in training, as otherwise you will end up with a handful - a dog that will quickly take over as boss and is highly dominant and willful.

Grooming
When it comes to grooming, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a pretty low maintenance animal. The Anatolian Shepherd requires brushing once a week with special attention given to the coat during the heavy seasonal shedding. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
Anatolian Shepherds are highly susceptible to fleas, ticks, and fly bites. They may also be prone to hip dysplasia, eyelid entropion, sensitivity to anesthesia, and hypothyroidism. The life expectancy of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is around 12-15 years. A number of health problems and issues are linked with this breed, and this includes thyroid problems, entropion, and sensitivity to chemicals and medications.

Activity Level
The Anatolian Shepherd needs an inordinate amount of exercise and thrives on being given a job to do. This breed is not recommended for apartment, condominium, or city dwelling. They do best in a rural farm setting where they can romp and roam; or in a home with a large securely fenced yard. Historically, these dogs have lived outdoors their entire lives. The dog may be suited to stay outside for the majority of the time, but can also be bought indoors in open spaces. It is a good idea to keep valuables and fragile items out of the way when these dogs are in the area since the dogs are fairly large.

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