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| The Anatolian originates from the ancient land whose general
boundaries are now known as Turkey. Çoban Köpegi (Cho-bawn Ko-pey), Turkish for
"shepherd's dog", was the term used to describe these working dogs on
whom the Turkish shepherds depended. The dogs had to live peacefully among and
protect the flock with little or no special attention from the shepherds. The
dogs stayed with the animals, night and day, sleeping in the thick snow of
winter and walking for miles in the heat and dust of summer. Swift enough to
race around a widely scattered grazing flock of several hundred head, the
courageous guardian had to be large and strong enough to be able to best an
interloper that dared stand its ground. Clocked by visitors driving alongside
fenced property containing a herd guard, Anatolians have been observed running
at speeds over 35 miles per hour. |
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| Anatolians are regarded as flock guardians of the mountain
molossian-type. Large, rugged and impressive, they possess great endurance and
agility. These dogs are tall and powerful, yet not massive in build. This
magnificent ancient working dog presents an impression of functional utility
without exaggerated features. Large size is important, but correct breed type,
soundness of movement, overall balance with correct temperament should be given
precedence so as to preserve working ability. This breed is registered in the
United States with both the United Kennel Club and the
American Kennel Club. |
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| Maranda's Garnizon of Shahbazin & grandsire, Turk Pala Simsek of
Sivas, T.T. |
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| The Anatolian is a sturdy, healthy breed, but
buyers can still promote lower rates of hip dysplasia (a hereditary malformation
of the hip joints common to large breeds) by buying only from the litters out of
OFA certified parents. Entropion occurs in the breed, as does elbow dysplasia
(OCD),
and hypothyroidism. |
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| The Anatolian does not require a lot a food for
his size, but as a puppy, he may seem to eat a lot because he has so much
growing to do. An average healthy adult in good condition will eat around 40
pounds of premium quality dry chow per month. As with any double coated breed,
the management of light daily shedding and heavy seasonal blowing of coat should
be considered. Regular grooming of the coat and vigorous brushing during
shedding season will minimize problems. The Anatolian is unusual among the giant
breeds with its longevity. A healthy, well-bred Anatolian will live into its
teens in a safe, optimal environment. |
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| The Anatolian is a bold, confident dog that does
not become overstimulated easily. He is calm and observant of his surroundings.
The Anatolian may not go looking for trouble, but he may not back down if
challenged. He is loyal, affectionate without being overly demonstrative with
family, yet is aloof and suspicious of strangers. Independence is a primary
characteristic of the livestock guardian breeds. They have varying degrees of
territoriality, but most will expand their territories if they are not fenced
in. They are generally wonderful and tolerant with children, but may be dog
aggressive, unless well-socialized. Anatolians are fairly dominant dogs,
generally best suited for people who have not let other dogs take over their
families. Obedience training is a requirement for responsible ownership of this
breed. Anatolians are highly intelligent and very quick to learn new ideas, but
are not particularly keen on repetitive exercises. This breed has a strong
inclination toward independent thinking and may seem stubborn. Owners have been
successful with these dogs in directed work such as obedience trials; however,
they must keep the training motivational and interesting to get the best out of
these dogs. For more information on the traits of flock guardian dogs, see the
book review for Paws to Consider. |
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| Anatolians are very primitive in nature, and
have not been bred to work by direction. They are a challenge, but if you have
prepared yourself with knowledge about the breed’s character and instincts,
you may find them to be among the most magnificent, awesome, noble, and loyal
members of the canine family. |
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| Anatolian Shepherds as Livestock Guarding Dogs |
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| The ASD is a slow maturing breed and the newly
acquired puppy is not an instant livestock defender. Puppy needs to learn the
rules, develop enough size and confidence to protect himself before he can be a
reliable guardian. Some pups will show guardian behavior at 3 to 6 months, but
he will command more respect from trespassers and predators once he is at least
8 months old. Confidence increases with maturity. The mature stock guardian of 3
years or more is a valuable asset to the farm and is sometimes considered
priceless. |
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| Shetland ewe, Shahbazin
Olwen, & 3 month old pup,
Shahbazin Bakir Yildiz
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| For More Breed Information & Breed FAQs |
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Anatolian Shepherd Dogs International, Inc. |
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U.K.C. Breed Standard |
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