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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, muscular breed from Anatolia, Turkey. They
are capable of great speed and endurance. It has a large head and a muzzle similar
to the Mastiff. The lips are edged in black and hang down slightly. The upper lip
should not hang down below the bottom jaw. The teeth should meet in a scissor-like
bite. The triangular drop ears are normally black with rounded tips. The ears are
cropped very short in Turkey. The eyes range from gold to brown. Liver colored dogs
have brown eye rims and a brown nose. All other coat colored dogs have black noses
and eye rims. The muscular neck has a slight dewlap. The topline is level with a
slight rounding at the loin. The fluffy tail is set high and curls over the back
when the dog is alert; otherwise, it hangs low with a slight curl. This breed's
coat is medium to medium long in length.
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Temperament
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The Anatolian is NOT a "gentle giant" and is not for novice owners. They are easy
to train, fiercely loyal guard dogs and possessive towards family and property.
Formal introductions should be protocol with vets, neighbors and friends. Delivery
personnel should be cautioned and warned not to enter Anatolian turf. They are highly
territorial and will seek high ground to survey their domain. Though they are affectionate
with their own family, they can be stubborn and dominant. It is important to socialize
them at a very young age as a fully grown Anatolian may be too strong and too big
to be corrected. This breed is sensitive to reprimands and eager to receive affection.
Though they are patient and protective with the children of the family, they may
accidentally knock them down. Children should always be supervised and properly
introduced. They tend to be vocal at night and some like to dig.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 28-30" ; Weight: 100-150 lbs.
Female Height: 26-28" ; Weight: 90-130 lbs.
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Health Problems
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The Shepherd Dog is prone to musculoskeletal, dermatologic, lipomas and eyelid entropion.
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Living Conditions
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The Anatolian should not live in an apartment. They require a secure yard as they
are very suspicious of strangers.
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Exercise
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This breed needs a lot of exercise. They do best in an enclosed yard.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-15 years
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Grooming
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This breed is easy to groom with thorough brushing needed twice a year. They are
heavy shedders during certain seasons.
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Origin
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The Anatolian Shepherd Dog - once used for combat and large game - is now the frontline
defense for Turkish sheep flocks. His speed and strength are legendary in his homeland
of Turkey, taking on such opponents as bears, jackals and wolves. Because the wolf
is its natural enemy, the Anatolian is very suspicious of all dogs with upright
ears. On the high Anatolian Plateau, where summers are very dry and hot and winters
are very cold, the Anatolian can live outside all year round. The first of the breed
was brought to America towards the end of the 1960s. The Anatolian is dominant with
all other dogs. They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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