Dog Breeds - Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed shows towards family members and familiar people can vary significantly. Some breeds may tend to be reserved, only forming a close bond with their primary owner, while others are incredibly friendly and treat everyone they encounter like a beloved friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A breed's tolerance and patience with children can greatly influence how family-friendly they are. It's essential to supervise dogs around young children or any child who isn’t familiar with dogs, as their behavior can be unpredictable. Some breeds are naturally more tolerant and adaptable to the antics of kids, making them great companions for families.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed toward other dogs can vary. While it's important to supervise interactions and introductions, some breeds are naturally more inclined to get along with their canine counterparts, whether at home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed typically sheds can vary significantly. Breeds that shed a lot will usually need more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair and are more likely to cause certain allergies. Additionally, you may find that you'll need to vacuum and use lint rollers more often to keep your home clean and tidy.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of how often they require bathing, brushing, trimming, or other coat maintenance. It's important to consider how much time, patience, and budget you can dedicate to grooming when evaluating a breed's requirements. Regardless of the breed, regular nail trimming is essential for all dogs to ensure their health and comfort.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can vary quite a bit. If you prefer a tidy environment, you might want to think twice about breeds known for excessive drooling, as they can leave long strands of slobber on your arm and create large wet spots on your clothing.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcome a breed extends towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may be naturally reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic when it comes to meeting new people. It is important to consider the temperament and social tendencies of specific breeds in order to match them with your preferences and the environment in which they will be living.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The enthusiasm for play in a breed can vary, even past the puppyhood stage. Some breeds will continue to have a strong desire to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds tend to be more energetic and enjoy engaging in playful activities. On the other hand, some breeds may be content with more relaxed activities and prefer to spend their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. Understanding a breed's inclination for playfulness can help you choose a dog that aligns with your own energy level and preferences for playtime.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have a natural tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. They are more likely to react to any potential threat, such as the arrival of the mailman or the sighting of a squirrel outside the window. However, it's important to note that these breeds can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family. Their alertness serves as a protective instinct and does not necessarily imply aggression or unfriendliness towards strangers.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
A breed's adaptability to change can vary significantly. This includes how well they handle shifts in their living conditions, changes in noise levels, different weather, alterations to their daily routine, and other everyday variations. Some breeds are more flexible and can adjust easily, while others may struggle with transitions.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training a dog largely depends on the breed and their willingness to learn. Some breeds are eager to please their owners and are motivated to learn new things, while others tend to be more independent and prefer to do things on their own terms, whenever and wherever they choose!
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation needs of a breed can vary widely. High-energy breeds are always ready for action and are eager for their next adventure, spending their days running, jumping, and playing. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more laid-back, often content to lounge around and take naps like little couch potatoes.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The vocalization habits of different dog breeds can vary quite a bit. Some breeds tend to bark at nearly everything that moves, whether it’s a passerby on the street or a bird fluttering by the window. On the other hand, some breeds are more reserved in their barking, only letting out a woof in certain situations, like when they feel threatened or excited. Additionally, there are breeds known as “barkless,” which don’t bark in the traditional sense but can still make a range of other vocal sounds to communicate their feelings or needs.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Different dog breeds have varying mental stimulation needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs often excel in roles that demand decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. If they don’t receive enough mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities, which can lead to mischief or unwanted behaviors. Keeping their minds engaged is essential to prevent this!

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed shows towards family members and familiar people can vary significantly. Some breeds may tend to be reserved, only forming a close bond with their primary owner, while others are incredibly friendly and treat everyone they encounter like a beloved friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

A breed's tolerance and patience with children can greatly influence how family-friendly they are. It's essential to supervise dogs around young children or any child who isn’t familiar with dogs, as their behavior can be unpredictable. Some breeds are naturally more tolerant and adaptable to the antics of kids, making them great companions for families.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall friendliness of a breed toward other dogs can vary. While it's important to supervise interactions and introductions, some breeds are naturally more inclined to get along with their canine counterparts, whether at home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed typically sheds can vary significantly. Breeds that shed a lot will usually need more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair and are more likely to cause certain allergies. Additionally, you may find that you'll need to vacuum and use lint rollers more often to keep your home clean and tidy.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of how often they require bathing, brushing, trimming, or other coat maintenance. It's important to consider how much time, patience, and budget you can dedicate to grooming when evaluating a breed's requirements. Regardless of the breed, regular nail trimming is essential for all dogs to ensure their health and comfort.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can vary quite a bit. If you prefer a tidy environment, you might want to think twice about breeds known for excessive drooling, as they can leave long strands of slobber on your arm and create large wet spots on your clothing.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of welcome a breed extends towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may be naturally reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic when it comes to meeting new people. It is important to consider the temperament and social tendencies of specific breeds in order to match them with your preferences and the environment in which they will be living.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The enthusiasm for play in a breed can vary, even past the puppyhood stage. Some breeds will continue to have a strong desire to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds tend to be more energetic and enjoy engaging in playful activities. On the other hand, some breeds may be content with more relaxed activities and prefer to spend their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. Understanding a breed's inclination for playfulness can help you choose a dog that aligns with your own energy level and preferences for playtime.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds have a natural tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. They are more likely to react to any potential threat, such as the arrival of the mailman or the sighting of a squirrel outside the window. However, it's important to note that these breeds can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family. Their alertness serves as a protective instinct and does not necessarily imply aggression or unfriendliness towards strangers.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

A breed's adaptability to change can vary significantly. This includes how well they handle shifts in their living conditions, changes in noise levels, different weather, alterations to their daily routine, and other everyday variations. Some breeds are more flexible and can adjust easily, while others may struggle with transitions.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training a dog largely depends on the breed and their willingness to learn. Some breeds are eager to please their owners and are motivated to learn new things, while others tend to be more independent and prefer to do things on their own terms, whenever and wherever they choose!

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation needs of a breed can vary widely. High-energy breeds are always ready for action and are eager for their next adventure, spending their days running, jumping, and playing. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more laid-back, often content to lounge around and take naps like little couch potatoes.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Different dog breeds have varying mental stimulation needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs often excel in roles that demand decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. If they don’t receive enough mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities, which can lead to mischief or unwanted behaviors. Keeping their minds engaged is essential to prevent this!

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Biscuit & White	376
Brindle	057
Fawn	082
Blue Fawn	036
Gray Fawn	377
Red Fawn	150
Liver	123
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Mask	004
Brown Mask	076
Dutch Markings	077
Pinto	018
Pinto, Black Mask	079
Silver Mask	078

About The Breed

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a strong and impressive flock guardian with a rich ancestral background. Known for their protective and territorial nature, these dogs are also intelligent, patient, and deeply loyal. They are highly valued as unparalleled working guard dogs. Standing between 27 and 29 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 150 pounds, Anatolians are powerfully built yet agile enough to navigate the rugged terrain of their homeland while defending against predators.

This breed traces its lineage back to some of the oldest known domestic canine bloodlines, which gives it a timeless, unrefined quality that harkens back to the Bronze Age, over 6,000 years ago. Anatolian Shepherds are not only smart and devoted but also responsive and adaptable. They fiercely protect their flock, which can include livestock, children, smaller dogs, and even family cats. Owners of Anatolian Shepherds must be strong leaders, prepared to manage a dog that is as commanding and demanding as it is calm and affectionate.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Anatolian Shepherd is generally a healthy and robust breed. Hip dysplasia and bloat—a serious twisting of the stomach—are uncommon in this breed, though owners should still be aware of bloat symptoms for swift action if it occurs. Additionally, Anatolians may have a sensitivity to anesthesia, so it’s important for owners to inform their veterinarian before any procedures. Responsible breeders will screen for entropion, a condition where the eyelids invert, which can be surgically repaired. Regular ear checks for infections and frequent teeth brushing are also essential for maintaining the dog's health. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Elbow Evaluation

Grooming

	The Anatolian Shepherd is built for outdoor work, featuring a thick undercoat that shields him from harsh weather conditions. While some Anatolians have a longer outer coat, most have a short coat that requires just a quick brushing once a week to stay healthy and looking good. However, it's important to note that they shed their undercoat twice a year. During shedding season, a thorough brushing with a short-bristle brush and possibly a comb every few days will help remove dead hair. Regular nail trimming is also essential for maintaining the health of an Anatolian.

Exercise

	An Anatolian Shepherd requires a moderate amount of exercise and will be content with some time in a securely fenced yard. It's essential to have a tall, sturdy fence and a locked gate along with a long walk once or twice a day. However, it’s crucial to keep the Anatolian on a leash whenever he's outside the home. As one breeder wisely notes, “Don’t assume that your dog will be reliable off-leash. False security on your part can lead to disaster.”

Training

	Due to their natural wariness of strangers and instinctive protective behavior, socializing an Anatolian puppy is essential. Obedience training is also crucial for this breed. Anatolians were developed to work independently, make their own decisions, and safeguard their flock from outsiders, which can make training them to respond to commands a bit challenging. It's important to note that Anatolians should never undergo protection or guard-dog training.

Nutrition

	The Anatolian Shepherd Dog thrives on a high-quality diet, whether it's commercially prepared or home-cooked under your veterinarian's guidance and approval. It’s important to choose food that is appropriate for the dog’s age, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Fortunately, Anatolians generally do not tend to overeat. Treats can be a valuable part of training, but overindulging can lead to obesity. Be sure to educate yourself on which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. Additionally, make sure clean, fresh water is always available.

Historiography

Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor, is the peninsula that makes up the Asian portion of Turkey. This region, situated at the crossroads of early civilization, is where sheep and goat herders developed a livestock guardian known as the Coban Kopegi, the precursor to the modern Anatolian Shepherd. The central area of Anatolia features a high plateau filled with vast plains and rolling hills. Summers are dry and intensely hot, while winters can be snowy and bitterly cold. It’s in these harsh conditions that the Anatolian Shepherd earned its reputation as a supreme flock guardian.

Evidence of the breed's ancestors can be found in ancient artifacts dating back to the Babylonian Empire. Assyrian bas-relief carvings from around 2000 B.C., housed in the British Museum, depict large dogs resembling the Anatolian Shepherd. The earliest texts of the Bible mention shepherds whose dogs were likely variations of this breed.

In America, the Anatolian Shepherd's history began just before World War II when the U.S. Department of Agriculture imported a breeding pair from Turkey as part of the top-secret "Sheepdog Project," aimed at identifying the best breeds for American sheep pastures. However, with the onset of war, the project was canceled, and the imported Anatolians and their offspring were dispersed.

Following the war, American ranchers began to import Anatolians in the 1950s, but the breed truly gained popularity in the 1970s. Lieutenant Robert Ballard of the U.S. Navy played a crucial role in establishing the breed in America by acquiring a pair of Anatolians while stationed in Turkey. He brought them to the U.S. and bred his first litter in 1970, which provided foundation stock for American breeders. This new breeding coincided with the passage of the Endangered Species Act, which mandated that ranchers control predatory wolf populations without resorting to killing them. Anatolian Shepherds, known for their inclination to intimidate rather than fight predators, were well-suited for this task. Today, many Anatolian Shepherds continue to serve as working ranch dogs, protecting a variety of livestock, from sheep and goats to ostriches and llamas.