New Dog World: Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed: Guardian Of The Flock

Thursday 27 March 2014

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed: Guardian Of The Flock

Breed: Anatolian Shepherd

AKC Breed Group: Working Dogs

Other Registries: ANKC (Utility); CKC (Working); FCI (Molossoid); KC (Pastoral); UKC (Guardian)

Weight: Male: 110-150, Female: 80-120 lbs

Height: Male: 29, Female: 27 inches

Color: usually fawn with a black mask

Origin: Turkey

Anatolian Shepherd Overview

An impressive and noble breed. The Anatolian Shepherd originated over 6,000 years ago in Turkey. They were bred to guard property and livestock. This dog breed is notable for the ability to make unsupervised decisions and withstand harsh climates. This ancient breed is considered the national emblem of Turkey.

Anatolian Shepherd Characteristics

This dog breed is massive in size, and brave and bold in nature. The Anatolian Shepherd possesses extreme endurance and is very agile, especially give their size. They are a confident, reliable, proud and hard-working dog breed. The Anatolian Shepherd’s versatility makes this breed suitable as companion, guardian and show dogs.

Anatolian Shepherd Temperament

This dog breed is loyal, deeply devoted and intelligent. The Anatolian Shepherd is calm, affectionate and courageous. They are possessive and protective of their family, dwelling and territory. Although gentle, the giant dimension of the Anatolian Shepherd make them unsuitable for small children. They usually get along well with canines and household pets. The Anatolian Shepherd is wary and suspicious of strangers. This breed tends to bark loudly for extended periods of time and is prone to digging. The Anatolian Shepherd tends to be a bit stubborn and dominant and is not recommended for the novice dog owner.

Anatolian Shepherd Care

This dog breed requires weekly brushing, which should be increased during seasonal shedding. To preserve the natural oils of the coat, they should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. This breed is rather susceptible to fleas and ticks Anatolian Shepherd’s are vulnerable to hip dysplasia, eyelid entropion, sensitivity to anesthesia and hypothyroidism.

Anatolian Shepherd Coat

This dog breed has two basic coat types: short and rough. The short coat of the Anatolian Shepherd is approximately 1 inch in length and the tough coat approximately 4 inches. The neck hair is longer and thicker than the hair on the body. The Anatolian Shepherd is a double coat breed that has a thick undercoat. The color of the coat is typically fawn with the masks being black. The Anatolian Shepherd is a seasonal heavy shedder.

Anatolian Shepherd Training

This dog breed requires socialization and basic obedience training at a young age. The Anatolian Shepherd is intelligent, with dominance tendencies and is best suited to a firm handler. This breed does not respond well to harshness or heavy-handed methods. The best results are achieved through respect, firmness, equity, persistence, consistency, and love.

Anatolian Shepherd Activity

This dog breed requires an above average amount of exercise. The Anatolian Shepherd thrives on having a job to do. This breed is not recommended for apartment living. They do best in a rural setting where they can romp and roam, or in a big, securely fenced yard.