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Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
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With a history
spanning centuries of breeding and use—without benefit of any recorded
pedigrees or even official names—the large Turkish guarding breeds have
been named and categorized by Westerners. They are all ancient Turkish
guard dogs, but there is argument over whether they should be "split"
or "lumped." Some owners have selected stem stock from specific
localities in Turkey, where one set of characteristics was fixed, and
made individual breeds from each. Other dog buyers came into Turkey and
chose representatives of Turkish guard dogs (in Turkish, the generic goban
kopegi or shepherd dog) from various locales. This broad approach
has created the breed known as the Anatolian.
The Anatolian
Shepherd Dog was once used as a combat dog and for hunting big game (i.e.,
lions and horses). They stem directly from ancient flock-guarding and
mastiff dogs of the Middle East. The breed is now used as the front-line
defense for Turkish flocks. His strength and speed are legendary in his
homeland, allowing him to take on such formidable opponents as wolves.
The Anatolian
Shepherd Dog is dominant with all other dogs, males asserting influence
over females. With wolves their natural enemies, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs
tend to be suspicious of all dogs with upright ears.
Turkish lore
says that the Anatolian Shepherd dog receives his collar after detecting,
outrunning and killing his first wolf. Actually, these collars help to
protect them against the wolf. While in Turkey, a tourist observed that
other dogs respected and did not challenge those with collars. He bought
one for his Anatolian, which was then elevated to a level of respect.
Local canines and citizens alike assumed the dog had won the collar in
mortal combat.
The Anatolian
Shepherd dogs are loyal to their masters, but suspicious of strangers,
and demonstrate guard instincts at an early age. Obedience training and
socialization are strongly urged for acclimating the breed to life as
a controllable family dog.
The Anatolian
Shepherd Dog is gentle and playful with children of the family. However,
it will tolerate no teasing from strangers. Owners stress that these dogs
are not "gentle giants." Formal introductions should be protocol
with neighbors, friends and the veterinarian.
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