Anatolian Shepherd Dog

As the name suggests, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a descendent of an early guardian dog breed, used to guard flocks of sheep. It is widely believed to be a cross of the Kangal and the Akbash breed. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog traces its origin to central Turkey.

Understandably, the dog makes a great watch dog. It is loyal and alert. Its ancestors were used to guard livestock even when humans were not around, so the Anatolian Shepherd Dog retains some of these qualities- it does not allow strangers into the property when the owners are not around. They are also hardwired to be protective of other animals in the household and it shouldn’t be surprising to see them treat other animals as livestock, assuming the role of a caretaker. Although the dog is good with children, like most other species, its large frame and agility might prove a mild threat. Proper introductions of children and strangers must always be undertaken if the person is likely to interact with the dog to a larger extent. Clearly defined house perimeters are required since the dogs are territorial and very protective of the property- they can cause harm to strangers if the boundaries are not clear.

The dog is not for first time pet owners, since training will require some care and attention. Passive ownership will simply not work. Although the dog is easy to train, a specific type of training must be undertaken in order to ensure proper development of the dog. Motivational training is known to produce the best training results, so far as this breed is concerned. A pack-leader type individual is the best trainer- it should be made clear early on that humans lie higher in the hierarchy of command. The dog tends to become stubborn if it does not see in its trainer leadership qualities.

A good deal of regular exercise is a must. These dogs don’t do very well in an apartment atmosphere. A large yard is highly recommended. Regular long walks and occasional heavy exercise will help. The livestock guardian background also tells us that the dog is designed for high endurance pursuits. A low-proten, high-carb diet is what works best for these dogs.

The average size of an Anatolian Shepherd Dog litter is 5 to 10 pups. The dog matures slowly compared to most other breeds- it takes close to 4 years to reach full maturity. They live for something between 12 and 15 years on an average. They stand between 26 and 30 inches of height and weigh anything between 90 and 150 pounds, with females being typically shorter and lighter than males. The dog is a heavy shedder, albeit seasonal, and sheds twice every year. It requires a good brushing during the shedding season.

Since they have a prolonged childhood, care must be given during all early years; full immunity develops only after adulthood is reached. Young Anatolian Shepherds are prone to infections from the parvo-virus and so extra care must be taken.