| Country of origin: | Germany |
| Registries: | AKC, UKC |
| Occupation: | Guardian |
| Size: | 27 to 29+ in tall; 80 to 160 lbs |
| Longevity: | 11 to 13 years |
| Exercise: | Active puppy; calm adult |
| Training: | Intelligent and independent |
| Grooming: | Easy |
It was not until the 1970s that breeders began to examine the variety of sheepdogs in the Anatolian region of Turkey. Here, sheepdogs are collectively called Coban Kopegi, and that remains a common name for this breed. So too is Kangal Dog or Karabash Dog. The breed standard for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is just one of the diverse forms of Coban Kopegi. These naturally protective and suspicious dogs are used as guardians to protect flocks of sheep and goats, rather than to herd. The smaller but equally strong-willed and independent Hellenic Shepherd (see p.197) is no doubt closely related, as is the smooth-haired variety of Central Asian Sheepdog. These powerful dogs have not yet been bred selectively for companionship. With careful early socialization they adapt to a family environment, but they must always be regarded as potentially aggressive, especially with other animals.
History
Despite its name, the Anatolian Shepherd dog is not classified as a herding dog. They are an old breed of guard dogs that have been around for nearly 6,000 years. They originated in Turkey and were used as for protection from predators. Eventually the Turkish government would give these dogs as a gift to the USDA.
Back in these days, this particular breed weren’t fed after they matured into adult dogs. They had to fend for themselves by hunting small animals. They were given protection measures to wear around their necks for protection. Though diligent hunters, they would not harm one of their own.
They entered into the United States in 1950 and they were officially recognized by the AKC almost fifty years later in 1996.
Personality
Due to the nature of these dogs, their most prevalent personality trait is how protective they are. They can be very territorial of what or who they have claimed. This means food, water, owners, children in the household, livestock, herds, and even other family pets. With proper training, here are no ill effects of this attribute.
Their second most known feature is how watchful and alert they are. Their eyesight and hearing are sharp in order to efficiently protect its flock. They keep a keen watch around them and always know what’s going on. They have the ability to kick up a rapid momentum and catch their predator.
Other than their watchful nature, they are known to be very independent and loving. They get along with other animals in the home as long as they were introduced from the start. They bond to their owners and can even become territorial of them as noted above.
Traits
The Anatolian Shepherd dog is a very large and powerful dog. They are muscular and agile in a means to protect. The males can grow to be 26 to 31 inches tall whereas the females are a bit smaller at 27 to 30 inches. They can weigh as much as 150 lbs. Their coat and body type were designed to survive the climate in Turkey. They adapted to a Nomadic lifestyle.
Although their wiry coat is short, it is thick and rough. Their double coat can come in a various amount of colors and patterns. The most common color seen in Anatolian Shepherds is a creamy white color.
Handling
Due to how independent Anatolian shepherds can be, it is crucial to have a set training guideline from birth. Since they can be a bit territorial, a large enclosure will be necessary. It isn’t recommended to keep them in small quarters for long. They need a lot of space for exercise. Because of this and their need to roam, microchipping is recommended.
Early socialization is also recommended. That way they’ll have an ideal attitude toward other animals and children. Rough play with children can affect how they act sometimes if not careful. Even though it can be a bit more difficult to train this breed, consistence is key and will aid in the training process.
The Anatolian Shepherd dog sheds excessively so regular grooming is a must. It doesn’t matter than they have a short coat. A small bristle brush is a handy tool for removing loose hair from their coats.