| Breed Description
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
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| Kennel Club Group |
Pastoral |
|
|
| General Size |
Large |
Exercise requirements |
High |
| Adult Height |
28" - 32" (71 - 81 cms) |
Suitability for Children |
Medium |
| Adult Weight |
90 - 140 lb (41 - 64 kgs) |
Compatibility other pets |
Medium |
| Average Lifespan |
11 - 14 years |
Grooming Requirements |
Low |
|
 |
| Anatolian Shepherd dogs are very large and powerfully built Mastiff type dogs, the head is large with a rectangular muzzle a little shorter than the skull. They sport distinctive facial markings with a dark mask and ears. Their coat is short and dense, with a thick undercoat, slightly longer and thicker at neck, shoulders and tail. Most common colours are cream to fawn though they do also come in many other colours including white, pinto and brindle. |
| An ancient breed, the Anatolian Shepherd Dogs origins stretch back to Asia minor where they were originally used for hunting lions and horses. They are currently used for guarding flocks of sheep and goats in Turkey where they live alongside the flocks they protect. Highly valued by shepherds for their ability to best a wolf in combat the breed is a national emblem in Turkey. |
| Having been bred for centuries to be independent and use their initiative they are a very strong willed dog and training can be difficult. They require a great deal of patience when training and, even then, success cannot be guaranteed. They are alert and possessive dogs, extremely loyal and protective of their families, strangers may need to be formally introduced to the dog before it will allow them into the household. Very protective of their own families children play should nevertheless be supervised purely because of the Anatolian Shepherd Dogs size and the danger of small children being knocked over. |
| The Anatolian Shepherd Dog requires a lot of exercise, preferably over 2 hours per day of walking plus a safe enclosed area where they can be run off of the lead. Grooming is minimal with a brush a week to keep the coat tidy but the dogs do shed very heavily when moulting. |
| Potential
Health Problems |
| As may be expected with their heritage the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is naturally a very healthy and robust breed with few inherent problems. As with most large dogs hip dysplasia is a danger though to a lesser extent than most large breeds and some are prone to problems with the eye (eyelid entropion). They are known to be sensitive to anaesthesia and their immunity reportedly takes longer to develop than other breeds so additional shots for parvo virus may be recommended. |
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