Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was named after the region where they were said to have originated, Anatolia in central Turkey. The exact date of origin is unknown but many believe that these majestic dogs date back to 2000 B.C. and are described in the Book of Job in the Bible. The Book of Job was set in the region that is Turkey. The Anatolian Shepherd, despite his name, is not a herding dog. He is a working dog who takes his job as a livestock guardian dog seriously. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs were first brought to the United States in the 1930s but did not become commonly known until the 1970s. When the Endangered Species Act was initiated, the Anatolian Shepherd was used as a way to control predators without actually killing them. The Anatolian Shepherd prefers not to fight predators but does have a fearlessness that allows them to face down a predator of any size and come away the victor. Now, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are seen across the globe protecting livestock from predators and providing a sense of peace for farmers and ranchers. Anatolian Shepherds are not necessarily the best choice for a family companion, especially for families with small children. These dogs can be stubborn and have a very high protection instinct. They do require a lot of socialization from puppyhood until they are trained to guard a flock. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1999 and are becoming more popular in the United States. They are ranked 109th among the breeds that are registered with the American Kennel Club.