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.

Many people compare the Anatolian Shepherd Dog to the Kuvasz and the Great Pyrenees; however, the Anatolian is more slender and much more agile. Their head is proportional to their body and their muzzle is most of the time black. Their lips are also black and will hang down slightly. Their ears are to hang down in a triangular pattern with a rounded tip. Their ears are most often black. The Anatolian Shepherd’s tail is set high and when it is relaxed will be carried low with a curl in the end that goes upward. When alert, their tail will be carried high and will resemble a wheel. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog’s coat is short and rough. It is a double coat and will shed in the spring and summer months. Their coat is longer around their collar or neck region and the tail. The coat length will vary on the season and the dog’s bloodline. The Anatolian Shepherd has two basic coat types: medium long and medium.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog will shed heavily twice a year and will require daily brushing during these times. Weekly brushing when they are not shedding is acceptable. Baths are rarely needed even though they mainly work with livestock. Brushing them generally helps remove any odor from their coats. Most owners who surrender their Anatolian Shepherd Dog to a dog pound or rescue group do so because the maintenance is more than they were expecting. Even though the Anatolian Shepherd has a shorter coat, it is a double coat and does require at least weekly attention to keep the shedding and matting to a minimum. Ears should be kept clean and dry to keep any infections from developing. Nails should be regularly trimmed, about once every two weeks. Teeth should be checked weekly and brushed often to prevent dental disease. Regular parasite checks are also necessary to ensure that your dog is parasite free.