The Anatolian Shepherd is a historic guardian breed with an extended working history. This dog’s roots likely lie in the Tibetan Mastiff and Roman Mollosian battle dogs that migrated to Turkey more than 4,000 years ago. Here they proved priceless as staunch defenders of cattle against fearful predators, including wolves and bears. They observed the nomadic shepherds and have become large over a vast geographical region, accounting for Anatolian’s excellent size, coat type, and color variant. However, several trends that remained steady throughout all of the breeds are loyalty, independence, and hardiness. The name Shepherd is a misnomer because the breed was by no means used as a herder. This dog’s Turkish name, koban kopegi, means shepherd’s dog. There is a confrontation over whether or not the Anatolian is a separate breed from the Kangal (or Karabash) dog. The first of the breed did now no longer come to America till the 1950s, in which although they proved themselves as powerful cattle guards against coyotes and different predators, they remained notably unknown. Only in the past due Nineteen Seventies and Eighties did the Anatolian Shepherd start to be more extensively appreciated, nevertheless valued for its use, instead of cosmetic, attributes. Pet owners needing a faithful and powerful guardian began to gather the breed. In 1996, the Anatolian Shepherd was accepted into the AKC Working Group, and they retain to have strong working instincts above all else. Anatolians are used for cheetah conservation in Africa by shielding cattle from cheetahs.

Temperement

Anatolians are serious dogs, devoted to their family and responsible as family protectors. At the same time, Anatolians are laid back and easygoing, by no means looking for trouble. This breed is suspicious of strangers and is territorial. While excellent with children, they’ll now no longer be playful enough to meet children’s desires. As a serious watchdog, this canine tends to bark a lot if his suspicions are aroused. training is extraordinary.

Upkeep

The Anatolian Shepherd requires a chance to exercise every day, either with a long walk or brisk run and needs to socialize with his family. Coat care is minimal, consisting of brushing only once a week to remove dead hair.

Health

“Major health issues: CHD
Minor health issues: entropion
Occasionally seen: elbow dysplasia
Suggested tests: elbow, hip.
Life span: 10–13 years
Note: sensitive to barbiturate anesthesia”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.