Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd dog is a muscular breed bred to be independent and responsible for guarding their master's flock without instruction. This independence can make the Anatolian a challenging family pet and owners should make sure the dog is socialized to make it a suitable companion. Due to its shepherding instincts this intelligent dog may become protective of other family pets and treat them as their "flock"�. This sturdy bodied dog has a thick wiry coat and will shed excessively during warm weather. Their average lifespan is approximately 11 years. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is not known for its looks, but rather for it's use as a great working dog, especially on a farm. History The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was bred and developed in Turkey several thousand years ago. Some historians speculate that the breed has been around since the time of Mesopotamia, which was over 6,000 years in the past. This Shepherd dog's fur, strength, and demeanor all evolved in response to the nomadic lifestyle of the people in Turkey and the harsh climate in the area. It has been used as a shepherd and a guard dog since its development. Historians believe that ancient people bred their dogs to favor fur coats that matched the color of their livestock, thus explaining the Anatolian Shepherd Dog's appearance; its coat is similar to that of a sheep. This tactic let the guard dog blend in with the pack so it could surprise predators and defend the animals. Typical predators included wolves, jackals, bears, and cheetahs, and the Anatolian Shepherd was designed to be a match for all of them. Although this ancient breed is well known in the Eastern World, it didn't enter the United States until the 1950's. Appearance For most prospective dog owners, their first impression of an Anatolian Shepherd Dog is that it is a rugged, powerful animal. Most males are around 30 to 40 inches inches tall at the whithers and weigh in at up to 200 pounds, though show dogs are usually on the lower end of the scale. Females can be between 26 and 28 inches tall and are slightly lighter at around 150 pounds. However, despite this size, the dog never appears fat (when healthy). The body is stocky and boxish, which adds to the air of power. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are well muscled and built with big bones. The skull may be broad at the brow and the neck is usually thick. The face usually carries an intelligent expression. Almond-shaped brown eyes and V-shaped ears help perpetuate this expression. As for the coat, it can come in a variety of colors and lengths. White cream and sesame are the most common shades. A piebald coat, which has large spots on less than 30% of the body, is also common. Sometimes these dogs have a black mask of fur across their faces. Fur can be either very short (around one inch long) or longer (around four inches long). The Anatolian Shepherd Dog usually has longer fur around the neck, like the mane of a young lion, for protection in a fight. Temperament The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is usually calm and reserved, especially around new people not belonging to his "family."� However, the breed is very loving to its people. It is also protective, which is why it serves so well as a guard dog. The Anatolian can handle small children, though supervision is always wise. Because it was bred as a protector, this dog can be resourceful and think independently. These traits can be endearing, but they can also be challenging. Socialization is necessary to ensure there are no behavioral problems. A large fence will also be necessary because this dog has an inquisitive nature that leads it to explore if left unchecked. Health Issues The average lifespan for this very large dog is between 12 and 15 years. Common causes of death include old age, cancer, and cardiac problems. However, the breed is relatively healthy. Most dogs of its size live only six or eight years. Other health problems include skin irritation, hip dysplasia, and entropion. Pet Care Training can be a bit rough with this dog breed. Because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog was bred to be intelligent enough to make its own decisions when working with a herd of livestock, it can "misinterpret"� an owner's commands. However, with regular training, this dog will follow orders. Another challenge is exercise. This dog was built to be outside and to be working, so regular activity is necessary. Grooming is desirable, however you do not need to put as much effort into brushing your Anatolian Shepherd Dog as you would other breeds, except in the summer months. Warm weather promotes shedding, so brushing at least once a week is wise to reduce the amount of hair that collects on your furniture and in your carpet. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love this dog for its loyalty and independence. Owners who use the dog as a guardian and work dog are also found of the breed's hardiness. Is this the right dog for you? If you've never owned a dog before or are a shy person, odds are this is not the right dog for you. However, if you have practice using a firm hand, this may be the perfect pet. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can protect your other animals if you own a farm; they can also protect your family if need be. These large dogs are dependable rather than playful, which is a desirable trait for some pet owners. You should be aware that they will be wary of strangers at first, though they are rarely aggressive. The most common problems with this dog deal with his size and his energy level. Bored Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can be destructive, so be sure to provide them with a lot of activities. They do need a lot of supervision, particularly when they are around new animals. Their wander lust makes it impossible to own one of these dogs without having a very tall fence, and you'll have to keep an eye on them constantly so they don't escape. Due to their size, a loose Anatolian Shepherd Dog may scare a neighbor, which wouldn't be good for you. When they do bark, they are very loud, which is another deterrent for some owners. Take all of these factors into consideration when thinking about this dog breed. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog can be a great pet, but only if you are capable of handling an animal this size.

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