This ancient Turkish Flock Guardian breed has been around for about six thousand years. As a large to giant breed of dog, it has one of the longest lifespans, with dogs living 12-14 years and probably one of the highest health ratings. Males average from 90-140 lbs and 29-33" at the withers; females 80-120 lbs and 27-31" at the withers. Anatolians can be fawn with black masks, solid cream, pinto, brindle or pure white ... with the most common color being the fawn with black mask.
A very hardy dog, the Anatolian can be the best or worst dog you ever owned, depending on how the dog is raised. Most reputable breeders try to be very careful who their dogs go to, since they can be difficult to live with. They must have secure fencing in order for them to know their boundaries. And, if you really like having a lawn, you probably need to get another breed of dog since the Anatolian is famous for the size and depth of the holes they can dig.
Anatolians in the US are being used for livestock and home guardians, service and therapy dogs, and as outstanding companions. Some have done well in obedience trials and in the conformation show ring. If properly socialized from puppyhood, these dogs are usually very well mannered in public. At home, they are usually very protective and territorial .... and, it would be a very brave person that would come on your property without your permission.
As a person who has lived with Anatolians since 1987, I can tell you that it has been a very educational journey for me. My first ASD taught me humilty and gave me a very refined sense of humor. My next several ASDs proved to me beyond any doubt that I never wanted to be without at least two of these really unique dogs. They are funny with a serious nature. They are calm, with spurts of hilarious energy. They are regal, with comic bouts of silliness, but never over the top. I love the gentleness of these dogs when they find abandoned kittens and lay for hours while these little fuzzies use them as a jungle gym. I love the way they look at a situation, figure it out, and then handle it in the most efficient way. I love the way people will actually stop what they are doing when I drive by with 2 or 3 of these guys in my van just to stare in awe at the absolute nobility of these dogs. I love the way they always seem to know when my spirits are down and how they are perfectly content to just lend me quiet support. And, most of all, I love the exquisite look of ecstasy that comes over my big male's face when a toddler runs over to him and throws its arms around his neck to hug him.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ... anything else is just a dog!!
A very hardy dog, the Anatolian can be the best or worst dog you ever owned, depending on how the dog is raised. Most reputable breeders try to be very careful who their dogs go to, since they can be difficult to live with. They must have secure fencing in order for them to know their boundaries. And, if you really like having a lawn, you probably need to get another breed of dog since the Anatolian is famous for the size and depth of the holes they can dig.
Anatolians in the US are being used for livestock and home guardians, service and therapy dogs, and as outstanding companions. Some have done well in obedience trials and in the conformation show ring. If properly socialized from puppyhood, these dogs are usually very well mannered in public. At home, they are usually very protective and territorial .... and, it would be a very brave person that would come on your property without your permission.
As a person who has lived with Anatolians since 1987, I can tell you that it has been a very educational journey for me. My first ASD taught me humilty and gave me a very refined sense of humor. My next several ASDs proved to me beyond any doubt that I never wanted to be without at least two of these really unique dogs. They are funny with a serious nature. They are calm, with spurts of hilarious energy. They are regal, with comic bouts of silliness, but never over the top. I love the gentleness of these dogs when they find abandoned kittens and lay for hours while these little fuzzies use them as a jungle gym. I love the way they look at a situation, figure it out, and then handle it in the most efficient way. I love the way people will actually stop what they are doing when I drive by with 2 or 3 of these guys in my van just to stare in awe at the absolute nobility of these dogs. I love the way they always seem to know when my spirits are down and how they are perfectly content to just lend me quiet support. And, most of all, I love the exquisite look of ecstasy that comes over my big male's face when a toddler runs over to him and throws its arms around his neck to hug him.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ... anything else is just a dog!!