The Anatolian Shepherd is a firm guard frankfurter with passion and affection to tender their kinsfolk . Members of the breed are confident and very independent , but are also intelligent and loyal companions . They will entrance you with their bombastic size and elephantine teddy - bear like appearance .
Origin and History
The Anatolian Shepherd originated in Turkey , where the stock ’s ancestors serve well as shepherd ’s associate and farm animal guardians . They were arise to resemble the sizing and colouring of livestock , explaining their large stature . The working root of the breed are thought to particular date back approximately 6,000 years , punctuate the Anatolian lineage as one of the old among domesticated canines . Sighthound strain are say to be creditworthy for their lightness and aloof deportment .
Anatolian Shepherds were introduce to the United States in the seventies . Prior to their prescribed comer , the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) embarked on asecret projectto determine the good herding dog breed . A Turkish ambassador provided the USDA with two extremity of the breed as a gift for the experiment , but the female arrive pregnant , and also had a parasitic contagion . The project proved to be too pricey to sustain – the Anatolians were reportedly super good eaters – and was shut down , while the dogs were sell to a buyer at auction . Their fate persist unknown .
In 1970 , when the strain was more formally introduced to the United States , theAnatolian Shepherd Dog Club of Americawas formed by a naval military officer named Robert Ballard . In 1996 , the breed enter theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC ) registryin the Miscellaneous class , but quickly moved to the Working Group in 1998 .
Breed Characteristics
live dog owners desiring a firm and fond defender are often interested in this strain . Keep in mind , however , that Anatolian Shepherds are notable for being independent and strong - willed . Take this into chronicle if you are considering adding a member of the breed to your home .
Appearance
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a short coat with a thick-skulled primer . Feathers can be found on the ears , legs , and tail . Their pelage color vary in a variety of hues , include :
Male are between 110 and 150 punt and stand 29 inches tall at the shoulder joint . Females are between 80 and 120 pounds and stomach 27 in tall .
Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd is highly healthy , sovereign , and heavily - work . They are have it off to think for themselves , like many other guard bounder . They ’re protective of their family and are always on the lookout for intruders , whether animal or homo .
Despite their protective nature , they are known to be unagitated , affectionate , and favorable with their families . They ’re weary of and often not friendly to strangers , and tend to be a bit reserved with those outside of their normal social circle .
When they ’re untried , Anatolian Shepherds , like all dogs , need earlysocializationand exposure to a variety of people , sights , sounds , and experience . Socialization is important for your Anatolian Shepherd puppy ’s growth as a well - attack grownup hotdog .
Training
Anatolian Shepherds are extremely trainable , but due to their independence and a stubborn stripe , they ’re more disposed to evaluate whether or not to obey an edict . They ask an owner that is strong , kind , and coherent in their commands .
It ’s full of life that the Anatolian Shepherd is in good order socialised and trained so that they can understand what ’s normal and what ’s not let , peculiarly due to their large size . Anatolian Shepherds who have n’t been properly trained or socialised might become overprotective , strong-growing , and unwieldy . When properly socialize , this breed can be a extra part of your family .
Exercise Requirements
The Anatolian Shepherd should have plenty of room to roam and is therefore not recommended for apartment - way living . They do n’t have a ton of pent - up energy but enjoy wandering around the property keeping watch . They average 45 to 60 minutes per day roaming . If you do desire to take your dog for a walk , outdoor adventures like hiking are recommended .
Health
Anatolian Shepherds are typically healthy . However , they are susceptible to some wellness issues , as are all strain .
Lifespan
The Anatolian Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with a lifetime longer than most large dogs , range from 10 to 13 years .
Grooming
Because the Anatolian Shepherd is inherently clean , grooming them is n’t a major task . The breed ’s short pelage want little preparation , but expect a lot of shedding throughout the class . brush more frequently during those catamenia attention in the removal of idle hair . bathe only three or four metre a year is all that is ask .
Brush your Anatolian Shepherd ’s teeth at least twice or three times a calendar week to get disembarrass of potassium hydrogen tartrate and bacterium and conserve their oral health . Brushing your dog ’s teeth on a day-after-day cornerstone is even better to preventperiodontal diseaseif your dog will allow it . If your click ’s nails do n’t outwear down course , bring down them once or twice a calendar month to keep off unpleasant tear and other issue .
Fun Facts About the Breed
Little is known about the rare Anatolian Shepherd , but here are some interesting fact you should jazz :
Purchasing or Adopting an Anatolian Shepherd
If you ’re looking for an Anatolian Shepherd puppy , a adept station to start is with theAnatolian Shepherd Club of America . The club has a breeder directory available as well as helpful gratuity on how to find responsible stock breeder with lineament dogs . TheAKC Marketplacepage also has a breeder search . Expect to pay around $ 900 to $ 1,200 , although higher - ending show dog from champion lines can be as much as $ 5,000 .
Rescue Organizations
While the Anatolian Shepherd is a rare stock , these dogs frequently end up in shelters because their owners are often overwhelmed by their necessary . To start , you’re able to search the directory onSave - a - RescueandPetfinder . you may also look at the come stock - specific delivery governance :
Is this the Right Breed for You?
The Anatolian Shepherd is not worthy for everyone . They can be truehearted , loving companions if you and your family are aware of their special characteristics and requirements and are unforced to accept the obligation of owning a large , protective guard dog .
