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The Anatolian Shepherd is a powerfully built mastiff type with a short, dense coat and a broad heavy head. The coat is designed to protect against extreme weather conditions, and comes in any colour, with or without a distinctive black mask.
With family members and other people well known to them, the Anatolian Shepherd is loyal and friendly, however this breed retains their working nature, suspicious of strangers and very fast to react to any perceived threat. As a flock guardian breed, the Anatolian is an independent thinker, relied upon to make decisions by themselves rather than at the cue of a shepherd, in the pet home this can mean they are not easy to live with and require a great degree of careful management.
Country of Origin: Turkey
The Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient breed descended from mastiff types and flock guardian breeds of the Middle East. Giant in size and athletic, this powerful dog was bred to protect flocks of sheep and goats from predatory bears and wolves and of course, human thieves.
They are the original livestock guardian dogs of Turkey, and are still seen working with the nomads who move to find food and other resources, a process called ‘transhumance’ which is responsible for the spread of both human and canine genetics across some parts of the world.
The Anatolian Shepherd is generally a very hardy breed, but as with many breeds they can occasionally suffer from hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. Check with the Kennel Club and breed clubs for further health information.
Up to two hours a day, split into two walks, will keep the Anatolian happy, but further time should be dedicated to interactive training and puzzle solving games that involve working with their owner. Some off lead running will be beneficial but given this breeds size, fitness should be built up slowly until they reach maturity. Given their suspicion of strangers - human and canine - use a safe secure, isolated ideally private, place for off lead exercise!
Giant-breed dogs, as well as having giant appetites, benefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting different joint and cartilage needs. The Anatolian Shepherd dog breed is prone to bloating and stomach problems; try feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise the risk.
The coat offered protection to the Turkish flock guards in the coldest of winters and hottest of summers. Short and dense with a thick undercoat, it needs a brush through once or twice a week and will shed heavily during the moulting seasons.
Due to their size, protective instincts and the time needed for training and exercise, this is a dog suited to adult only homes. Because this breeds nature is to distrust strangers, homes with many visitors or visiting children are likely to find the Anatolian Shepherd highly unsuitable.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
