Meet the Anatolian Shepherd
Pawesome Protector

Pawesome Protector

Furbulous Farmhand

Furbulous Farmhand

Low-Maintenance Looks

Low-Maintenance Looks

Need a loyal protector who will always keep you safe? Then I’m the pup fur you! We Anatolian Shepherds are natural-born guard dogs, so I’m a great fit for life on a farm or ranch. I need to be in a home with a fenced yard – no city apartments for me! But after an hour of daily exercise – I love long walks – I’m content to plop down indoors or in a shady spot outside. And while I may look like I’m snoozing, I’m actually monitoring my surroundings. If I detect anything suspicious, I’ll be up to investigate in a flash. Because my guardian instincts are so strong, it’s impawtant for families with children and other pets to make sure we all get to know each other. I pawsitively love kids, but I need to learn that they’re part of my flock. I’m always going to be wary of strangers – it’s kind of my thing – so early socialization and obedience training are a must. (I’m not a good fit for a first-time dog owner.) I’m a pretty rare breed, but if you’re looking for a loyal watchdog, I’m a pawfect fit.
My Many Looks

My Many Looks

 My Breed Characteristics

My Breed Characteristics

 Furbulous Fact

Furbulous Fact

 As I Grow Up

As I Grow Up

 History of My Breed

History of My Breed

 Care Tips

Care Tips

 Training Tips

Training Tips
关于我

Personality

Alert

Calm

Loyal

Group

Working

Origin

Turkey

Life Span

11-13 Years

Breed Popularity

#85 of 195

Height Range

27-29 Inches

Weight Range

80-150 Pounds

Coat Details

Type

Medium-length

Texture

Rough Outercoat & Thick Undercoat

Features

Double Coat

Colors

Biscuit & White, Blue Fawn, Brindle, Fawn, Gray Fawn, Liver, Red Fawn, White Markings: Black

Hypoallergenic

Cost to Buy

$500-$2,000

Lifetime Care Cost

$25,910

My Many Looks

My Many Looks

Brindle

Fawn

Biscuit

Red Fawn
My Breed Characteristics

My Breed Characteristics

Training Ability：
Intelligence：
Exercise Needs：
Health Issues：
Affection Level：
Grooming Effort：
Pet-Friendly：
Shedding：
Kid-Friendly：
Barking：
Furbulous Fact

Furbulous Fact

We Anatolian Shepherds don’t just protect our humans – we protect other animals, too! In Namibia, the human senlisted us to help conserve the cheetah population, because farmers were being forced to kill cheetahs that were attacking their livestock. The Cheetah Conservation Fund created the Livestock Guarding Dog Program, which trained us to keep the cheetahs away from the farmers’ flocks. That way, we could use our livestock guardian skills to keep the cheetahs and the farm animals safe. Nobody gets hurt on our watch!
As I Grow Up

As I Grow Up

As you can see, we Anatolian Shepherds age pretty gracefully. Here are a few key milestones in my growth and development to be aware of as I grow up from a pupper to an adult and senior!
Puppy 3-12 Months
I need early socialization and obedience training, especially in homes with kids and other pets. It’s impawtant that I get to know everyone in my flock!
Adult 2 Years
I don’t have a high energy level like some other large breeds – and high-intensity activity isn’t good for me – but I love going for long walks with my humans.
Senior 7-8 Years
I’m prone to arthritis and obesity as I age, so pawlease switch to a senior-friendly diet to help manage my weight.
History of My Breed

History of My Breed

We Anatolian Shepherds are an ancient breed with a fascinating history. The humans think my earliest ancestors came to Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) around 2000 BCE. From the very beginning, we were fierce livestock guardians, able to take on dangerous predators like wolves and bears. In Turkey, the humans called us Coban Kopegi – which means “shepherd’s dog” – because we were so good at protecting flocks of sheep. We’re also called the Karabash dog and the Kangal dog, though many humans consider us a separate breed from the Kangal dog. We were so prized in Turkey for our skills, in fact, that Turkish humans kept us all to themselves for thousands of years! It wasn’t until the 20th century that we made our way to the U.S. under pawsitively fascinating circumstances. In the late 1930s, the first Anatolian Shepherds arrived as part of a super secret program by the US Department of Agriculture to breed the perfect sheepdog. The program didn’t succeed, but it wasn’t long before more Anatoli
Care Tips

Care Tips

from Dr. Jessica Greenberg, Associate Veterinarian
1

Be careful with anesthesia – Anatolians are sensitive to it.

Anatolian Shepherds are more sensitive to both general and injectable anesthetic drugs. While anesthesia is still an option for this breed, brushing your dog’s teeth can help reduce the likelihood that they’ll need a dental cleaning under anesthesia.

2

Watch for signs of Gastric Dilation Volvulis (aka bloat).

As with many large breed dogs, Anatolian Shepherds could develop Gastric Dilation Volvulus or GDV. GDV is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach becomes distended with gas and twists on itself. While the exact cause isn’t known, managing how quickly your dog eats or drinks seems to help. Make sure you understand the signs of GDV and have a plan in place to quickly get your dog to a veterinarian.

3

Pay attention to your Anatolian Shepherd’s eyelids.

Anatolians are prone to a condition called entropion, where a part of the eyelid is turned inward causing the eyelashes to rub against and irritate the eye. This condition typically occurs within the first 24 months. If you’re seeing any irritation around the eye make sure to schedule an exam with your veterinarian. Entropion typically requires surgery to repair but your veterinarian can talk you through the options.

Training Tips

Training Tips

from Dr. Jessica Greenberg, Associate Veterinarian
1

Training your Anatolian requires patience.

Anatolian Shepherds are a very intelligent breed, but they tend to act puppyish longer than usual. They are also very stubborn and want to be the leader of the pack. Patience and consistency are key when training.

2

Positive reinforcement works best.

Anatolian Shepherds are very sensitive dogs. If you mistreat them while training, you are doing things wrong. For successful and productive training, use clickers, treats, and toys every time you see them making progress.

3

Socialize your Anatolian Shepherd early.

Anatolian Shepherds tend to be overprotective towards their family and very angry towards strangers. Early socialization around humans is necessary. Taking them everywhere you go when they are puppies is one of the ways to go.

My Many Looks

My Many Looks

 My Breed Characteristics

My Breed Characteristics

 Furbulous Fact

Furbulous Fact

 As I Grow Up

As I Grow Up

 History of My Breed

History of My Breed

 Care Tips

Care Tips

 Training Tips

Training Tips
关于我

  • Personality

    Alert

    Calm

    Loyal

  • Group

    Working

  • Origin

    Turkey

  • Life Span

    11-13 Years

  • Breed Popularity

    #85 of 195

  • Height Range

    27-29 Inches

  • Weight Range

    80-150 Pounds

  • 动物皮毛

    Type

    Medium-length

    Texture

    Rough Outercoat & Thick Undercoat

    Features

    Double Coat

    Colors

    Biscuit & White, Blue Fawn, Brindle, Fawn, Gray Fawn, Liver, Red Fawn, White Markings: Black

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Cost to Buy

    $500-$2,000

  • Lifetime Care Cost

    $25,910