Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd

COUNTRY: Turkey

WEIGHT: 80-150 pounds

HEIGHT: 27-30 inches

COAT: Short to medium

COLOR: Usually black-masked fawns, some brindles, tricolors, whites and blacks

OTHER NAMES: Anatolian Karabash Dog

GROUP: Flock Guard

With a history spanning centuries of breeding and use—without benefit of any recorded pedigrees or even official names—the large Turkish guarding breeds have been named and categorized by Westerners. They are all ancient Turkish guard dogs, but there is argument over whether they should be "split" or "lumped." Some owners have selected stem stock from specific localities in Turkey, where one set of characteristics was fixed, and made individual breeds from each. Other dog buyers came into Turkey and chose representatives of Turkish guard dogs (in Turkish, the generic goban kopegi or shepherd dog) from various locales. This broad approach has created the breed known as the Anatolian.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was once used as a combat dog and for hunting big game (i.e., lions and horses). They stem directly from ancient flock-guarding and mastiff dogs of the Middle East. The breed is now used as the front-line defense for Turkish flocks. His strength and speed are legendary in his homeland, allowing him to take on such formidable opponents as wolves.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is dominant with all other dogs, males asserting influence over females. With wolves their natural enemies, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs tend to be suspicious of all dogs with upright ears.

Turkish lore says that the Anatolian Shepherd dog receives his collar after detecting, outrunning and killing his first wolf. Actually, these collars help to protect them against the wolf. While in Turkey, a tourist observed that other dogs respected and did not challenge those with collars. He bought one for his Anatolian, which was then elevated to a level of respect. Local canines and citizens alike assumed the dog had won the collar in mortal combat.

The Anatolian Shepherd dogs are loyal to their masters, but suspicious of strangers, and demonstrate guard instincts at an early age. Obedience training and socialization are strongly urged for acclimating the breed to life as a controllable family dog.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is gentle and playful with children of the family. However, it will tolerate no teasing from strangers. Owners stress that these dogs are not "gentle giants." Formal introductions should be protocol with neighbors, friends and the veterinarian.