Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is descended from ancient livestock guardian dog types that migrated with the transhumance, guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs. It is probable that dogs of this type existed 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Turkic-speaking people most likely brought these dogs to the area now known as Turkey about 1000 A.D. The dogs were called coban kopegi (shepherd dog), and over the centuries, regional variations or landraces developed.

The Anatolian has been working independently for centuries, making decisions regarding threats to his property. As a puppy, he adopts whomever he lives with, be it a family or a herd of sheep; as he grows, he takes on the protector gig. It doesn't matter to the Anatolian whether his "flock" is human or animal--he is extremely protective and possessive.

The dog is demanding of itself, and can be stubborn and dominant. When training the Anatolian Shepherd, the best results are achieved by motivational training methods with a determined, consistent and loving approach. It is very important to begin training as early as possible, because a fully grown dog may be too strong and too big to be corrected and because this dog has his own ideas and will not cater to his owner's every whim. Sensitive to reprimands and eager to receive affection. This breed is patient and protective with children of the family, but may accidentally knock them down. Children should always be supervised and properly introduced.

The Anatolian Shepherd does not require any additional protection training. It already has very strong protection instincts that grow as the dog matures, often coming suddenly to the fore at around one and a half years of age. They will generally get along with other animals provided they have been introduced to them when they are still young. They can be rather dominant towards other dogs and it is important to socialize them while they are still young. These dogs mature quite slowly, reaching full adulthood at about four years old. Dogs that are going to be made into flock guards should not be family pets or they will prefer the family over the sheep. They should live their entire life with the flock, but still should be socialized with people out in the field and accustomed to grooming procedures when they are puppies to make veterinary care possible later in life. Anatolian Shepherds guard, but do not herd, livestock. They often patrol the outer perimeter of their territory, then find a high place from which to watch over their charges. Anatolians possess excellent senses of sight and hearing to help them in this work. They check their "protective zone" around the flock every few hours to be certain nothing threatening is brewing. If danger approaches, the Anatolian will first bark a warning, then accelerate and raise the volume of the barking if the danger persists, signaling the sheep to crowd in behind him for protection. The dog will attempt to drive the danger away and will only attack as the last resort. In Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherds wear spiked collars to protect their throats in battles with predators.

They will do best on a low-protein, lamb and rice diet. They do not eat much for their size. Extensive early socialization, obedience training and consistent dominant leadership are very important when owning an Anatolian Shepherd. They tend to bark at night and some like to dig.