The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog from Anatolia (central Turkey) and bred for guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, and jackals
The coat can be any color or length. The Anatolian is a muscular breed, with thick neck, broad head, and sturdy body. Its lips are tight to its muzzle and it has triangular drop ears. It stands 27 to 32 inches (69 to 81 cm) at the withers and weighs between 80 and 150 pounds (36 to 68 kg), with females on the smaller side and males on the larger side.
The breed's ancestors most likely migrated to the area now known as Turkey about 1000 AD with Turkic-speaking people, although it is probable that dogs similar to this existed at least 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Over the centuries, regional variations began to develop, although the dogs were collectively known as coban kopegi, i.e. "shepherd dog". In the 1970s, western breeders became interested in the dogs and developed standards for the regional breeds; the Anatolian is one of those breeds, coming from central Turkey
The Anatolian was developed to be independent and forceful, responsible on its own for guarding its master's flocks. These traits make it more challenging as a pet; owners of dogs of this breed must determinedly socialize the dogs to turn them into appropriate companions. They are intelligent and can learn quickly but might choose not to obey; this is not generally a dog for a beginning or shy owner. They become very protective of other animals in the household, and will treat them as their "flock." They have also been known to kill bears to protect their charges.
This is Rusti. She is 7/8 Anatolian Shepherd 1/8 Great Pyrenees. I purchased her from a Boer goat ranch in South Carolina. She weighs more than a hundred pounds and is absolutely gentle with any critter, including children. She has been up against various predators over the years, including an aggressive bear. She has always had a very strong bond with my toddler and won't even let the horses get too close to him. She is extremely tolerant of even the most annoying critter. One of my geese constantly grabs hold of her fur without letting go. Rusti merely grabs the goose and pulls him off her, and never ruffles a feather. She is very alert but rarely barks unless there is reason. She seems like a big lazy beast, until it's time to protect. Then, she is relentless in driving off whatever is intruding.
(12-1-2012)
Rusti is a ripe old (nearly) 9 years old and she's a great grandma dog. She will live out her days with us, and she is the best dog we have ever had!
The breed's ancestors most likely migrated to the area now known as Turkey about 1000 AD with Turkic-speaking people, although it is probable that dogs similar to this existed at least 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Over the centuries, regional variations began to develop, although the dogs were collectively known as coban kopegi, i.e. "shepherd dog". In the 1970s, western breeders became interested in the dogs and developed standards for the regional breeds; the Anatolian is one of those breeds, coming from central Turkey
The Anatolian was developed to be independent and forceful, responsible on its own for guarding its master's flocks. These traits make it more challenging as a pet; owners of dogs of this breed must determinedly socialize the dogs to turn them into appropriate companions. They are intelligent and can learn quickly but might choose not to obey; this is not generally a dog for a beginning or shy owner. They become very protective of other animals in the household, and will treat them as their "flock." They have also been known to kill bears to protect their charges.
(12-1-2012)
Rusti is a ripe old (nearly) 9 years old and she's a great grandma dog. She will live out her days with us, and she is the best dog we have ever had!
