Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a versatile dog breed that hails from Turkey. Though he still retains his natural instincts to protect livestock, he can also serve as a loyal family companion or show dog. He’s part of the American Kennel Club’s Working Group and is considered a giant breed, weighing in at 80 to 150 pounds.

The Anatolian is a quiet, watchful and protective dog breed that is suspicious of strangers. They are known to bark loudly at anything or anyone who appears to be suspect and will act aggressively in order to protect their family and property.

Start teaching your Anatolian Shepherd basic commands as soon as you bring him home. That 20-pound puppy will become a much larger dog quickly, and it’s important to have manners instilled early. A trainer who knows the mindset of an Anatolian Shepherd is key for this breed especially since they need to be taught that everything in life isn’t free–they must “work” for their meals, toys, treats, and playtime by performing a command correctly before being rewarded.

Socializing an Anatolian Shepherd early and frequently is key to preventing suspicion or fear of anything new. Find a breeder who raises puppies in the home and exposes them to different sights, sounds, and people before they leave for their forever homes. If you want your Anatolian Shepherd to stay socialized throughout his life, continued outings are a must. This could involve anything from puppy kindergarten classes to visitng friends and neighbors or even local shops and businesses. It’s the only way he can learn to discern between what is normal and an actual threat.

The Anatolian Shepherd requires daily exercise, such as a long walk or time to run in an area free of traffic and other hazards. However, a dog park is not ideal since he may be aggressive toward dogs he doesn’t know. A home with plenty of space surrounding it – along with a solid fence at least five or six feet high – better suits this breed. They are known to be territorial so boundaries must be set early on; do not rely on an underground electronic fence to contain them. Its shock won’t faze this tough dog and they’ll quickly learn how to escape the yard if given the chance.

Chewing is a typical trait of dogs, however because of the size of an Anatolian Shepherd, they can do more damage. Do not let them roam free in your house until they have reach a mature age. Keep them busy with training, play and socialization experiences so that they are not bored. If they are bored, it will lead to destruction.

Though the Anatolian Shepherd can withstand outdoor living, he does best when spending quality time with his family. Acceptable behavior deteriorates in shepherds left chained outdoors with little to no attention from their guardians.

The Anatolian Shepherd has a fawn-colored double coat that sheds. His coat should be brushed at least once per week to remove dead hair, dirt, and keep the skin underneath healthy. Additionally, you should clean his ears and trim his nails as needed; he will only need an occasional bath if he gets particularly dirty.

  • Group AKC Working
  • Origin Turkey
  • Size Giant
  • Weight 80 to 150 pounds
  • Coat Length Short
  • Coat Type Smooth
  • Colors Biscuit & White, Blue Fawn, Brindle, Fawn, Liver, Red Fawn, White
  • Other Names Coban Kopegi, Karabash Dog, Kara Bas, Kangal Dog, Kham Kepiji Dogs, Scandinavian Nygaard Dogs
  • Temperament Bold, Confident, Independent, Intelligent, Proud, Steady

Breed Characteristics

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