We’ll talk about Anatolian Shepherd today. They are regarded by their family as a patient and loving dogs. But be aware of these before making any decisions. Please carefully read this blog to learn more about them.
Introduction
- It has a huge head, healthy bones, and a thoughtful expression.
- The dog’s coat is short or rough and a little longer around the mane and neck and comes in a range of colors. Meanwhile, its undercoat is thick.
- The tail is positioned high and will be carried low when relaxed, with an upward curl at the end. Their tail will be carried high and resemble a wheel when they are vigilant.
Second Name
The other name of this breed is Kangal Shepherd dog.
Nickname
- Silas
- Robert
- Eddy
- Angelina
- Kiki
- Cora
- Althea
History
- This breed is called after Anatolia, which is located in central Turkey and where they are still revered (and have even been honored on a national postage stamp).
- The breed’s working forebears are supposed to trace back 6,000 years.
- Wandering tribes from Central Asia are thought to have introduced the first mastiff-type dogs to what is now Turkey, and southern sighthound breeds contributed to the Anatolian’s agility, long legs, and aloof demeanor.
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Characteristic
- Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
- Origin: Tibet
- Group: Non-sporting group
- Coat: Long, straight and dense
- Coat Color: Black, white, golden, sandy, and brown
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-14years
- Personality: Aloof, stubborn, and affectionate.
Behavior
They are not for the faint of heart. Unless they are an aggressive leader who knows how to impart respect, they are domineering, self-reliant dogs that will strive to manage everyone and everything. So, before purchasing them get some idea about their behavior.
Sensitivity
- They are calm and affectionate with their family member.
Kid-Friendly
- They’re even amicable with their human children, even though their size makes it simple for them to knock a toddler over during active play.
Other Animal
- Because it can be aggressive toward dogs and other animals, they are best kept as only pets.
- Although socialization and training can help to reduce this tendency, they cannot regulate the breed’s hostility.
Care They Need
Food & Diet
- They are known for being “easy keepers,” and an adult Anatolian will consume 40 to 60 pounds of premium dog food each month.
- For the first year, an Anatolian puppy should be fed quality puppy food.
- This breed does not respond well to high-protein commercial meals.
- It eats mostly vegetarian food in its natural habitat.
- Your dog, on the other hand, will flourish on a high-quality lamb/rice or chicken-based diet.
Exercise
- They should spend time outside every day with their favorite humans to gain exercise, but they should not live outside.
- They benefit from a spacious yard in which to exercise, but they must be constantly supervised and the yard must be secure.
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Training
They’re highly trainable, but due to their independence, they’re more inclined to consider whether or not to obey an order. They require a pack leader that is strong, kind, and reliable.
- Teach them the fundamental orders to sit, stand, go, and so on.
- Socialize them as soon as possible.
- Positive reinforcement is important.
Grooming
Bathing and brushing are required regularly for this breed. Bathe this fiercely devoted guard dog as often as weekly up to no more than once every eight weeks to keep the coat clean and minimize the canine odor.
- Their nails should be cut every three to four weeks.
- They usually have healthy teeth, which you can maintain by cleaning them at least twice a week! It’s a large, intelligent dog with a lot of energy, so keep her mind and body busy or she’ll become bored.
Health Problems – Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherd are generally healthy, but they are susceptible to certain health issues, as are all breeds. Although not all Anatolian Shepherds may contract one or more of these diseases, it’s vital to be aware of them if you’re thinking about getting one.
Here’s some more information on problems that can affect this breed of dog:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Demodectic Mange
- Hypothyroidism
- Entropion
Anatolian Shepherd Mix
- When Anatolian Shepherd is mixed with German Shepherd mix then the new breed form is German Anatolian Shepherd.
- It can be mixed with Great Dane mix and the result will be Plush Danois.
- Also, it can be mixed with the Great Pyrenees mix and the result will be Anatolian Pyrenees.
Speed
- They are a fast-running breed with a top speed of 31 mph.
- They can quickly hunt animals and protect goats and sheep from wolves, cheetahs, and other predators because of their quickness.
To Buy/Adopt
- If you wish to keep this puppy as a pet, we recommend adopting rather than buying.
- Adoption benefits both of you because it provides a home for the homeless dog and keeps you company.
Anatolian Shepherd Puppies
It can usually be around eight, although it might range from five to fifteen.
Price
- Adopting Anatolian Shepherd costs roughly $300 to cover the costs of caring for the dog before adoption.
- Buying Anatolian Shepherds from breeders, on the other hand, can be unreasonably expensive.
- They range in price from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the breed.
Overview
- It is a dominant, clever, and independent dog.
- They are independent thinkers, which is a vital quality for a livestock guardian.
- They’re fiercely protective of their family and flock, and they believe they’re always on guard.
Good & Bad About Them
Good
- It is a serious, calm, and quiet dog.
- Your horses, llamas, sheep, goats, and hens will be safe.
- It needs only moderate exercise.
- Rather than being amusing, it is stable and dependable.
Bad
- It is a large dog that takes up a lot of space in your car and home.
- When they get bored they become destructive.
- Sometimes, they show aggression toward animals that do not belong to their family.
Fun Facts
- It is a livestock guardian dog, which means he is in charge of keeping an eye on a flock of defenseless animals and safeguarding them from predators. They are still employed to guard herds and property in modern-day Turkey, where the breed originated.
- They are strongly self-reliant. They often had to fend for themselves, so they hunted gophers and other tiny creatures to stay alive. They have the instinct to look after themselves and the flock without the need for education.
- The first Anatolian Shepherd Dogs were probably imported to the United States in the late 1930s as part of a Department of Agriculture study to see which dog would make the finest sheepdog.
- Anatolian Shepherd Dogs make excellent actors as well. “Cats and Dogs,” “Kate and Leopold,” and “Friends With Benefits” are among the films in which they appear.
Reference Link
Anatolian Shepherd-FAQ
What is an Anatolian Shepherd?
It is said to have originated in Turkey’s Anatolia region, commonly known as Asia Minor, where it is thought to have evolved from a line of shepherds (the Coban Kopegi, or “shepherd’s dog”) bred primarily to defend and herd cattle.
Is an Anatolian Shepherd a good family dog?
It is fiercely loyal to its family and will most likely treat them as members of the flock it is tasked with guarding. If they’ve been properly trained, this can mean they’re incredibly gentle with family members despite their size.
What health problems do Anatolian Shepherds have?
They include osteochondritis dissecans, hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, cardiomyopathy, and autoimmune thyroiditis, among others. Gastric torsion (bloat) and cancers like osteosarcoma are also possible in this breed.