The Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed that has existed in the area we now call Turkey for several centuries if not thousands of years. The history of this breed is vague up until it was discovered by "Westerners". The shepherds of the region kept no written documents, formed no kennel clubs, and just used their dogs for survival. Their selective breeding, for working ability, and nature's harsh rule of the healthiest and fittest survive, has made a remarkable dog that guards livestock (even humans and other animals) with courage and loyalty that only ends in death. Discover these amazing dogs that have stolen the hearts people all over the world.

History

See ASDI Inc's Breed History

This breed was developed to guard livestock in Turkey. These dogs accompanied the shepherd and the flock. They lived, ate, and slept with their charges. Throughout the centuries these dogs have been selectively breed for independent thinking, courage, ferocity in certain situations, size, strength, speed and agility. They were bred to take on wolves and bears if they threatened the shepherd or his flock. Though not bred to be pets they were also bred to be gentle with their family and livestock

These dogs were bred to live in a harsh climate. The Anatolian Plateau, which makes up about 97% of what is, today, called Turkey. The climate is considered to be sub desert or steppe and has temperatures ranging from 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to -50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. These dogs are as tough as their homeland.

See ASDI, Inc's Background of the Breed

Physical Appearance

Check out the Breed Standards for a more in depth description.

Anatolians are large and tall dogs. They should not appear "barrel chested" nor too "whippet-like" in appearance. They should be of some substance but lean and agile.

Average Height: (measured at top of withers)

Males: 29-32"
Females: 27-31"

Average Weight:

Males: 100 - 143 lbs
Females: 88 - 120 lbs

These are just averages and some dogs go above or below the ranges. Breeding to dogs that are overly small, short, tall or heavy should be discouraged as they will lose their ability to guard properly. A too short or small Anatolian cannot properly intimidate predators and take them down if necessary. A too heavy Anatolian will never be able to catch the predator.

Personally I would breed for the larger dogs while still maintaining speed and agility. A larger dog will be able to defend the livestock from larger predators and be more of a deterrent in order to avoid confrontation at all. From pictures in Turkey the most prized shepherd dogs are both excellent workers and some of the larger dogs in the area. This may go hand in hand.

Anatolians come in many colors. No color variety is unacceptable to the standards. Pinto, fawn, red, brindle, black, white, cream, "biscuit" are all acceptable colors. Black masks are also typical of the breed and can be present with just about any color. Anatolians can be smooth or rough coated. Anatolians are bred for working ability first and foremost above color or coat length. This is how their guardian instincts have been preserved throughout the centuries.



Pictures of Anatolians from Natalka Czartoryska's Files
To Illustrate Colors

White ASD and Natalka	Brindle Working ASD in Turkey	Red Fawn ASD Imported from Turkey

See also the ASDI's Color Section

See The Breed Splitting Dispute for more information on breeding for color over working ability and health.

Health

See ASDI's Health Section

Anatolians have gone untouched by modern breeding practices for most of their existence. These dogs are generally healthy because of this and because of the Turkish shepherds breeding only healthy dogs with excellent temperament and working ability. The Anatolian Shepherd had not been bred for vanity but for survival and because of that the breed is hearty, intelligent, healthy and still has its working instincts intact.

Some breeders are not careful in choosing their breeding stock. So caution must be taken by anyone seeking to purchase an Anatolian Shepherd Dog. As with any dog breed buyers should be aware of possible health problems within the breed and particularly within that breeder's lines. Temperament, health, working ability and confirmation of the parent dogs should be discussed and reviewed before the choice is made to purchase a pup or dog from the breeder.

All Anatolians should be certified clear of hip displaysia with a group such as OFA. I also strongly encourage buyers to seek out breeders that also do elbow certification and thyroid tests. Our dogs are not unhealthy because of the preventative measures that have been taken by many breeders. However, not every breeder follows a code of ethics or is responsible for the animals they create. It is up to both the breeders and the buyers to insure the future health of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

A good source for Anatolian Breeders is the ASDI Code of Ethics Breeder List.

Temperament

See ASDI's Section on Temperament

The Anatolian is a brave and loyal dog. He is aloof to strangers but watchful. He acts reserved in strange situations, such as dog shows, as he is carefully watching everything going on around him. Anatolians are protective and possessive. They are very strong willed dogs that can have a take charge attitude. They require a firm but gentle hand.

When not on duty these dogs are laid back and gentle. They do not get over stimulated or "hyper" as some dog breeds do. When guarding they will often lay around and appear to be ignoring their surroundings. But, rest assured, they are carefully listening and watching for any intruders.

As Guardian Dogs

Anatolians will mark their territory boundaries. This is done to alert all predators to the dog's presence and to mark the area as belonging to the dog. He will also patrol around the herd or flock before getting comfortable for a snooze. Though he appears relaxed he is listening and scenting for any disturbance and will become alert in a matter of seconds.

Anatolians possess an amazing ability to discern what constitutes a threat and what does not. They have remarkable decision making abilities. When a threat to their charges is perceived the Anatolian will first posture, perhaps letting out a gruff bark to alert the intruder to the guardian's presence. If the intruder continues to threaten the dog or his charges the dog gets more aggressive and angry in his stance and bark. Finally, if he cannot scare the intruder off with ANY other means he will attack. This is the last resort to the Anatolians and they rarely have to use it. The awe these dogs inspire in their every fiber is enough to send most predators running.

Anatolians are guardian dogs. They are bred to have very little prey drive but a strong family bonding character. This allows them to guard livestock without hurting them. While they are great guardian dogs Anatolians do not, however, make good attack dogs. They are independent and make their own decisions about what constitutes a threat and cannot be considered reliable to attack on command. If the Anatolian deems there is no threat, he will not attack. However, with the severe agitation some attack dogs are trained with he may become so enraged that he attacks and ignores any call off command.

The Anatolian is not an overly aggressive dog. He only uses the level of aggression needed to avoid a confrontation with an intruder. He gives many warnings by stance, curling of the lip, deep growling, snapping of teeth and raising of hackles to show that he is agitated and upset. He will only kill an intruder, such as a coyote, as the last resort because he does not want to leave his charges unguarded while he chases predators all over the country side. When annoyed by those he do not wish to hurt he will turn his head away and eventually get up and leave the area.

These are remarkable dogs that can be fierce and deadly when the situation merits and gentle and loving of their family and charges. This delicate balance was achieved by hundreds of years (thousands?) breeding for working ability, temperament, and health by the shepherds of Turkey. They have created an exquisite shepherd dog.

As Pets

The Anatolian as a pet is quite challenging. His charges become people, other dogs, or cats in the household. He will guard each from whatever threat he may see. This can be a blessing as he will keep the other dog from playing too roughly with the cat or a curse if the dog is allowed to bond too closely to one family member, such as a child, and sees the parent's discipline of the child as a threat.

Anatolians must be formally introduced to strangers as they are very suspicious of any newcomer. They will generally accept new people after they have been introduced but may not like the stranger being around when you are not. Caution should be taken when inviting people over. Never allow a stranger to approach the dog or his "charges" without you present. These dogs take their jobs very seriously.

At home these dogs will carefully watch any guests and may refuse to allow them entrance without their owner present. They will often go about this with little aggression and will merely bark a warning or block the path.

My Anatolian housebroke himself and learned the sit and down commands at 3 months old after only a few rounds. As you can see they are extremely intelligent dogs. He naturally heels until he sees something he has to check out. By this I mean he perceives something *may* be a threat and has to stop and check to make sure. They will often make a noise that says "be quiet, I'm listening" and will get very frustrated if you do not stand still and quiet. One of our breed founders called the noise a "cough" and indeed it sounds like one. Once the possible threat is checked out and turns out to be nothing the dog often seems to apologize and give you an "ok, we can go now" look.

Conclusion

As you can see these dogs are truly remarkable and are a treasure we should all work to protect. Not many dog breeds of today retain their working ability, health, temperament and are as versatile as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

There are ASD assistance dogs for the disabled, obedience champions, show dogs, personal companions, therapy dogs and of course livestock guardians. This breed needs no improvement and the most precious gift we can give back to them is the determination to preserve the breed as it is, the ÇOBAN KÖPEGI of Turkey.

For Dawn Campbell these dogs have "Warrior Hearts and Guardian Souls".

We are located near Austin, Texas USA