The Anatolian Shepherd served as shepherds' frontline defense from predators. The dog breed is probably more than 6,000 years old. It was developed to withstand Turkey's harsh climate and endure the nomadic lifestyle of the shepherds.
The following information is offered to help you decide if the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed is right for you, your family and lifestyle. The descriptions are also meant to fit a dog true to the breed standard.
Origin: Turkey
AKC classification: Working Group
Appearance Description
" Large " Rugged " Powerful " Impressive " Possesses great endurance and agility " Eyes are medium in size, set apart, almond shaped and dark brown to light amber in color " Ears should be set on no higher than the plane of the head " Chest is deep " Tail should belong and reaching to the hocks " Shoulders should be muscular and well developed " Hindquarters are strong with broad thighs and heavily muscled " Coat is short with a thick undercoat, feathering may occur on the ear fringes and legs, breeching and tail " Color: all color patterns and markings are acceptable " Gait: While trotting, the gait is powerful yet fluid
Personality Description:
" Alert " Intelligent " Calm " Observant " Instinctively protective " Courageous " Highly adaptable " Very loyal and responsive " Highly territorial " Natural guard
According to a health survey done in 2004 by the UK Kennel Club, the median life span for the 23 deceased dogs in the survey was 10.75 years. This may be the only health study ever done on the Anatolian Shepherd dog.
Conclusion from the survey:
" This is a typical longevity for purebred dogs in general, and several years longer than most other breeds of their large size that generally have a life span of 6 - 8 years " The leading causes of death of the dogs in the survey were cancer (22), cardiac (13)
Based on the 24 still-living dogs in the survey, the most common health issues according to the owners were:
" Dermatologic " Musculoskeletal " Lipomas " Entropion " Canine hip dysplasia are sometimes in the breed
It is recommended that eyes and hips be tested before breeding.
For more information about this breed, other dog breeds and to view pictures, follow the link in the resource box of this article.