Anatolian Shepherd

Dog Breed Group

Working Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Turkey, sheepdog. 

Life Expectancy

12 - 15 Years 

Color

All colors, but most desired is solid cream to fawn with black mask and ears. 

Coat

The breed is double-coated. The outer coat is short or half-long and dense. The undercoat is thick. The coat is longer and thick 

Exercise Needs

Daily exercise on a leash or a large area to free run. Mental stimulation to prevent boredom. 

Temperament

The Anatolian Shepherd is intelligent and reliable. He is suspicious of strangers which makes him an excellent guard dog. Alert  

Good with Children

Very loving toward his family children, but other children should be properly introduced. 

Grooming Needs

Weekly brushing. 

Average Size - Male (in)

29 - 30 

Average Size - Female (in)

27-30 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

90 - 150 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

80-120 

Health Issues

Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism.v

Living Conditions

Will happily live indoors, but will do better in an outdoor environment. Not recommended as an apartment dog, he needs a home wi 

Breed Description

The Anatolian Shepherd is a shepherd's guard dog of ancient lineage; probably descended from the large hunting dogs existing in Mesopotamia. The breed has evolved over the ages to suit a specific set of circumstances. Of these, the most formative are the climate (hot and very dry summers; very cold winters), the people's lifestyles (from settled to semi- and wholly nomadic), and the work assigned to the dogs. They guard flocks travelling great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau, staying out through all weather conditions.

Breed Infobits

The Anatolian Shepherd dog is also known as the Turkish guard dog and was introduced into North America in the 1960s.