ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOGS
Ancient Livestock Guardians

Brief history:

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is one of the most majestic and noble dogs in the service to man.  They are from Turkey and are livestock guardian dogs (not a herding dog!).  They are giant dogs of mastiff ancestry. Their primary function is the defense of their flock from predators.  They have been known while defending their flock, to kill wolves, small bears, cougars and any other threat.  They have extraordinary speed and agility which helps them to run down a predator with great efficiency and fearlessness.   Turkish shepherds equip their dogs with iron-spiked collars as protection against attacking animals.  It is said that the Anatolian must earn their collar my making a "first kill" in protection of their flock.  The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a fiercely loyal guard dog.  They demonstrate a possessive attitude towards their family, property and livestock.  They can be very loving and gentle with children with the proper guidance.  They would make an excellent propery protection dog but SOCIALIZATION is a must for dogs who are to be taken off the property.

    Male anatolians can range in size from 30" - 34" and weigh from 110 pounds to 150 pounds.  Females are generally somewhat smaller, 28"-31" and 90-120 pounds.  As these sizes vary per the sex of the dog.  They can vary in colors from fawn with black mask, brindle, white, red fawn, pinto and even a few black have been recorded.  The Anatolian is not the dog for everyone.  They need socialization, obedience training and a firm handler.   The Anatolian is an answer to predator problems without the interference of man.  Anatolians are independent thinkers and can determine a threat and act appropriately.  The Anatolian is not for first time dog owners since they are very strong willed and must be handled by a owner they respect.

They can be a versitile breed by playing many roles in a household.  They can be a loving, kind, protective family dog, property protector, competitive show dog, and what they were bred to do - LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG. 

Turkish Stamp depicting the
Anatolian Shepherd Dog

"Guardians of the Flock"

          
"Wolf Killer" 

 "Anatolian Shepherd Dogs protecting their flock"
Above pictures taken and donated by
Elizabeth von Buchwaldt

Alaturka's Kafadar "flock guardian" of his goats.
   

       Tamoora@aol.com