The Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog, weighing in at anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds. This livestock guardian has a thick coat of hair that adds weight to its body, making it look considerably heavier than it is, especially in the area of the mane.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Anatolian Karabash, is a breed of large livestock guardian dog that originated in the Anatolian region of Turkey. These dogs have been used for centuries to protect livestock, particularly sheep and goats, from predators such as wolves and bears.
For a dog of this size, the Anatolian Shepherd has a decent lifespan of around 11 to 13 years, but it still may be at risk of developing several health problems, including demodicosis mange (skin and fur issues caused by an infestation of mites), entropion (in which the hair from the eyelash grows backward and irritates the surface of the eye), dysplasia (a deformed joint), and cancer (a leading cause of death).
– Demodicosis mange – Entropion – Cancer – Dysplasia
First and foremost, the Anatolian Shepherd is an excellent guardian and protector; all of its natural instincts were bred for this purpose. It has an alert and protective personality and regards anyone within the close family as its “flock” to be guarded.
Due to their enormous size, independent nature, and somewhat difficult care, the Anatolian Shepherd probably isn’t recommended for novice owners. It requires a strong but understanding leader who knows how to work with their unique quirks. This breed also is not very well-suited for apartment living either.
Anatolian Shepherds are quite a furry breed, and they can experience skin and fur problems. In the event of excess shedding, it’s a good idea to check out some dog foods that help address shedding. This breed can also be susceptible to dangerous bloat, so careful feeding is crucial. Some experts believe that wet food is preferable for preventing bloat since it won’t absorb liquid like kibble.
While this breed doesn’t require any special grooming techniques, it should receive weekly brushing to deal with loose hair and prevent matting. During the shedding season, brushing should ideally occur at least once a day. The Anatolian Shepherd will also need the occasional nail trims (maybe once every four to six weeks), regular ear checks, and teeth brushings with healthy vet-approved toothpaste.
This breed scores highly on intelligence rankings and has the ability to learn commands relatively quickly, but it is by no means an easy dog to train. It’s independent-minded, relentlessly driven, and always seeking to dominate and become the leader, so obedience training is absolutely necessary as early as possible.
The Anatolian Shepherd is an athletic breed that needs at least an hour of exercise every day in the form of long walks, hikes, jogs, toys, games, fetching, and other playtimes. This breed will benefit from access to a large fenced yard with a locked gate. When walking your dog, make sure it is tethered to a leash at all times. Its behavior can be somewhat unpredictable.