The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Kangal Shepherd Dog, is a historic breed from Turkey. Despite its name, it was not developed as a herding dog but as a livestock protection dog. The Anatolian people are known for their intelligence and strength.
To thrive, Anatolian Shepherds need both mental and physical stimulation. They are independent dogs and can adapt well to any household if they are consistently trained and given lots of praise. If you’re wondering if an Anatolian Shepherd is a suitable pet for your family or if they are active and challenging to train, keep reading for more information about this wonderful breed.
Below, we look at Anatolian Shepherd dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Anatolian Shepherd, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Anatolian Shepherds!
| Dog Breed | Anatolian Shepherd |
| Size | |
| Weight | 80-120 lbs (average) |
| Height | 28-31″ (average) |
| Location | Turkey |
| Ancestry | mastiff-type |
| Date of Origin | 1800 BC |
| Group | livestock guardian dog |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is named after Anatolia in central Turkey, where it is believed to have originated around 2000 BCE. Initially, these majestic dogs were kept a secret and were only known within Turkey because of their high value. However, in the 1930s, a male and female Anatolian Shepherd Dog were brought to the US for a classified government program. It was not until the passing of the Endangered Species Act in the 1970s that they gained popularity. This law protected animals, such as gray wolves, which meant that farmers could no longer kill them to protect their livestock. To address this problem without harming the endangered species, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and other livestock guardians were used. Although they prefer not to fight predators, their fearlessness allows them to confront predators of any size and emerge victorious. Today, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can be found worldwide, providing protection for livestock and offering peace of mind to farmers and ranchers. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1999 and are increasingly popular in the United States, currently ranking 90th among registered breeds.
🐕 Anatolian Shepherd Appearance
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is sometimes compared to the Kuvasz and the Great Pyrenees, however it is more slender and considerably more nimble. Their snout is typically black, and their head is proportionate to their body. They have black lips that will hang down somewhat. Most frequently black in color, they have triangular-shaped ears with rounded tips that drop down. The tail of an Anatolian Shepherd is positioned high and, when relaxed, will be carried low with an upward-curling tip. Their tail will be lifted high and resemble a wheel when they are vigilant. The coat of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is short and coarse. It has two coats and sheds during the spring and summer. Around their collar or neck area, as well as the tail, their coat is longer. Depending on the season and the dog’s pedigree, the coat length will change. There are two basic coat lengths for the Anatolian Shepherd: medium and medium-long.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | White, Brindle, Fawn |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Anatolian Shepherd
Turkish Shepherd While alertness, independence, and protection are wonderful qualities in a dog, these qualities can also occasionally get them into trouble. Early socialization is crucial for Anatolian Shepherds since they have a tendency to be apprehensive of strangers. However, because of their innate protectiveness, they usually develop close relationships with their humans. On the other hand, domestic animals are a different matter. Puppies of Anatolian Shepherds are more prone to associate with other animals, although adults may not get along with their canine companions as well. Training an Anatolian Shepherd Dog can be challenging since, unlike some dogs, they aren’t very eager to please. The Anatolian Shepherd will be raised to be a well-behaved mutt with regular training sessions and positive reinforcement. Pet owners who are unfamiliar with managing a stubborn breed like the Anatolian may benefit from expert assistance from a licensed dog trainer.
🤝 Are Anatolian Shepherds Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Anatolian Shepherd Care & Maintenance
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog sheds a lot twice a year, and during these periods, regular brushing is necessary. When they are not shedding, weekly brushing is okay. Despite the fact that they mostly work with cattle, baths are rarely necessary. Their coats may often lose any smell by being brushed. The majority of owners who give their Anatolian Shepherd Dog to a shelter or rescue organization do so because the required upkeep exceeds their expectations. Despite having a shorter coat, the Anatolian Shepherd does have a double coat and needs grooming at least once a week to prevent excessive shedding and matting. It’s important to keep your ears dry and clean to prevent infections. Regular nail trimming should be done, roughly every two weeks. To avoid dental disease, teeth should be examined regularly and cleaned often. It’s also important to conduct routine parasite screenings to make sure your dog is parasite-free. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs frequently have hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. To prevent exorbitant veterinarian care costs, get pet health insurance right now. You may compare policies from renowned firms like Figo and Spot using our tool for pet insurance. With only a few clicks, find your pet’s “pawfect” plan!
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.50 – $1.90 daily, or roughly $39.00 – $52.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 10 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 Anatolian Shepherd Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed can be:
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
- Tongue Tie
While minor concerns include:
- Entropion
- Bloat
- Hypothyroidism
- Dental Disease
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
🤧 Important: Is Anatolian Shepherd hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Anatolian Shepherd.
⚡ Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Anatolian Shepherd a great choice for families with young children?
The text does not specifically mention the Anatolian Shepherd being a great choice for families with young children. However, it does mention that they can form deep bonds with their humans, which could potentially make them good with children.
Is the Anatolian Shepherd breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The text does not mention whether the Anatolian Shepherd is suitable for apartment living. However, considering their large size and need for exercise, it is generally not recommended to keep them in small living spaces.
How much exercise does a Anatolian Shepherd require compared to other breeds?
The text mentions that Anatolian Shepherds need a hearty dose of mental and physical stimulation to thrive, indicating that they require a significant amount of exercise compared to some other breeds.
Is the Anatolian Shepherd breed known for being good with other pets?
The text mentions that Anatolian Shepherds may not get along well with other pets, especially as adults, so they are not known for being good with other pets.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Anatolian Shepherd?
The text does not provide information about other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Anatolian Shepherd.
What are the common health issues that Anatolian Shepherds are prone to?
The text does not specifically mention common health issues that Anatolian Shepherds are prone to.
Are Anatolian Shepherds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
The text mentions that Anatolian Shepherds are not especially eager to please, which can make training difficult. Therefore, they are not known to be easy to train compared to some other breeds.
Are Anatolian Shepherds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
The text does not mention whether Anatolian Shepherds are more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Anatolian Shepherd that are suitable for people with allergies?
The text does not mention any specific dog breeds similar to the Anatolian Shepherd that are suitable for people with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Anatolian Shepherd are best for individuals or families with limited space?
The text does not provide information about specific sizes of dogs similar to the Anatolian Shepherd that are best for individuals or families with limited space.
Is the Anatolian Shepherd breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The text does not specifically mention whether the Anatolian Shepherd is known to be good with children with special needs.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Anatolian Shepherd?
The text does not provide information about the grooming and shedding needs of the Anatolian Shepherd compared to other breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Anatolian Shepherd dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
