Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Size
Large to Giant (27Kg +)
Exercise
No daily exercise
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
Large property & outdoor
Time at home
Often alone
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Watchdog barking
Personality
Independent

History

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 peoples’ life-style- settled, semi- and wholly nomad – and the work assigned to the dogs. They guard flocks travelling great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau. They stay out whatever the weather may be. 1.

Combining its natural instincts with training, an Anatolian can be left to defend its flock from predators without human instruction. Depending on its location, the breed is used to protect sheep, goats and even fowl from predators. In Turkey these include wolves and bears and in Australia the breed is just as effective against foxes and wild dogs. 2.

Appearance

Large, upstanding, tall, powerfully built, livestock guarding dog with broad, strong head and dense double coat. Must have size and stamina and capable of great speed. 1.

An Anatolian must be large, prevailing, with a deep chest and overall muscularity. It is powerfully built, with a broad, deep head, blunt profile and a thick neck. The breed is known for its coiled tail. The most common colour in the western world is fawn, with a black mask and ears; however, all colour variations are acceptable and are seen descending from the varying landraces of Turkey. 2.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: Foreface slightly shorter than skull. 1.

Eyes are rather small in proportion to size of skull, set well apart, showing no haw. Golden to brown in colour according to coat colour. Eye rims black except in livers. 1.

Ears are medium sized, triangular in shape, rounded at tip, pendant with front edge close to cheek, higher when alert. 1.

Hair: Short or half-long, dense, with thick undercoat. Great variations in coat length according to climate. Longer and thicker on neck, shoulders and thighs. The coat tends to be longer in winter. 1.

Sizes: Height at the withers: Males: 74 – 81 cms, Females: 71 – 79 cms.
Weight: Mature males: 50 – 65 kgs. Mature females: 40 – 55 kgs. 1.

Temperament

Steady and bold without aggression, naturally independent, very intelligent and tractable. Proud and confident. Loyal and affectionate to owners, but wary of strangers when on duty. 1.

Deceptively aloof comes to mind when describing an Anatolian’s mannerisms, with its infamous crossed paws and closed eyes; but one would be imprudent to take this at face value. 2.

Health

An Anatolian, true to its heritage and origins, is generally a hardy, long-living dog, relatively free of endemic health issues. However, there have been incidences of hip dysplasia, entropian and hypothyroidism in the breed, so buyers need to be aware of these and seek evidence of appropriate health screening. 2.

Maintenance & Suitability

An Anatolian is not for the novice owner, and ideally should not be contained in suburban environments. It makes a wonderful family companion when integrated correctly and should have access to self-regulated exercise. 2.

Being a Giant Breed that grows rapidly, the Anatolian’s overall joint care in regards to weight, nutrition and exercise is imperative. 2.

The Anatolian is perceived to be a large eater, but in fact, is not. This is because the breed conserves its energy in watching meticulously, preparing for a ‘kill chase’. 2.

An Anatolian has a thick, dense double coat; that is, long guard hairs that are shed all year round, and a plush undercoat that is shed seasonally twice a year. Although it does not matt, regular brushing during sheds assists in keeping up appearances. The breed’s coat can vary in length, often indicative of climate; it does not require clipping and only few baths. 2.

Overall, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a loyal, devoted protector of its pack. 2.

References: 1. FCI Standrad No 331. 2. Ekin & Ash Esad

In Conclusion

Now you know a little more about the Anatolian Shepherd Dog you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your state controlling body for purebred dogs and they will be able to give you more information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and its needs and whether this breed would indeed suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 15 Nov 2018)

Download PDF

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Large upstanding, tall, powerfully built, with broad, heavy head and short dense coat. Must have size, stamina and speed.

Characteristics

Active breed used originally as a guard dog for sheep; hard working; capable of enduring extremes of heat and cold.

Temperament

Steady and bold without aggression, naturally independent, very intelligent. Proud and confident.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Skull large, broad and flat between ears. Slight furrow between eyes and slight stop. Mature males have broader head than females. Foreface one third of total head length. Slightly pendulous black lips. Square profile. Nose black.
Eyes	Relatively small in proportion to size of skull, set well apart and deep, showing no haw. Golden to brown in colour. Eye rims black.
Ears	Medium sized, triangular in shape, rounded at tip, carried flat to skull and pendant, higher when alert.
Mouth	Teeth strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips black.
Neck	Slightly arched, powerful, muscular, moderate in length, rather thick. Slight dewlap.
Forequarters	Shoulders well muscled and sloping. Forelegs set well apart, straight and well boned; of good length; strong pasterns, slightly sloping when viewed from side. Elbows close to sides.
Body	Chest deep to point of elbow, ribs well sprung. Body powerful, well muscled, never fat. Level back. Body in proportion to leg length, slightly arched over loins, with good tuck-up.
Hindquarters	Powerful, lighter than forequarters; moderate turn of stifle.
Feet	Strong feet with well-arched toes. Nails short.
Tail	Long, reaching at least to hock. Set on rather high. When relaxed carried low with slight curl, when alert carried high with end curled over back, especially by males.
Gait/Movement	Relaxed even gait, with impression of latent power, very supple movement. Noticeable straight line of head, neck and body, giving impression of stalking in some dogs. Great drive when viewed from side.
Coat	Short, dense with thick undercoat. Flat, close-lying, neither fluffy nor wavy. Slightly longer and thicker at neck, shoulders and tail; no feathering on ears or legs.
Colour	All colours except merle are acceptable, with or without black mask and black ears.
Size	Height: dogs: 74-81 cms (29-32 ins) at the shoulders; bitches: 71-79 cms (28-31 ins). Weight: mature dogs: 50-64 kgs (110-141 lbs); bitches: 41-59 kgs (90-130 lbs).

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.