These big, tough dogs are one of the oldest breeds in the world, hailing from what is now modern-day Turkey. Anatolian Shepherds are livestock guardians, having spent thousands of years working alongside human shepherds by protecting flocks of sheep. They are intelligent and independent, often preferring to work without human guidance. That may be great for a shepherd or rancher looking for a canine partner to help protect a flock but it also means that training an Anatolian Shepherd can be challenging!
As mentioned, Anatolian Shepherds were developed as livestock guardian dogs to protect sheep in what is modern-day Turkey. Their name derives from the name for the westernmost protrusion of the Asian continent, Anatolia. This large peninsula is also called Asia Minor and is one part where the European and Asian continents meet. Anatolian Shepherds have been invaluable livestock protectors in that area for thousands of years and would historically accompany nomadic shepherds and their flocks of sheep and goats. Eventually, these dogs became known as coban kopegi, which is Turkish for “shepherd dog” or “sheepdog”. Today, the Anatolian Shepherd isn’t too popular in the United States but in Turkey, they are a point of pride and have even been honored on a national postage stamp.
These dogs are very smart, independent, protective, and a bit dominant, all traits that are absolutely necessary for a livestock guardian dog. When working to protect a flock, be it sheep, goats, or other animals, Anatolian Shepherds usually work separately from their humans and that introversion can still sometimes appear in dogs of this breed living as companion animals. That ability to work independently and protect farm animals is actually why Namibia’s Cheetah Conservation Fund started using the breed in their Livestock Guarding Dog Program, a program designed to deter human and wildlife conflict. The goal of the project is to use dogs like Anatolian Shepherds to protect local farmers’ farm animals from cheetahs and decrease the number of cheetahs shot by farmers.
Socialization and training are important for these naturally wary and strong-willed dogs, as is a fully fenced yard. Any fence should be at least six feet tall for the protection of both the Anatolian Shepherd and for other dogs or even people that might accidentally enter their turf. Anatolian Shepherds have, at times, been known to defend their people, animals, and territory with all their might.
Anatolian Shepherds are definitely not apartment dogs, as they are large, confident dogs used to having the space to roam. These can get to be over two feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 80-150 pounds. Their large size also means they are not great for families with small children, as they could accidentally injure a child (think “bull in a china shop” sort of situation). While all of this might seem a little overwhelming, these dogs are also known to be laid back, easy-going, and affectionate in the right context. With a confident pack leader, an Anatolian Shepherd can really be a wonderful dog.
Care for an Anatolian Shepherd can take some time and money because of the dog’s large size. Grooming is a must, as these dogs have short but thick double coats that heavily sheds several times a year. Baths are rarely needed and three or four a year should be all that’s necessary. Like other dogs, Anatolian Shepherds will need regular nail trims, dental care, and vet visits to keep on top of and prevent health issues. The breed is prone to certain medical conditions, like hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and entropion (the inward rolling of the eyelid, which can cause irritation and vision impairment).
In the end, Anatolian Shepherds are skilled livestock protectors with a long history in Turkey. They’re independent, strong willed dogs that can be wonderful companions for the right person or family. But Anatolian Shepherds are definitely not for novice dog owners, those living in apartments, or families with small children. These large dogs definitely need plenty of space and, at times, can be unware of their own size. They are also very protective of what they deem their territory and pack, which can include humans and animals. Given proper socialization and training, Anatolian Shepherds can be wonderful dogs to have around!
Have you ever met an Anatolian Shepherd before? Let me know in the comments!
Adopted from a shelter what was supposed to be a Great Pyranees mix, but is very clearly a Pinto Anatolian Shepherd. She’s turning into one of the best dogs I’ve ever had. Very loving and affectionate, but also independent and self-confident. She loves to sit atop our hill and oversee the property by day, and prefers to cuddle indoors at night. Difficult to train, but a regular routine and lots of rewards help immensely.
Aww! I’m glad you two found each other. Thank you for sharing!! š
I was losing a chicken every 3 days from a raccoon. Have 4 dogs, but none are outside guard dogs. Got an anatolian puppy. Smart, sweet, eager to train, & haven’t lost a chicken since I got her! Had a few “discussions” over her over enthusiastic play with our poodle, but she learned “leave it” quickly. She’s perfect for our situation!
That’s wonderful!! I’m so glad you’ve had such a wonderful experience and that your chickens and pups have a wonderful home š
I met my first Anatolian while living in Banff, AB, Canada. I was completely in awe. I found the breeders out of Rimby, AB and waited for 3yrs for the pick of the litter. There was no literature on these dogs about their demeanor, how to train them, or what to feed them. They can be quite dominant and my bruiser assaulted me almost daily. I spent a total of 6hrs a day walking and exercising him but it never was enough. Years later, passing through turkey, i spoke with an elderly herdsman and he told ms that to keep the dogs healthy, they were fed cereal grains and milk. That is it. No bones, no meat products of any kind. The males can be biters, but my female…i eventually got him a companion, …was as gentle as can be, a real gentle kisser and great around children…..the males not so much. We had a 6 yr old daughter that he adored but he nipped a 10yr old boy walking past us one day. Males are very strong, and can easily do damage to people. They are best used for the purpose they were bred for. Guarding livestock. Anything else and u might find yourself with a dog you dont want around or something you didnt bargain for. These are an immense dog, and not recommended for novice dog owners. That said, ive had German Shepherd ski and back country travel companion, well trained. Just because it shares Shepherd in name, does not mean your going to get a super sized german shepherd with your anatolian. The classic shepherd face is about all the animals share
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I have had several Rhodesian ridgebacks before getting my now ten year old female when she was 5months old. She was quite challenging to train, and required an 8ā cedar fence as she would easily scale the 6ā chain link. I have a daughter with cerebral palsy and she is the most wonderful gentle and kind ānannyā to my daughter and any child that walks in our home. So much patience and loving nature. That said if an unfamiliar adult, particularly male, comes over and shows any hesitation or fear- she will assert herself and not take an eye off them and will bump them with her shoulder or intimidate them with her body language. She has been exceptionally athletic, and is super powerful and keeps up easily with our endless outdoor lifestyle. If not exercised regularly she gets a little weird and off balance. She is definitely a heavy shedder. I never ever worry about our safety when sheās around, but she is very independent and itās taken a lot of time and energy to convince her that Iām in charge. Sheās been wonderful with our horse, around livestock and kept our chickens safe. Itās all natural instinct. She did chew on our tortoise a few times, but he would also snuggle up to her for warmth. Sheās an absolutely amazing dog and I couldnāt be happier with her, but I would think twice before getting a second because of how independent and powerful they are. Great for me in my 30s and 40s and with ample opportunities to run, bike and hike with her- but this breed is NOT a golden retriever and you need to be prepared that they require a strong, patient (but not heavy handed) owner and lots of opportunity to exercise. She could not be kinder or sweeter to our family, but they are a force to be reckoned with. She is incredibly tough and we invested a lot in socializing her, but at times she did need tools that Iāve never had to utilize before as an experienced dog owner. They are absolutely amazing in the right setting.
Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like you, your family, and your pup have a wonderful life together with a lot of love and adventure!!
I would also add for prospective owners that while she appears stoic, she is quite sensitive and if thereās remodeling being done, in the city, large groups of people and noise etc because of her protective instincts it taxes her. These dogs are best outside the city. One of the things I love about her though is she totally chills inside, but turns right on for the outdoors and has amazing stamina and instinct. They are major escape artists and like a big perimeter to cover. If you donāt provide it, they will find it. Even as a puppy she never destroyed anything. So many pluses in the right environment