The Anatolian Shepherd: Guardian of the Flock

The Anatolian Shepherd is usually a fawn dog with black points and mask that is quite striking in appearance. In the United Statees the standard is not quite as strict and the color may be a light cream with or without a facial mask. It was used as a guardian dog in Turkey for the flocks of sheep and goats and is a bold dog that will fend off predators without any fear or hesitation. The dog originally was known as the Anatolian Karabash until it was entered into the registry of the Kennel Club of Great Britain. It is a large mastiff type dog without any heaviness to the jowls as with some mastiffs, being of clean lines and heavy boned and solid in appearance through the body. This is a dog that can and should prevent predator attacks and also humans who have a bad intent towards its flock, but should not be overly aggressive, simply watchful and alert. He should be reserved when away from his own territory and not at all possessive or aggressive in those circumstances.

The Anatolian Shepherd has a tight, dense coat about one inch in length all over, although there is a variety called the “rough coat” with longer hair, it is much more rare and not as well known. The Anatolian has been known in Europe and Great Britain for many years but only recently (1996) was the Standard approved by the American Kennel Club. The A.K.C. has registered this dog as a member of the Working Group.

His movement is rangy and well balanced. The dog is a large dog, standing 27-29 inches at the shoulder with a weight of 110 to 140 pounds, but in movement he should be “light on the feet” and agile. This is a dog that is an easy care breed, relatively free of genetic problems and easy to groom, (especially the short coated variety.)

The Anatolian is an independent breed and not necessarily a house pet, although he is a faithful guard dog in the house he becomes bored easily and is happiest when doing outside work. He is a dog that should have a job to do. Most of the people who own an Anatolian, if they are not showing him, are actually using him for his intended purpose. He is becoming more popular in the southwestern and midwestern United States since his prowess as a coyote killer has become evident.

This is a breed that needs a great deal of socializing as a puppy since he is a thinking dog and not a “follower”. He is highly protective of his own people or flock. With children he may not recognize them as “little people” and may treat them more as members of his flock, this can lead to problems when strange children come over to play. It is necessary that the person who owns an Anatolian recognizes that this is a breed that has a purpose and a job, this is not a dog who is intended to be “just a pet”.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

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