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The Anatolian Shepherd dog is a bewitching and ancient dog engender with a productive history and unequaled traits .

As a magnanimous and intelligent cad , Anatolian Shepherds have been used for one C to protect stock and their human families from vulture .

Anatolian Shepherd dog - standing

In this breed visibility , we will dive deep into the world of Anatolian sheepherder and explore their history , appearance , disposition , and more .

This comprehensive pathfinder will help you decide if this breed is the correct fit for your life style .

Anatolian Shepherd Dog: A Brief Look

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog , also known as the Karabash Dog , is an ancient , large , and powerful breed from the Anatolian Plateau in New - Clarence Shepard Day Jr. Turkey .

These magnificent dogs have been cover for thou of years to protect stock from predators such as woman chaser , bears , and even Leo the Lion .

As a solvent , the Anatolian Shepherd has develop a substantial and independent temperament that is well suited to lifespan as a guardian and protector .

Anatolian Shepherd dog - standing

outdoors of Turkey , the Anatolian Shepherd has farm in popularity recently .

Many dog lovers realize the strain ’s incredible abilities and distinct characteristics .

Keep say to recover out all there is to jazz about the Anatolian Shepherd .

anatolian shepherd watching sheep

The History of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd is a 4,000 - yr - erstwhile dog breed .

Nomadic sheepherder first used these hot dog to protect livestock and their family in the harsh landscape of the Anatolian Plateau .

The stock was created by crossing local and imported dog-iron , resulting in a strong and adaptable creature that could defy the neighborhood ’s harsh conditions .

Anatolian Shepherd - working

Before , the Anatolian Shepherd was multiply selectively as a guardian dog capable of protecting livestock from vulture while remaining loyal and obedient to its shepherd class .

For this reason , the Anatolian Shepherd is cognize for its penny-pinching human relationship with its human crime syndicate and power to function alone when guarding livestock .

Anatolian Shepherd vs. Kangal: Understanding the Differences

More clarity is often need when distinguish the Anatolian Shepherd from the Kangal , another Turkish breed with like origin and characteristics .

While both species are muscular and protective , some significant differences distinguish them .

Male Anatolian Shepherds can count up to 150 quid , while females weigh around 120 pounds .

Anatolian - playing

Male Kangals typically weigh 110 - 145 Irish pound , while distaff Kangals press 90 - 120 pounds .

The Anatolian Shepherd also has a more diverse coat color pallette . The Kangal is a grayish brown with a black masque .

The Anatolian Shepherd is more independent and aloof than the Kangal .

Despite these differences , both breeds are democratic associate for those looking for stiff and capable defender due to their intelligence , devotion , and protectiveness .

The Physical Traits of an Anatolian Shepherd

Size

Male Anatolian Shepherds stand up 29 - 32 inches tall at the shoulder joint , while female person average 27 - 30 inches .

The average weight unit of a distaff Anatolian Shepherd is between 90 and 120 pounds , while a male can weigh up to 150 pound .

Because of their size of it , they can exploit as effective protector , repel large predators , and keep their charges safe .

Colors

The coat comes in various colors and patterns and is one of the Anatolian Shepherd ’s most distinguishing features .

Fawn , clean , and brindle are the most common colors , with the Anatolian Shepherd brindle coating stand up out .

A compounding of gloomy and faint hairs make out this coat pattern , giving the dog an attractive show .

They may have shameful masks or ears and white markings on their chest , peg , and tooshie .

Their dim primer keep them warm and dry , and their out pelage is myopic to medium in duration .

The Temperament of Anatolian Shepherds

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Behavior

Over 1000 of years of breeding , the Anatolian Shepherd developed its reputation for autonomy and protectiveness .

exceedingly devoted to their human families , these canine will do anything to keep them good .

However , this protective inherent aptitude can also make them suspicious of strangers , so right socialization is crucial for an Anatolian Shepherd to be a well - round down companion .

Training and Socialization

Any firedog breed needs training and socialising , but the Anatolian Shepherd needs it most .

These dogs can be obstinate and grueling to train because of their independence .

you may civilize your Anatolian Shepherd to be well - behaved and obedient with patience , consistency , and cocksure reinforcement .

Exposing your dog to different masses , places , and experience from a young geezerhood can avail them become confident and well - adjusted adult blackguard .

The Role of Anatolian Shepherds as Protectors

Turkish Shepherd: The Traditional Role

Turkey ’s Anatolian Shepherds have always protected stock .

These dogs have been bred for thousands of years to protect mess of sheep and Goat from predators such as wolves , bear , and even Leo .

The Anatolian Shepherd is brave and dogged when defending its flock , often working alone and patrolling the shaving orbit .

Modern-day Applications

Anatolian Shepherds are still valued for their protection , even though they no longer hold livestock .

Anatolian Shepherds have helped protect endangered specie like cheetah from poachers in recent years .

Their size , strength , intelligence information , and dedication make them idealistic guardians and protectors .

Caring for an Anatolian Shepherd

Exercise and Dietary Needs

As a large and dynamic strain , the Anatolian Shepherd requires significant exercise to remain respectable and happy .

Your Anatolian Shepherd needs daily walk of life , supervised playtime in a securely fenced railway yard , and mentally take exception activities to maintain a healthy and glad life-style .

It ’s also crucial to provide your dog with a balanced meal and a nutritive dieting tailored to its size , eld , and bodily function spirit level .

You may opt for a eminent - quality lamb and rice orchicken and Timothy Miles Bindon Rice - based foodand ward off high - protein commercial food or beef - based foods .

Health Considerations

Anatolian Shepherds are broadly healthy , with an 11 to 13 age lifespan .

Hip dysplasia , cubitus dysplasia , and hypothyroidismare just some of the disease that can pretend these dogs , as they are big and operose .

For a long , healthy life with your Anatolian Shepherd , charter him in for veritable medical checkup at the veteran and practicing preventative guardianship is important .

Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

They are a Relic of the Past

Ancient artefact from the Anatolian region , dating back to 2000 B.C. , describe a pawl with characteristics similar to the modern Anatolian Shepherd .

Large domestic dog were commonplace among the flocks in the ancient Turkish setting of the “ Book of Job , ” written around 1800 B.C.

The Turks Hid the Breed from the World

Even though they have probably been around for thousands of years , the Turks prevented the export of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs until the 20th 100 due to their gamy economic value .

Although American ranchers had begin import Anatolians by the 1950s , the Breed did not become widely get it on until the 1970s .

A Top-Secret Government Program Brought Them to the United States

The US spell its first Anatolian Shepherd Dog in the recent 1930s as part of a Department of Agriculture project to find the best sheepdog .

The programme ’s supervisor , Secretary of Agriculture Henry Wallace , did n’t have sex the Anatolian Shepherd Dog .

He learned about the breed and try out at a White House dinner party with a Turkish embassador .

The ambassador predict the secretary a male and female firedog .

The blackguard chop-chop ruin the construction site . The distaff weenie was fraught and was leech - sickish .

She had 12 puppy , who speedily devour the project . sell the dogs ended the experiment .

Americans are Very Good at Defending Endangered Species

After the passage of the ESA in 1973 , interest in Anatolian Shepherd Dogs increase significantly in the United States .

The ESA raised a riddle : how to manage predators of livestock that are legally protected from being kill .

Dogs specifically aim to protect livestock , such as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog , were used to work out the trouble .

They Protect Namibian Cheetahs

Anatolians have helped Namibian cheetah conservation since 1994 .

rancher killing chetah to protect their livestock give to their decline .

Namibia ’s Cheetah Conservation Fund encouraged rancher to use Anatolian Shepherd Dogs to represent their pile instead of toss off cheetah .

The Anatolians ' safety machine dog farms have issue livestock loss by 80–100 % , help cheetah conservation .

Is the Anatolian Shepherd the Right Breed For You?

The Anatolian Shepherd ’s unparalleled trait and abilities make them a slap-up strain for the right person .

Suppose you are look for a loyal and protective companion and have the sentence and longanimity to train and socialise an independent and powerful cad .

In that case , the Anatolian Shepherd may be the perfect convulsion .

However , it ’s all-important to consider their size , utilisation needs , and likely health issues before committing to this impressive and committed stock .

Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Conclusion

The Anatolian Shepherd is a unique and interesting dog breed with a long history and many good traits .

They are smart , fast , and have instincts to protect , which relieve oneself them swell pets for the right owner .

But for everyone , there are best selection .

Before baffle an Anatolian Shepherd , consider whether you have the time , outer space , and money to train as well as to socialize and exercise it how it needs .

If you spend time learning about and caring for your Anatolian Shepherd , it will be a loyal and jazz friend .