Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherd Characteristics: The Dignified and Fearless Anatolian Shepherd is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group (AKC:1996). The origin of the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed was in Anatolia, once a Turkish region in Asia Minor, where it was developed in the Ancient Times. The Anatolian Shepherd, is characterized by its powerfully built appearance with a broad, large head, proud expression, and a supple, relaxed gait. Other characteristics include a straight, well muscled back, small deep-set eyes; brown or golden colored with a black rim and triangular shaped ears that are slightly rounded at the tips.

The temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd can be described as Proud, Independent, Bold. The coat type of the Anatolian Shepherd is described as coarse coat of varying lengths in assorted colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Anatolian Shepherd demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Farm Dog and hunter and is known by its nick name the "Wolf Hunter".

Fast Facts about the Anatolian Shepherd: The following facts provide fast information about the Anatolian Shepherd breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1996) *** Nick name: "Wolf Hunter" *** Anatolian Shepherd Origin: Turkey *** Male Height: 28 - 30 inches (71 - 76 cm) *** Female Height: 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm) *** Male Weight: 100 - 150 pounds (45 - 68 kg) *** Female Weight: 130 pounds (41 - 59 kg) *** Coat Type: coarse coat of varying lengths *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 5-10 puppies *** Anatolian Shepherd Health Problems: Hip Dysplasia, Entropion *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Anatolian Shepherd Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group (AKC:1996): The Anatolian Shepherd is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group (AKC:1996).

Other names for the Anatolian Shepherd: The Anatolian Shepherd is known by the nickname of the "Wolf Hunter". Other names for this breed of dog include the Lion dog, Coban Kopegi (meaning shepherd dog), Perro de pastor de Anatolia and Chien de berger d'Anatolie. N.B. The word 'Berger' is an occupational name for a shepherd.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Anatolian Shepherd" derives from its place of origin. Anatolia was once a Turkish region in Asia Minor.

Anatolian Shepherd History and Origin: The country of origin of the Anatolian Shepherd breed was in Turkey during the Ancient Times and is believed to descend from the large, ancient dogs found in Mesopotamia. The ancient region of Mesopotamia was located in the eastern Mediterranean, corresponding to modern day Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey This breed was used for many purposes including that of a hunting dog who helped humans hunt wolves - hence its nickname of the "Wolf Hunter". The high levels of endurance and stamina of the Anatolian Shepherd enabled this hardy and robust dog to withstand the hot summers and cold winters of the Anatolian Plateau. The fast, powerful Anatolian Shepherd were livestock guard dogs that protected domesticated animals, such as sheep, goats and even camels, from predators such as wolves, bears, eagles, lions, wild cats and jackals and drove away thieves from the semi-nomadic shepherd's camps and homes.

The Anatolian Shepherd was a dangerous guard dog, completely different to the typical sheepdogs that helped shepherds and herdsmen to move, or herd, their animals. The tall, large, powerfully built Anatolian Shepherd was not only used as a livestock guarding dog but also as a Turkish War Dog. The Anatolian Shepherd dogs of war were trained in combat and wore armor and spiked metal collars to protect their necks from injury. The Anatolian Shepherd was a little known breed to the rest of the world until the 1970's when western dog breeders began to establish a standard for the ancient breed. Many Turkish breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Kangal dog and the Akbash (Turkish Mastiff). The Anatolian Shepherd was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1996. 

Anatolian Shepherd Modern History: The modern history of the Anatolian Shepherd moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog, Farm worker, watchdog and as a military and police dog.

Anatolian Shepherd Height: The Anatolian Shepherd breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 28 - 30 inches (71 - 76 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm).

Anatolian Shepherd Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a Anatolian Shepherd male dog is 100 - 150 pounds (45 - 68 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 130 pounds (41 - 59 kg).

Anatolian Shepherd Coat Type: The coat type of the Anatolian Shepherd is described as coarse, double coat of varying lengths. The outer coat (guard coat) is short or half-long and dense and the undercoat is thick. Many Anatolian Shepherds have a Melanistic Mask (a dark coloration of the skin or hair typically on the muzzle and face of the dog) because of a high concentration of melanin.

Anatolian Shepherd Coat Colors: The colors of the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of White, Reddish Fawn, Blue Fawn, Brindle and White and Biscuit. N.B.  Brindle is a brownish or tawny color. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color.

Anatolian Shepherd Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Anatolian Shepherd are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Anatolian Shepherd are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the Anatolian Shepherd on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Anatolian Shepherd Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 5-10 puppies. Anatolian Shepherd puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Anatolian Shepherd puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Anatolian Shepherd Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Dignified, Proud, Independent, Bold and Fearless.

Anatolian Shepherd Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Anatolian Shepherd requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a firm, supple, relaxed gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Anatolian Shepherd Diet: A fully grown Anatolian Shepherd should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Anatolian Shepherd Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Anatolian Shepherd breed include Hip Dysplasia, Entropion. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Anatolian Shepherd Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Anatolian Shepherd breed is 12-14 years.

Anatolian Shepherd Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Anatolian Shepherd breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Anatolian Shepherd names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Drakkar *** Dred *** Talon *** Dylan *** Jett *** Jinx *** Rosh *** Rufus *** Jake *** Rocky.

Anatolian Shepherd Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd girl dog. Our top choice of good female Anatolian Shepherd names are Maddy *** Lola *** Pepper *** Ruby *** Dakota *** Sassy *** Zara *** Isa *** Taryn *** Jada.

Fast Facts about the Anatolian Shepherd: The following facts provide fast information about the Anatolian Shepherd breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1996) *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Turkey *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Anatolian Shepherd Height: 28 - 30 inches (71 - 76 cm) *** Male Anatolian Shepherd Weight: 100 - 150 pounds (45 - 68 kg) *** Coat Type: coarse coat of varying lengths *** Litter Size: 5-10 puppies *** Anatolian Shepherd Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Anatolian Shepherd Lifespan: 12-14 years ***

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