| Breed:
Anatolian Shepherd or Karabash |
Other
Breeds |
 This
is an ancient breed native to Asia Minor. It is also known as
the Turkish Guard Dog where he protects flocks and serves as
a shepherd's companion. On the high Anatolian Plateau, where
summers are hot and very dry and winters are cold, the Anatolian
Shepherd Dogs live outside all year round. They were first imported
the to the United States in 1968, although the first successful
breeding programs did not get underway until 1970. For centuries
it was used as a combat dog in war and for hunting. It was particularly
valued for the victorious battles it could fight with wolves.
As a sheepdog, it is neither bothered by fatigue or bad weather.
Today it is still used as a sheepdog as well as a guard dog. |
| Height: |
Males:
28 - 32 inches; Females: 26 - 31 inches |
| Weight: |
Males:
100 - 150 pounds; Females: 80 - 130 pounds |
| Temperament: |
Alert
and intelligent, calm and observant. Instinctively protective,
he is courageous and highly adaptable. He is very loyal and
responsive. Highly territorial, he is a natural guard. Reserve
around strangers and off its territory is acceptable. Responsiveness
with animation is not characteristic of the breed. Overhandling
would be discouraged. Will accept other family pets as flock
if introduced at a young age. Outsiders are considered trespassers
and the males are not tolerant of others. They must be socialized
at a young age. They are slow to mature and will reach adulthood
at around four years of age. If danger approaches, the Anatolian
will first bark a warning, then accelerate and raise the volume
of the barking if the danger persists. The dog will attempt
to drive the danger away and will only attack as a last resort.
Extensive early socialization, obedience training and consistent
dominant leadership are very important when owning an Anatolian
Shepherd. They tend to bark at night and some like to dig. |
| Color(s): |
Although
any color is acceptable they are generally found to be fawn,
pinto, brindle, tricolor, white and black. They will also have
a black mask. |
| Grooming: |
Being
a twice a year seasonal heavy shedder they require only a thorough
brushing out at those times. The rest of the year they need
little attention. |
| Coat(s): |
Short
(one inch minimum, not too tight) to Rough (approximately 4
inches in length) with neck hair slightly longer. Somewhat longer
and thicker at the neck and mane. A thick undercoat is common
to all. Feathering may occur on the ear fringes, legs, breeching,
and tail. |
| With
Children: |
This
breed is patient and protective with children, but may accidentally
knock them down. Children should always be supervised and properly
introduced. The breed does not require additional protective
training. It already has very strong protective instincts that
grow as the dog matures, often coming suddenly to the fore at
around one and half years of age. However it can misread parental
correction or rough play as a threat. |
| With
Pets: |
Will
accept other family pets as flock if introduced at a young age. |
| Training: |
The
best results are achieved by motivational training methods with
a determined, consistent and loving approach. It is very important
to begin training as early as possible, because a fully grown
dog may be too strong and too big to be corrected and because
this dog has his own ideas and will not cater to his owner's
every whim. This dog is sensitive to reprimands and eager to
receive affection. |
| Exercise: |
This
breed needs a lot of exercise. They do best when they can run
free in their own fenced-in yard. In this case they will decide
upon their own exercise needs. |
| Health
Issues: |
Anatolians are stoic and should be examined regularly for any
injuries or sores they haven't complained about. Some are prone
to eye entropion or to hypothyroidism. Hip dysplasia does occur,
but is not as common as some other large breeds. They are sensitive
to anesthesia. Their immunity often takes longer to develop
than with many other breeds and therefore young Anatolians should
be given extra vaccinations against parvo-virus. |
| Housing: |
It is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive
indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This breed
is very suspicious of strangers, and therefore it is necessary
to provide a secure, fenced yard. |
| Life
Span: |
10
- 15 years. |
| Country
of Origin: |
Asia
Minor |
| Conformation
Group: |
Working
|
| More
Resources: |
