Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherd Dog adult
"Miles"

An ancient livestock guardian, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has been found throughout the Anatolian Plateau of Turkey for hundreds of years. In spite of his name, this dog does not so much herd his flock as he patrols around it.

With acute hearing, exceptional eyesight, and the strength to take down wolves, horses, and even lions, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a superb guardian of his flock.

A large, powerful, dog the Anatolian can stand up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh 150 pounds. His weatherproof coat may be any length from short and smooth to long and rough. It comes in white and black, fawn, brindle, or tri-colour. Used to traveling great distances with his charges, the adult Anatolian Shepherd is hardy, brave, and can exist on very little food.

The Anatolian Shepherd is always alert and watchful. Anything out of the ordinary, no matter how trivial, is viewed with suspicion and investigated. Fiercely loyal and possessive of his family and territory, the Anatolian Shepherd does not make friends with strangers easily. It has been said that he prefers a formal introduction as he does not like to be touched by strangers. Bold, confident, and intelligent, the Anatolian Shepherd learns easily and has a good memory. He is used to assessing a situation and exercising independent judgment and action with little or no human direction.

The Anatolian Shepherd is not aggressive and in fact exhibits a low prey drive. His guarding behaviour is one of control rather than attack which would always be a very last resort. An Anatolian will bark a warning and then step in the path of a stranger keeping him rooted to the spot. Anatolians can live indoors happily but also live outside equally well.

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