Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Country: Turkey
Weight: 80-150 pounds
Height: 27-30 inches
Coat: Short to medium
Color: Usually black-masked fawns, some brindles, tricolors, whites and blacks
Other Names: Anatolian Karabash Dog
Registry: TKC
Group: Flock Guard

With a history spanning centuries of breeding and use--without benefit of any recorded predigrees or even official names--the large Turkish guarding breeds have been named and categorized by Westerners. They are all ancient Turkish guard dogs, but there is argument over whether they should be "split" or "lumped." Some owners have selected stem stock from specific locations in Turkey, where one set of characteristics was fixed, and made individual breeds from each. Other dog buyers came into Turkey and chose representatives of Turkish guard dogs (in Turkish, the generic çoban kopegi or shepherd dog) from various locations. This broad approach has created the breed known as the Anatolian Shepherd.

The Anatolian Shepherd was once used as a combat dog and for hunting big game (i.e., lions and horses). They stem directly from the ancient flock-guarding and mastiff dogs of the Middle East. The breed is now used as the front-line defense of Turkish flocks. His strength and speed are legendary in his homeland, allowing him to take on such formidable opponents as wolves.

The breed is dominant with all other dogs, males asserting influence over females. With wolves being their natural enemies, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs tend to be suspicious of all dogs with upright ears.

American Robert C. Ballard remembers his adventurous search for his Anatolian pup: "Finally we were invited outside to see the stud. He was big-about 130 pounds, rather ferocious looking--overall a fine specimen. Most memorable, though, was the chain leash, heavy enough for tractor towing, and the stance of the handler who was braced as if expecting the dog to lurch or lunge at any moment." Ballard brought the first examples of this breed to America toward the end of the 1960s.

Turkish lore says that the dog receives his collar after detecting, outrunning and killing his first wolf. Actually, these collars help to protect them against the wolf. While in Turkey, a tourist observed that other dogs respected and did not challenge those with a collar. He bought one for his Anatolian, which was then elevated to a level of respect. Local canines and citizens alike assumed the dog had won the collar in mortal comabt.

These dogs are loyal to their masters, but suspicious of strangers, and demonstrate guard instincts at an early stage. Obedience training and socialization are strongly urged for acclimating the breed to life as a controllable family dog.

The Anatolian is gentle and playful with children of the family. However, it will tolerate no teasing from strangers. Owners stress that these dogs are not "gentle giants." Formal introductions should be protocol with neighbors, friends and the veterinarian. Breeders suggest leaving a note for delivery drivers not to enter an Anatolian's turf.

A fiercely loyal guard dog, the Anatolian is possessive toward family, property and livestock. It is not unusual for an Anatolian to seek a high vantage point--a hill of dirt if necessary--to survey its domain. Highly territorial, a dog with no family or stock to protect will guard even its dirt mound!

Barks or howls greet an intruder. If the challenger is wise enough to retreat, Anatolians do no attack. However, upon provocation, they have offered fair warning and don't run from a fight. In one instance, hounds made a fatal error, taking a direct route through a flock after a raccoon. The guarding dog systematically killed each hound as it came through the fence.

A blunt muzzle and low-set ears show the mastiff influence on the Anatolian. Its structure and movement give a lionlike impression. This is particularly true when the ears are cropped to erect stubs, as they sometimes are in Turkey. The tail is curled over the back when the dog is alert.

Size is impressive, with pups showing rapid growth. Typical records show pups weighing 15 pounds at seven weeks, and 42 pounds just five weeks later. They are sturdy dogs, working into their teens, at home in rugged terrains and extreme climates from 60 degrees below zero to 120 above.

This dog is hardy, an easy keeper and a free-thinker. During hot weather, it may dig an underground shelter to reach cooler ground. The breeds seems to have a keen sense of smell, as one owner reported his dog pawing eagerly through a stack of papers on a chair. When the dog reached one handled by his breeders, he rested his head on it!

Enthusiasts in the United States are actively promoting the breed, and several Anatolians are participants in flock-guarding programs. Their club members hold specialty shows for the breed and admirers are working diligently toward AKC recognition. The breed is recognized in England, with numerous entries at larger shows, such as Crufts.

Anatolian Karabash Dog Club of Great Britain contends that dogs must have tan with black mask (karabash meaning black head). The Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of Great Britain and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog of America maintain that color variety is normal and predictable.

All the information here was acquired/adapted from "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World" - written by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM and Chris Walkowicz.