Anatolian Shepherd: Breed Personality, Fitness & Care
(Karabas, Coban Kopegi)
Group: AKC Working
Dogs, KCGB Pastoral Group
AKC Ranking: 111
Also Known As:
Karabas, Coban Kopegi
About
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Origin and History
of the Breed
The Anatolian Shepherd
Dog was developed over 6,000 years ago in
what is today Turkey to withstand the harsh
climate and the nomadic lifestyle of Turkish
shepherds. With their impressive size, the
serve as the shepherd’s frontline
of defense against predators. Loyalty, independence,
and hardiness set it apart from other breeds.
Although it is extremely intelligent, it
is often slow to respond to commands because
of its attitude. |
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A General Appearance of
the Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is
a fairly large livestock guardian. He is more slender
and agile than the Great Pyrenees, capable of both
speed and endurance. His large head is in proportion
with his body. The Anatolian Shepherd has a square
muzzle. His triangular, pendant ears are usually
black and rather small with rounded tips. In Turkey,
the ears are often cropped very short. Nose and
eye rims are normally black or brown no matter what
color the dog’s coat or eyes are.
The Anatolian Shepherd’s
upper lip hangs down to about the bottom jaw’s
lower edge. His thick and muscular neck has a slight
dewlap and his chest reaches to his elbows. He has
a short back relative to his leg length. The Anatolian’s
legs are set fairly far apart. His high-set tail
hangs low with a slight upward curl or curls over
the back.
Coat Color
The most frequent coat color is
fawn with a black mask. However, many coat colors
(white, liver, pinto, and brindle are common) are
seen and are acceptable.
Coat Type
The coat is short to rough (one
to four inches in length) with neck hair slightly
longer. The length of the coat depends on the dog’s
lineage and the season of the year. There is somewhat
of a mane. The Anatolian Shepherd has a thick undercoat.
There is feathering on the ears, legs and tail.
Height
Males: 28 – 30 inches
Females: 26 – 28 inches
Weight
Males: 100-150 lbs
Females: 90 – 130 lbs
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is affectionate
with his own family but suspicious of strangers
who must be formally introduced to the dog so that
he will accept them.
He is very, very loyal and possessive of his home
and family (as if they were his sheep). He tends
to bark at night to warn predators away unless he
is inside. He can be a very fierce fighter if he
needs to be.
Full socialization as a puppy
is a must; obedience training is an absolute necessity.
It is recommended you do not add any guard training
to this dog since he is naturally a fierce protector.
Early and consistent dominant leadership is necessary
with an Anatolian Shepherd.
The Anatolian Shepherd is not
a dog for beginners as he is stubborn and dominant
and must be trained firmly and consistently starting
at a very early age. He needs a good and strong
trainer.
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs need a
large, secure yard, including a 5-6 foot fence and
locked gate. They are very suspicious of strangers.
Anatolians bark at night if left outside. Many of
them are diggers.
Better suited to an indoor
or outdoor lifestyle?
He likes to guard his territory
and family, so being outside is fine with him. He
tends to bark at night, so he needs to be put inside
unless he is actually guarding livestock.
Are they suited to homes
with kids?
Sensitive to corrections and eager
to receive affection, Anatolians are patient and
protective with children of the family, but may
accidentally knock them down. Children should always
be supervised and properly introduced.
Activity
Level
How Active is the Breed?
The Anatolian Shepherd is a very
active breed.
How Much Exercise Does
the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?
Anatolian Shepherds are not recommended
for apartment living. They need a large, secure
yard for running. They need a lot of exercise throughout
life and feel safest getting their exercise in their
own fenced yard.
Grooming
They do not need much grooming,
but do shed their entire coat twice a year.
Health
and Care
He is a light eater and needs
a low protein lamb and rice diet.
Genetic Problems
The genetic issues are dependent
upon the lineage of the dog, so ask questions of
the breeder. Some are prone to eyelid entropion,
hypothyroidism, or hip dysplasia.
Anatolians are very sensitive to anesthesia.
Immunity in Anatolians is slow
to develop, so extra vaccinations against things
like parvovirus are often necessary. Have the immunity
tested after the recommended vaccinations to assess
the need for more.
Litter Size: 5-10
puppies
Life Span: The
life span of the Anatolian Shepherd is 12 –
15 years.
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National Breed Clubs
British - Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Club of Great Britain
US – Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America
Anatolian Shepherd International
Other Recognition:
CI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, NKC, SKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI, ACR
Currently, there are over 3000
Anatolian Shepherds registered in the United States.
Anatolians can be registered with the Anatolian
Shepherd Dog Club of America and Anatolian Shepherd
International.
Rescue Link: www.asdca.org
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