Anatolian Shepherd: Your Complete Guide

The Anatolian shepherd is a livestock guardian dog breed (LGD) that is one of the earliest examples of its type. Closely related to the Turkish Kangal dog, the Anatolian shepherds are descendants of regional Turkish livestock guardians that were brought to the United States in the late 1960s.

Like many other livestock guardians, the Anatolian shepherd is a large, muscular dog breed with a natural ability to herd and protect flocks of animals. Although a working dog breed, the Anatolian shepherd can also be a great family pet for the right individuals when provided with optimal conditions.

Our article will go through everything to know about this livestock guardian, from physical characteristics and temperament to training and care needs. Read on to find out if the Anatolian shepherd is the right dog breed for you.

Quick Look at the Anatolian Shepherd

Below is a quick table summarizing the characteristics of the Anatolian shepherd.

What Is the History of Anatolian Shepherds?

As the name implies, the Anatolian shepherd is a dog breed from Anatolia, the modern-day Republic of Türkiye (Turkey) – more specifically, the Kangal district of Sivas province, hence the other name, Turkish Kangal.

However, the exact origins are unknown, though there are artifacts depicting Kangal-type dogs dating back to 668 BCE. While this gives an idea of when the earliest Anatolian shepherds may have been utilized as livestock guardians, many experts date the breed back to at least 6,000 years.

The first Anatolian shepherds were imported to the United States in the late 1960s by Navy Lieutenant Robert Ballard. These two Anatolian shepherds, Zorba and Peki, were the foundation of the Anatolian shepherds in the United States.

However, American breeders knew very little about the individual varieties of the traditional Turkish livestock guardians during the early development of the breed, such as Karabash and Aksaray Malaklisi. This resulted in the Anatolian shepherd having varying qualities that are nonetheless almost identical to the Kangal-type dogs in Türkiye.

Due to this, the Anatolian shepherd is yet to gain recognition in Türkiye and is considered a mixed breed dog rather than a distinct breed with set qualities. Nonetheless, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed in 1970, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1996.

What Do Anatolian Shepherds Look Like?

Due to the various Kangal-type dogs in the genetic pool that are considered purebred dogs in Türkiye, Anatolian shepherds have multiple coat colors and patterns. Still, they don’t have as many color varieties as dog breeds like the poodle.

Fawn and white are the most common coat colors, while brindle, red fawn, blue fawn, gray fawn, and liver are among the accepted. Besides these, the Anatolian shepherds often have a black or brown mask, and some may have Dutch markings.

What Size Is an Anatolian Shepherd?

The Anatolian shepherd is a large dog breed. They weigh between 80 and 150 pounds and stand 27 to 29 inches tall. Although large and muscular dogs, Anatolian shepherds have longer legs than similarly sized livestock guardians. This equips them with such speed and agility that often isn’t seen in other livestock guardians.

What Is an Anatolian Shepherd’s Coat Type and Length?

Anatolian shepherds are short-coated dogs with a thick undercoat that sheds twice a year. The undercoat insulates the Anatolian shepherd against the harsh Anatolian winters, where sub-zero temperatures are common.

Another feature of the coat is it repels water and snow, allowing the Anatolian shepherd to endure freezing temperatures. Still, they must have a kennel or stay with their flock to keep warm during the winter.

What Is an Anatolian Shepherd’s Temperament?

As a livestock guardian dog breed, there are a few things to expect from the Anatolian shepherd’s temperament. They may seem calm and laid-back initially, but Anatolian shepherds are always on the lookout for potential dangers. These dogs are naturally independent thinkers who want nothing but to keep their flock and territory safe.

Due to these instinctive qualities, Anatolian shepherds require plenty of early socialization to prevent behavioral issues in adulthood.

They pair the best with experienced dog owners who know what they’re doing. Otherwise, the size and temperament of the Anatolian shepherd can make them quickly get out of control and cause destruction to their environment.

When socialized properly, they can make great pets for families with a spacious, fenced yard, where the Anatolian shepherd can roam around to exercise and have a territory to call their own, which will become their purpose to protect.

While these are some must-knows about the Anatolian shepherd’s temperament, there’s more to the personality traits of these dogs. Below, you’ll find additional points on the Anatolian shepherd’s temperament.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Good With Kids?

Anatolian shepherds can get along well with children in the family, as they will see kids as a part of their group. However, supervision is essential when an Anatolian shepherd and young children play together. Families should also teach their kids to respect the dog’s boundaries, regardless of breed.

Additionally, Anatolian shepherds may not always be aware of their size during playtime and may cause injuries in kids. With all these factors, they are more suited for families with older children.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Good With Other Animals?

Anatolian shepherds bond strongly with every member of the family, including other animals, be it a cat, dog, chicken, or sheep. As long as an Anatolian shepherd grows up together with your existing pets, you won’t need to worry about them causing trouble.

While these dogs typically get along well with all animals in the family, Anatolian shepherds are likely to have a different view of strange animals. Anatolian shepherds tend to approach new animals and people with suspicion, especially if entering their territory.

During walks, this suspicious predisposition may make them act assertive towards other dogs, but with proper socialization, it won’t go beyond proudly letting everyone know who’s the boss.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Aggressive?

Since Anatolian shepherds are livestock guardians, they have an inherent aggression. They aren’t likely to snap or growl at the people they know or familiar animals, but they will certainly make their presence heard when someone new comes close.

Anatolian shepherds also tend to have a fair amount of food aggression. They shouldn’t be touched while eating or drinking.

As a livestock guardian or guard dog, these can be favorable traits. However, this aggression can quickly turn into an issue if you plan on getting an Anatolian shepherd as a pet.

With their territorial nature and having the strongest bite force, they can cause a great deal of trouble. An immense amount of socialization at an early age is a must to ensure they channel their instincts appropriately.

Do Anatolian Shepherds Bark?

Anatolian shepherds aren’t known to be barkers. Like other livestock guardians, they typically bark to alert their owners or after spotting something doubtful at a distance. However, you will definitely hear an Anatolian shepherd’s voice when they do, as these dogs have a very loud and deep bark.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Affectionate?

Like every dog, Anatolian shepherds enjoy receiving affection and pets from their owners. However, they aren’t the big fluffy type that will sit near you for hours and demand attention. Anatolian shepherds are independent dogs that display their love and loyalty to their family by keeping everyone safe.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Intelligent?

Anatolian shepherds are intelligent in their own way. They keep an alert eye and are curious about new things, especially when something or someone unfamiliar enters their territory.

Anatolian shepherds utilize their intelligence mostly when out in the field with the flock. They don’t just herd the flock and watch for predators. These dogs blend in with the flock and regularly mark their territory throughout the group’s path to warn any animal entering their space.

This lets predators know about their presence, ensuring they don’t cross paths. Therefore, Anatolian shepherds look for a fight only when it’s absolutely necessary.

The Anatolian shepherd’s way of keeping flocks safe encouraged the Cheetah Conservation Fund to supply these dogs to Namibian farmers. Since the introduction of Anatolian shepherds in Namibia, there has been a 91% drop in livestock losses and a significant decrease in cheetah deaths over 25 years, thanks to reduced conflict with farmers and predators.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Energetic?

Anatolian shepherds aren’t energetic. They are laid-back guard dogs that typically gaze over a given territory and conserve energy for something important. Still, they are one of the most athletic large dog breeds that can work from sundown to sunset.

Anatolian shepherds don’t need to be walked for extended periods. Daily walks of half an hour to an hour should be sufficient for most Anatolian shepherds. However, these dogs require a purpose.

Without one, they can get bored and behavioral issues may arise. Anatolian shepherd owners should incorporate mentally stimulating activities with physical exercise to prevent boredom in their dogs.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Easy to Train?

Although an intelligent dog breed when it comes to herding and protecting, Anatolian shepherds aren’t the most trainable. They are too hard-headed and independent dogs that are good at what they were bred for over thousands of years, not tricks to impress others.

Still, teaching them basic commands like sit and stay won’t take much effort, but anything complex will be challenging to get right, even for the most experienced dog trainer.

However, this doesn’t mean Anatolian shepherd owners should skip training. Anatolian shepherds require plenty of socialization, playtime, and basic obedience training at a young age to ensure they become well-behaved adults.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Good Watchdogs?

Anatolian shepherds are natural watchdogs. They are always alert and watch for potential dangers to their territory, flock, and people. If you’re looking for a guardian to protect your property, you will find the Anatolian shepherd to be a natural one.

However, as mentioned several times, early socialization and basic obedience training are a must with these dogs to ensure they don’t become overly protective and balance their instincts well.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Good Service Dogs?

As with other livestock guardians, Anatolian shepherds don’t make good service dogs. Socializing these dogs to the same level as a well-rounded golden retriever is not attainable in most cases. They are too wary of strangers and challenging to train for service animal work.

The same goes for therapy work, but Anatolian shepherds can be ideal emotional support animals for individuals who find comfort in their presence.

How to Care for an Anatolian Shepherd?

Like every dog breed, the Anatolian shepherd needs an owner who actively takes part in their life to live happily. Although these dogs are very independent, Anatolian shepherd owners must do a couple of things to ensure their dogs get the care they need.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the Anatolian shepherd’s care needs, from grooming to feeding and health.

Do You Need to Groom an Anatolian Shepherd?

Anatolian shepherds don’t need much grooming. You won’t need to take them to a professional groomer to tidy up their coat. In the summer and winter months, brushing the coat once every other week is enough to maintain it.

During seasonal changes, the coat prepares for the next season. When this happens, Anatolian shepherds shed more than usual and require brushing weekly to remove dead hair.

Other than the coat, dental care is an important one. If not brushing their teeth frequently, Anatolian shepherds should be given appropriately sized bones or chew toys to keep good dental hygiene. As livestock guardians, Anatolian shepherds won’t need their nails trimmed, but the paws should be checked regularly to ensure they are fit for their duties.

Do Anatolian Shepherds Shed?

Anatolian shepherds are moderate shedders. As briefly mentioned above, the coat sheds more during seasonal changes, requiring weekly brushing. Since they are also large dogs, Anatolian shepherds aren’t the best to be around for people with pet allergies. They produce a lot of dander that can trigger allergic reactions.

What Health Problems Do Anatolian Shepherds Have?

The Anatolian shepherd is generally a healthy dog breed that isn’t affected by many large dog ailments like hip dysplasia and bloat. Still, these can be a problem due to their size and there are a few other canine health problems that may affect Anatolian shepherds.

The most common health problem seen in Anatolian shepherds is entropion, where the eyelid turns inward, which can be surgically corrected. Another health issue to watch out for is ear infection. Anatolian shepherd owners should regularly clean their ears to prevent infection. These dogs are also sensitive to anesthesia, which should be performed only when necessary.

How Long Do Anatolian Shepherds Live?

Anatolian shepherds have an average life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. Considering the size of the breed, you can expect them to live slightly longer than other livestock guardians.

However, this doesn’t mean that all Anatolian shepherds live long. The owner’s care, what the nature of their work brings as livestock guardians, and genetic factors can significantly reduce an Anatolian shepherd’s lifespan.

What Should an Anatolian Shepherd Eat?

Anatolian shepherds should eat high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for their size and energy levels. Most commercially available dog foods formulated for large, active breeds are ideal for Anatolian shepherds.

Also, Anatolian shepherds can thrive on a raw or homemade diet. However, these must be carefully balanced to ensure they get all the nutrients they need to live a healthy life. For all these, you can consult your vet to know what diet would be the best for your Anatolian shepherd.

As for how much to feed, anywhere between 4 to 6 cups of dog food is ideal for Anatolian shepherds, depending on their adult weight.

Is an Anatolian Shepherd the Right Dog for Me?

The Anatolian shepherd is a livestock guardian dog breed. Therefore, these dogs aren’t for everyone and certainly not for first-time dog owners. They can’t live in apartments and require a spacious yard to call their own and exercise.

Those considering getting an Anatolian shepherd as a livestock guardian will find the breed an excellent fit. They are hardworking dogs that don’t need any training for what you expect a livestock guardian to do.

One side note for those planning on adopting an Anatolian shepherd as a livestock guardian is they should be raised with the flock to ensure they form a strong bond. This is quite important as when Anatolian shepherds associate themselves with the flock, they become the ultimate guardians.

As pets, Anatolian shepherds are more suitable for experienced individuals and families who can provide enough socialization opportunities and take the lead. They require a strong human leader to guide them through life and help them channel their instincts in the right direction.