Anatolian Shepherd Dog Temperament

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a courageous, powerful, and sturdy animal, and can be very calm and dignified yet will not hesitate to respond if challenged. Possessive and very independent, these are not the most obedient of dogs and are very strong minded and willful, which means that they are difficult to train and best suited to those with more experience with dog ownership. This is a dog that likes to make up his own mind everything, and rather than being an interactive, playful dog he likes to play more of a supervisory and protective role. Anyone that plans to have an Anatolian Shepherd Dog needs to be assertive and experienced in training, as otherwise you will end up with a handful - a dog that will quickly take over as boss and is highly dominant and willful.

This breed will get along well with children that are older and more considerate, and those from his own family, but when it comes to other children proper introduction will be required. He will usually get on okay with family pets that are passive and not challenging or aggressive. These dogs are very protective, and therefore may be very suspicious around strangers unless properly introduced. This is a breed that was bred to work and knows that he has a job to do, and unless properly socialized and well managed will quickly take over the role of leader.

History
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog originates from Turkey, and has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Once known as the Anatolian Karabash, these dogs were used to guard flocks, and still have that protective, guarding instinct about them. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1999.


Appearance
Depending on the sex of the dog, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog can stand at 28-32 inches, and can weigh in at between 90-145 pounds. The coat of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog can be short of long, and is harsh and dense, with a thick undercoat. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a steady and sturdy build, and sports a serious yet alert expression. The coloring of the coat can vary, and includes fawn, red, white, sable, and brindle, sometimes with black mask and ears.


Grooming
When it comes to grooming, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a pretty low maintenance animal. His coat will need to be brushed on a weekly basis, although this will need to be more frequent at times of heavier shedding. He can shed heavily on a seasonal basis.

Health
The life expectancy of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is around 12-15 years. A number of health problems and issues are linked with this breed, and this includes thyroid problems, entropion, and sensitivity to chemicals and medications. Parents of the puppy should have OFA certification for hips and elbows.

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