Anatolian Shepherd Puppies

Anatolian Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and adaptable. When their family is crossed they can be fierce, but they are calm and loving when they aren't threatened. They are very protective, and are born leaders. They are easily trained and are capable of being alone for extended periods of time. Owners should be strong leaders and committed to proper training.

Anatolians are very healthy, and are not prone to many of the issues other large breeds deal with. Breeders should screen for entropian, a disorder that causes the dog's eyelids to invert. They are very sensitive to anesthesia, so make sure your vet is notified before any procedures.

Anatolians need lots of room due to their size and need for activity. They were bred for endurance and bursts of speed, so they don't need as much exercise as you would think. A half-hour walk a day would be enough for them.

Most of the year the Anatolian Shepherd is fairly easy to take care of, but can be high maintenance during heavy shedding seasons. They should be brushed 3-4 times per week to prevent their undercoat hair from matting and taking over your home. As with all breeds, their ears should be kept clean and their nails should be clipped regularly.

They shed moderately throughout the year, and very heavily as the seasons change. Weekly brushing is usually acceptable, but they should be brushed several times a week during heavy shedding to prevent matting.

These dogs are large, with most of their 110-150 lbs. being muscle. The largest Anatolian on record measured at a whopping 40" to the shoulder. They have a coat of short hair that sits on top of a lush undercoat. The coat can appear in a variety of colors, with the most popular being buff with a black mask.

Anatolian Shepherds originated in Anatolia, the Asian portion of Turkey. They are descendants of the Coban Kopegi, a breed used to herd sheep and goats. Their history in America began when the Department of Agriculture imported a pair of Anatolian Shepherds before WW2. Their goal was to determine if the breed was suited to work on American sheep pastures. The project was abandoned due to the war, but American ranchers began importing Anatolians in the 1950s.