Living With an Anatolian
Should I get a male or a female Anatolian Shepherd?
For guarding, the research cited by university programs shows no difference between males and females. The differences that matter are size and how you manage an intact dog.
Texas A&M AgriLife reports that research found no difference in guarding ability between the sexes, or between fixed and intact dogs. Ontario’s agriculture ministry says many studies agree, and adds an observation it labels anecdotal: females may stay closer to the flock and males may patrol the edges more. South Dakota State Extension finds producer preference is mixed.
Size is the clear difference. Under the AKC standard, males start at 29 inches and 110 to 150 pounds, and females at 27 inches and 80 to 120 pounds, measured at age two or older. Our sire Tucker is 33 inches and 130 pounds. Our dam Bailey is 29 inches and about 100 pounds.
Intact dogs take more management. Texas A&M notes that a female in heat can disrupt protection, a female raising pups guards less well, and neutering males often cuts roaming. Our puppy contract asks buyers not to neuter before 26 months so the growth plates can close.
Beyond that, a lot of it is personal preference. In our experience the males are a little more independent and do not listen quite as well. They bark much more at night, broadcasting. Our females usually bark only when it is needed, so when one of them barks, we know it is for real.
The information on this page is general information about the breed, drawn from the sources listed and from our own experience. Individual dogs vary. Nothing here is a guarantee about the health, size, temperament or working ability of any particular puppy. The terms of any sale are those in our written contract.