Is an Anatolian Shepherd right for you?

What they are

What is an Anatolian Shepherd?

The Anatolian Shepherd comes from Turkey, where the breed club says it is known as the shepherd’s dog. It is a livestock guardian. It lives with its sheep or goats as a member of the flock and protects them. It is not a herding dog.

The AKC standard describes a large, rugged, powerful dog with great endurance and agility: males 29 inches or more and 110 to 150 pounds, females 27 inches or more and 80 to 120 pounds. It describes the temperament as alert, calm and observant, very loyal, and highly territorial.

A good Anatolian guards mostly without fighting. The breed club describes the sequence: the dog lets itself be seen, then gives a warning bark, and escalates only if the intruder keeps coming.

What they are not

What an Anatolian is not.

Not a conventional pet. The breed club says most Anatolian authorities agree on that, while noting these dogs can make deeply bonded companions with proper and consistent socialization.

Not a dog that performs on cue. The AKC standard calls the breed loyal and responsive, and also notes that animated responsiveness is not typical of it. These dogs were bred to decide for themselves.

Not an off-leash dog. The breed club says an Anatolian should never be off leash away from its own property. The one possible exception it gives is a completely fenced space where you and your dog can play in private.

Not a dog-park dog. In a producer survey published in 1988, 86 percent of the Anatolians rated were called aggressive to other dogs.

Not a candidate for protection training. The breed club strongly discourages it.

Not finished at eight weeks. Texas A&M’s guardian dog program says a puppy takes 18 to 24 months to become an effective guardian. Our position is that a young Anatolian needs supervision and guidance with stock until about two years old.