Text and pictures by Jennifer Floyd,
Shahbazin Anatolian Shepherds
The Anatolian originates from the ancient land whose general boundries are
now known as Turkey. Çoban Köpegi (Cho-bawn Ko-pey), Turkish for "shepherd's
dog", was the term used to describe these working dogs on whom the Turkish
shepherds depended.
The dogs had to live peacefully among and protect the
flock with little or no special attention from the shepherds. The dogs
stayed with the animals, night and day, sleeping in the thick snow of winter
and walking for miles in the heat and dust of summer. Swift enough to race
around a widely scattered grazing flock of several hundred head, the
courageous guardian had to be large and strong enough to be able to best an
interloper that dared stand its ground. Clocked by visitors driving
alongside fenced property containing a herd guard, Anatolians have been
observed running at speeds over 35 miles per hour.
A black masked fawn, male ASD retrieving over a meter jump.
Anatolians are regarded as flock guardians of the mountain molossian-type.
Large, rugged and impressive, they possess great endurance and agility.
These dogs are tall and powerful, yet not massive in build. This magnificent
ancient working dog presents an impression of functional utility without
exaggerated features. Large size is important, but correct breed type,
soundness of movement, overall balance with correct temperament should be
given precedence so as to preserve working ability.
The Anatolian is a sturdy, healthy breed, but buyers can still promote
lower rates of hip dysplasia (a hereditary malformation of the hip joints
common to large breeds) by buying only from the litters out of OFA certified
parents. Entropion occurs in the breed, as does elbow dysplasia (OCD), and
hypothyroidism.
The Anatolian does not require a lot a food for his size, but as a puppy,
he may seem to eat a lot because he has so much growing to do. An average
healthy adult in good condition will eat around 40 pounds of premium quality
dry chow per month.
As with any double coated breed, the management of light
daily shedding and heavy seasonal blowing of coat should be considered.
Regular grooming of the coat and vigorous brushing during shedding season
will minimize problems.
The Anatolian is unusual among the giant breeds with
its longevity. A healthy, well-bred Anatolian will live into its teens in a
safe, optimal environment.
A black masked fawn male Anatolian and his silver brindle son.
The Anatolian is a bold, confident dog that does not become overstimulated
easily. He is calm and observant of his surroundings. The Anatolian may not
go looking for trouble, but he may not back down if challenged. He is loyal,
affectionate without being overly demonstrative with family, yet is aloof and
suspicious of strangers.
Seven month old ASD littermates: black masked fawn male & brindle bitch.
Independence is a primary characteristic of the livestock guardian breeds.
They have varying degrees of territoriality, but most will expand their
territories if they are not fenced in.
They are generally wonderful and
tolerant with children, but may be dog aggressive, unless well-socialized.
Anatolians are fairly dominant dogs, generally best suited for people who
have not let other dogs take over their families. Obedience training is a
requirement for responsible ownership of this breed. Anatolians are highly
intelligent and very quick to learn new ideas, but are not particularly keen
on repetitive exercises. This breed has a strong inclination toward
independent thinking and may seem stubborn.
Owners have been successful with
these dogs in directed work such as obedience trials; however, they must keep
the training motivational and interesting to get the best out of these dogs.
Anatolians are very primitive in nature, and have not been bred to work by
direction. They are a challenge, but if you have prepared yourself with
knowledge about the breed's character and instincts, you may find them to be
among the most magnificent, awesome, noble, and loyal members of the canine
family.
Six month old liver masked Anatolian bitch with sheep.
Anatolian Shepherds as Livestock Guarding Dogs
The ASD is a slow maturing breed and the newly acquired puppy is not an
instant livestock defender. Puppy needs to learn the rules, develop enough
size and confidence to protect himself before he can be a reliable guardian.
Some pups will show guardian behavior at 3 to 6 months, but he will command
more respect from trespassers and predators once he is at least 8 months old.
Confidence increases with maturity. The mature stock guardian of 3 years or
more is a valuable asset to the farm and is sometimes considered priceless.
