The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large breed of dog from Turkey, Anatolia, which is suitable for herding, hunting, and guarding.
Training and Care
Anatolian Shepherds need an experienced and confident owner who can provide consistent and firm training. Early socialization is very important. Training should combine positive reinforcement and firm but gentle guidance. The Anatolian loves to please and respond very well to praise and treats. An Anatolian should never be trained with physical punishment. As for grooming, the Anatolian only needs occasional brushing.
Diet and Nutrition
Anatolians should be fed a high quality diet with natural ingredients designed for their needs. Adult dogs should be fed 2-3 meals a day and puppies up to 6 months old should have 3-4 meals a day. Anatolians can be prone to bloat, so it's important to feed them in small amounts throughout the day.
Health Problems
Anatolian Shepherds can live a healthy life with proper vet check-ups and proper diet and exercise. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and occasionally bloat. Therefore, it is important to keep up with an Anatolian's vet check-ups.
Breed History
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog breed originates from the Anatolia region of Turkey. They were originally bred as guard dogs to protect nomadic and Sufi sheep and goat herds from predators, such as wolves, bears, and jackals. Though rare in the United States, the Anatolian Shepherd is very popular in its homeland, as well as throughout Europe.
Where to Buy or Adopt
Anatolians can be purchased from dedicated breeders or adopted from shelters and rescues. The price range for an Anatolian can range from $500 to $2000 USD, depending on pedigree and quality of breeding. Adoption fees from shelters and rescues are typically around $150-400 USD.