The Anatolian Sheepdog, A Hard Worker
The Anatolian Sheepdog has been protecting and directing livestock in the region from which it takes its name for centuries. It has an imposing aspect but a singular character; let’s find out together.
History of the Anatolian Sheepdog
The Anatolian Shepherd is believed to have been a watchdog for 6,000 years. There are records showing it has been for at least 4,000. It developed on the Anatolian peninsula, although in recent decades it has conquered Europe and the United States.
Due to his imposing body and physical capacity, he is a perfect mountain guardian. He intelligently guides cattle and protects them from predators, such as wolves and bears.
Since 1950, when it arrived in the United States, it has become a companion dog, but has retained all its original characteristics.
Characteristics of the Anatolian Sheepdog
It is a large and muscular looking dog. However, the head and neck are so wide that it looks bigger than it actually is.
Both males and females are between 70 and 80 cm tall at the withers, and weigh around 60 kg.
Its ears are small and drooping. The nose is black and unlike other similar breeds such as the Mastiff, the lips are not downward.
It has a long, hanging tail, which it curls up when alert. The hair on this part of the body is slightly thicker than the rest.
It has a shallow chest and a flat stomach. The coat is semi-long and has a woolly undercoat, which protects it from extreme temperatures. It can be of many colors, but the favorite is the fawn with a black snout and ears.
Behavior of the Anatolian Sheepdog
The Anatolian Shepherd has the typical character of mountain sheepdogs: he is independent, vigorous, active, intelligent and protective. He is very fond of his human and animal family, defending them in the face of danger.
Furthermore, he is courageous and does not let himself be intimidated. It is not a dog that can be forced to obey. However, training based on respect and positive reinforcement will yield great results.
It is an animal that needs a lot of physical and mental exercise. He does not appreciate city life, on the contrary he will be happy in a rural environment, where he can take long walks in the open air and discover different places.
How to take care of the Anatolian Sheepdog
This breed is prone to suffer from various hereditary diseases: on the one hand, those of large or giant dogs, on the other, genetic ones.
It is a dog that can suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia or gastric torsion. Also, if he goes for walks in the mountains, you need to worry about the hygiene of his ears and periodically check if he has parasites in his fur.
Among the inherited diseases, there is a higher frequency of jaw and eye problems, such as entropion or hyperthyroidism.
Due to its coat, it is necessary to brush it at least once a week, to eliminate dead hair and to prevent skin disorders. During the moulting period it is necessary to do it more frequently. Moreover, thanks to its underlayer of hair, it is counterproductive to mow it in summer: it helps protect it from the heat.
