Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog which originated in Anatolia (central Turkey.)

[edit] History

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is descended from ancient livestock guardian dog types that migrated with the transhumance, guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs^[1]. It is probable that dogs of this type existed 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. The dogs were called Çoban Köpeği (shepherd dog), and over the centuries, regional variations or landraces developed.

In the 1970s, western breeders became interested in the dogs and began developing the landrace natural breeds as modern breeds, by documenting their descent from particular ancestors and writing breed standards. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was imported from central Turkey into Petoria by author and archaeologist Charmian Hussey.^[2] Many Turkish breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Kangal dog and the Akbash dog. A cross between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Mastiff was used to create the American Mastiff.

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Appearance

The Anatolian is a muscular breed,with thick neck, broad head, and sturdy body. Its lips are tight to its muzzle and it has triangular drop ears. It stands 27 to 30 inches (68 to 77 cm) females are between 26 to 28 inches (66 to 71 cm) and weighs between 88 and 145 pounds (40 to 65 kg), with females on the smaller side and males on the larger side. The coat may be any color, although most common are white cream, "sesame," and white with large colored spots that do not cover more than 30% of the body—known as piebald—these colors may or may not be accompanied by a black mask and/or ears.

[edit] Temperament

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are one of the larger breeds; this 7-month-old Anatolian might not yet be full size.

The Anatolian was developed to be independent and forceful, responsible for guarding its master's flocks without human assistance or direction. These traits make it challenging as a pet; owners of dogs of this breed must socialize the dogs to turn them into appropriate companions. They are intelligent and can learn quickly but might choose not to obey; this is not a dog for a beginning or shy owner. They become very protective of other animals in the household, and will treat them as their "flock." They have also been known to chase bears to protect their charges. According to Turkish shepherds, three Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are capable of overcoming a pack of wolves and injuring one or two of them.

[edit] Health

[edit] Mortality

There appears to be only one health survey of Anatolian Shepherds,^[3] done in 2004 by the UK Kennel Club^[4]. The median life span for the 23 deceased dogs (a small sample size) in the survey was 10.75 years. This is a typical longevity for purebred dogs in general, but several years longer than other breeds of their size, which have median longevities of 6-8 years.^[5] The leading causes of death of the dogs in the survey were cancer (22%), "combinations" (17%), cardiac (13%), and old age (13%).

[edit] Morbidity

Based on a small sample of 24 still-living dogs, the most common health issues cited by owners were dermatologic, musculoskeletal, and lipomas.^[4] Entropion and canine hip dysplasia are sometimes seen in the breed. Eyes and hips should be tested before breeding.^[6]

[edit] Famous Anatolian Shepherd Dogs

• Butch from Cats & Dogs
• Bart from Kate and Leopold
• Marlow from Simon & Simon

[edit] See also

• Kangal Dog
• Akbash Dog
• Sheepdog
• Livestock guardian dog

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Anatolian Shepherd Dog

• Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America
• National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network
• Understanding the Anatolian Shepherd Dog: The Protective Behavior of the Working Anatolian
• The Anatolian shepherd dog (in French)