The
Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a muscular, well proportioned dog who
stands from 29 inches tall with the females being from 27 inches in
height. His weight is in excess of 100 pounds, with the
females weighting in at more than 80 pounds. A large dog who
must be hard and lean, with a proportioned head with a strong muzzle,
triangular ears, medium sized eyes set apart for good sight;
slightly arched neck, powerful and muscular. The forequarters
are relatively long and well boned; hinds are muscular and angled
proportionally. The coat varies substantially in length from
short and straight to longer and slightly wavy, but always has a
thick undercoat. Curly or corded coats are bad. A
variety of colors are acceptable, including fawns, black masked
fawns, brindles and white. The tail is set rather high and
reaches to the hock; when relaxed it is carried low and curves
upward; carried high and wheel like when alert.
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs
are highly territorial and a natural guard dog who requires a lot of
attention growing up to rear him properly into a calm, biddable
guardian dog. He is gentle with children, though children
under five are not recommended as he is too large and strong.
Dogs cannot be trained by force and need patience and respect to
train effectively. Traditional training techniques may not
work with this breed, and owners should keep in contact with their
breeder. Adults of the same sex may not tolerate one
another. Generally not given to roaming, he is still strongly territorial.
He does not do well in cities as he needs a large confined area for
off lead exercise. He is courageous and fearless and a
rewarding animal to own.
