01/Overview
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful livestock guardian breed originating from Turkey, where it has been protecting flocks for centuries. Known for its independence, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, the “Anatolian” is a natural protector, making it a reliable worker and a devoted companion for experienced owners.
Highlights
02/History
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog traces its lineage back over 6,000 years to the ancient livestock guardian dogs of Mesopotamia. Originating in the rugged terrain of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), this breed was developed to protect livestock from predators such as wolves, jackals, and bears. Its combination of size, strength, and endurance made it an indispensable partner for shepherds, who relied on their dogs to defend the flocks in harsh and remote environments.The breed’s ancestors are believed to include mastiff-type dogs and sighthounds, a cross that resulted in a dog that is both powerful and agile. Over centuries, shepherds in the region selectively bred the dogs for their working ability rather than for their appearance, resulting in a highly functional breed capable of withstanding extremes of climate and prolonged periods of activity.In Turkey, the breed is known as the “Çoban Köpeği,” which translates to “shepherd’s dog.” There, it remains a vital part of rural life, guarding sheep and goats from threats in vast, open pastures. Unlike herding breeds, the Anatolian Shepherd does not move livestock but patrols the perimeter of the flock instead, often working independently without direct supervision.The breed was introduced to the United States in the 1950s, primarily for use as a livestock guardian in large-scale farming operations. Its reputation for being an effective, low-maintenance protector of livestock quickly grew, and in 1970, a breed club was formed to promote and preserve its working capabilities. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog gained recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1996, where it is part of the Working Group.Today, the Anatolian Shepherd remains a popular choice for farmers and ranchers seeking a dependable guardian for their livestock. While still primarily a working breed, its intelligence and loyalty have also made it a cherished companion for experienced dog owners who can provide the structure and leadership this independent breed requires. Despite its rising popularity, the breed retains its strong guardian instincts and is best suited to environments where it can exercise its natural protective instincts.
03/Appearance
Male Anatolian Shepherd Dogs typically stand around 29 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 110 and 150 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, measuring around 27 inches and weighing between 80 and 120 pounds.
Skull: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog’s skull is large and broad, slightly domed, and proportionate to the rest of the body.
Expression: These dogs have an intelligent and calm expression, reflecting their alert and protective nature.
Eyes: Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and set well apart, with colors ranging from light amber to dark brown.
Ears: Ears are medium in size, triangular, and set high, with rounded tips that often lie flat against the head.
Muzzle: The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull, broad at the base, and tapers gently towards the nose.
Nose: The nose is black, although brown-colored noses may appear in dogs with lighter coats.
Bite: A strong scissors bite is preferred, with strong teeth and gums.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, powerful breed with a balanced and athletic build, designed for endurance and strength. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a deep chest and well-developed muscles, providing the physical framework for long hours of guarding and patrolling.
Texture: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog’s coat is short to medium in length (1 to 4 inches) and double-layered, providing protection from harsh weather conditions. The outer coat is dense, straight, and slightly coarse, while the undercoat is softer and thick, offering insulation. The coat is somewhat thicker on the neck and mane, with feathering sometimes seen on the ear fringes, legs, breeches, and tail.A Note About Color: All color patterns and markings are equally acceptable for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
Standard Colors
04/Consider
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an independent, intelligent, and protective breed best suited for experienced owners who understand its working-dog nature. These dogs require a large, secure environment, where they can exercise their guardian instincts, and thrive in active households with firm leadership and consistent training.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is generally a healthy and robust breed, with a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and sufficient exercise are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a loyal and intelligent breed with a strong independent streak. Known for its natural protective instincts, the breed is deeply devoted to their families and take their role as guardians seriously.While they are generally calm and affectionate with their loved ones, Anatolians can be reserved with strangers and cautious around unfamiliar animals. Early socialization is essential to help them differentiate between real threats and normal interactions, and their independent nature requires firm, consistent leadership from experienced owners.
Exercise Expectations
These dogs are not as high-energy as some breeds but still benefit from physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. A large, secure space to move around is ideal, as they are not well-suited for apartment living or confined spaces.
Grooming Expectations
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs thrive in homes with ample space and a securely fenced yard where they can exercise their natural guarding instincts. They are best suited for rural or suburban settings, as they prefer larger areas to patrol and may not adapt well to city or apartment living.These dogs are highly independent and protective, requiring experienced owners who can provide firm leadership and clear boundaries. While they are affectionate with their families, they are not overly clingy and prefer to remain alert and watchful, ensuring the safety of their home and loved ones.
05/Puppies
Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies are intelligent and independent, exhibiting early signs of their watchful instincts. Socialization and training are crucial during their formative months to help them grow into well-rounded, manageable adults capable of distinguishing between real threats and everyday interactions.
Caring for an Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy requires a combination of proper nutrition, consistent training, and early socialization. A high-quality puppy food formulated for large breeds supports steady growth and helps to prevent issues with developing joints. Meals should be divided into three to four portions daily to avoid overfeeding.Training should begin as soon as the puppy arrives home, focusing on basic commands, housetraining, and leash manners. Positive reinforcement methods work best, as the Anatolian puppy is intelligent but can also be strong-willed. Socializing the pup to new people, other animals, and varied environments is critical to reduce the likelihood of overly territorial or shy behaviors later in life.Regular veterinary check-ups during the first year will keep tabs on the puppy’s growth and overall health. Grooming routines, such as brushing and nail trimming, should be introduced early to help the pup become accustomed to being handled. Structured play, short walks, and mental stimulation are ideal for meeting the Anatolian puppy’s activity needs while avoiding strain on developing joints.
06/Activities
Obedience: With consistent training, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can perform well in Obedience competitions, showcasing their intelligence and discipline.
Agility: Although not as fast as some breeds, they can participate in Agility Trials, navigating courses with precision and focus.
Conformation Shows: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs stand out in the show ring, displaying their strength, balance, and impressive appearance.
Livestock Guarding: This dog excels in its traditional role, protecting livestock from predators.
Search and Rescue: Their keen senses and endurance can make them capable partners in Search and Rescue missions under the right conditions.
Hiking & Backpacking: These dogs enjoy long hikes and can carry their own packs, making them excellent companions for outdoor enthusiasts.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is recognized by the world's leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Anatolian Shepherd Dog is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Breed Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
09/Rescue
10/Facts
Ancient Lineage
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest known recognized breeds, with a history dating back over 6,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia.
Lone Worker
Unlike herding dogs, Anatolians work independently, often making decisions to protect livestock without direct human supervision.
Jaw Strength
Anatolian Shepherds have one of the strongest bite forces among domestic dogs, a trait developed for defending against large predators.
Cultural Heritage
In Turkey, the Anatolian is still referred to as "Çoban Köpeği," meaning "shepherd’s dog," and is considered a vital part of rural life and farming traditions.
11/FAQ
Yes, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs shed year-round, with heavier shedding occurring during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall. Regular brushing helps to manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy.
Official Standard of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog
General Appearance: Large, rugged, powerful and impressive, possessing great endurance and agility. Developed through a set of very demanding circumstances for a purely utilitarian purpose; he is a working guard dog without equal, with a unique ability to protect livestock. General impression - Appears bold, but calm, unless challenged. He possesses size, good bone, a well-muscled torso with a strong head. Reserve out of its territory is acceptable. Fluid movement and even temperament is desirable.
Size, Proportion, Substance: General balance is more important than absolute size. Dogs should be from 29 inches and weighing from 110 to 150 pounds proportionate to size and structure. Bitches should be from 27 inches, weighing from 80 to 120 pounds, proportionate to size and structure. Neither dog nor bitch appear fat. Both dog and bitch should be rectangular, in direct proportion to height. Measurements and weights apply at age 2 or older.
Head: Expression should be intelligent. Eyes are medium size, set apart, almond shaped and dark brown to light amber in color. Blue eyes or eyes of two different colors are a disqualification. Eye rims will be black or brown and without sag or looseness of haw. Incomplete pigment is a serious fault. Ears should be set on no higher than the plane of the head. V-shaped, rounded apex, measuring about four inches at the base to six inches in length. The tip should be just long enough to reach the outside corner of the eyelid. Ears dropped to sides. Erect ears are a disqualification. Skull is large but in proportion to the body. There is a slight centerline furrow, fore and aft, from apparent stop to moderate occiput. Broader in dogs than in bitches. Muzzle is blockier and stronger for the dog, but neither dog nor bitch would have a snipey head or muzzle. Nose and flews must be solid black or brown. Seasonal fading is not to be penalized. Incomplete pigment is a serious fault. Flews are normally dry but pronounced enough to contribute to "squaring" the overall muzzle appearance. Teeth and gums strong and healthy. Scissors bite preferred, level bite acceptable. Broken teeth are not to be faulted. Overshot, undershot or wry bite are disqualifications.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck slightly arched, powerful, and muscular, moderate in length with more skin and fur than elsewhere on the body, forming a protective ruff. The dewlap should not be pendulous and excessive. Topline will appear level when gaiting. Back will be powerful, muscular, and level, with drop behind withers and gradual arch over loin, sloping slightly downward at the croup. Body well proportioned, functional, without exaggeration. Never fat or soft. Chest is deep (to the elbow) and well-sprung with a distinct tuck up at the loin. Tail should be long and reaching to the hocks. Set on rather high. When relaxed, it is carried low with the end curled upwards. When alert, the tail is carried high, making a "wheel." Both low and wheel carriage are acceptable, when gaiting. "Wheel" carriage preferred. The tail will not necessarily uncurl totally.
Forequarters: Shoulders should be muscular and well developed, blades long, broad and sloping. Elbows should be neither in nor out. Forelegs should be relatively long, well-boned and set straight with strong pasterns. The feet are strong and compact with well-arched toes, oval in shape. They should have stout nails with pads thick and tough. Dewclaws may be removed. Hindquarters: Strong, with broad thighs and heavily muscled. Angulation at the stifle and hock are in proportion to the forequarters. As seen from behind, the legs are parallel. The feet are strong and compact with well-arched toes, oval in shape. Double dewclaws may exist. Dewclaws may be removed.
Coat: Short (one inch minimum, not tight) to Rough (approximately 4 inches in length) with neck hair slightly longer. Somewhat longer and thicker at the neck and mane. A thick undercoat is common to all. Feathering may occur on the ear fringes, legs, breeching, and tail.
Color: All color patterns and markings are equally acceptable.
Gait: At the trot, the gait is powerful yet fluid. When viewed from the front or rear, the legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. With increased speed, footfall converges toward the center line of gravity. When viewed from the side, the front legs should reach out smoothly with no obvious pounding. The withers and backline should stay nearly level with little rise or fall. The rear assembly should push out smoothly with hocks doing their share of the work and flexing well.
Temperament: Alert and intelligent, calm and observant. Instinctively protective, he is courageous and highly adaptable. He is very loyal and responsive. Highly territorial, he is a natural guard. Reserve around strangers and off its territory is acceptable. Responsiveness with animation is not characteristic of the breed. Overhandling would be discouraged.
Disqualifications: Blue eyes or eyes of two different colors. Erect ears. Overshot, undershot, or wry bite.
Approved: June 1995
Effective: June 1, 1996
Meet the Breeders
Janis Rosenthal of Chevaliers du Roland shares decades of experience breeding vigilant, agile Anatolian Shepherd livestock guardians.
Discover the versatile Anatolian Shepherd Dog: a loyal, intelligent livestock guardian excelling in service, therapy, and more.
Explore the Anatolian Shepherd Dog: a large, rugged, and powerful livestock guardian with ancient origins and calm bravery.
All About Judging
Learn how to judge the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, focusing on balance, movement, and temperament in the Working Group.
Meet the Breeders
Janis Rosenthal is breeder behind Chevaliers du Roland. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, the puppies, and much more!
Learn about the Anatolian Shepherd Dog: a natural guardian with a defense instinct, calm demeanor, and strong protective nature.
All About Judging
This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, January 2018 issue. Judging the Anatolian Shepherd: A Judge’s Guide The information furnished in this article was written and approved by the ASDCA Judges Education Committee and approved by the ASDCA BOD 8/10/13. As the Anatolian Shepherd Dog enters the ring, the judge should immediately be […]
Meet the Breeders
Lesley Brabyn is the breeder behind Timaru Kennels. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, the sires, the dams, the puppies, and much more!
Meet the Breeders
Interview with Breeder/Owner Handler Nancy Wargas – I stumbled onto Anatolian Shepherd Dogs while showing Quarter Horses at The All-American
The tail of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is long, thick, and set moderately high. It is carried low when relaxed and curls upward, often forming a ring when the dog is alert or in motion. The tail is left natural and undocked, reflecting the breed's functional and traditional working heritage.
Standard Markings
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog requires a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs based on size, age, and activity level. Adult dogs typically consume 3 to 4 cups of dry dog food per day, divided into two meals to maintain a healthy weight and prevent bloat.Puppies benefit from a diet formulated for large-breed growth, with daily meals divided into three to four portions to support steady development and avoid overfeeding. Monitoring weight and adjusting portions as necessary is important, as overfeeding can lead to obesity, which places strain on developing joints.
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are intelligent and capable of learning, but their independent and strong-willed nature can make training a challenge for inexperienced owners. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and consistency, while harsh corrections can lead to distrust or resistance.Early training and socialization are critical for teaching appropriate behavior and ensuring the dog is comfortable with various environments, people, and animals. As natural guardians, the Anatolian may be inclined to make decisions for itself, so establishing clear leadership and boundaries is essential for a well-behaved and manageable companion.
Bathing is only necessary occasionally, as the breed’s coat naturally repels dirt. However, routine care such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene should not be overlooked. Grooming needs are straightforward for Anatolians, making them manageable for most owners who are willing to commit to regular upkeep.
