Anatolian Shepherd - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Giant

Height: 71 - 81 cm (28 - 31 inches)

Weight: 41 - 60 kg (90 - 132 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Minimal

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Bold & independent

Country of Origin: Turkey

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Coban Kopegi, Karabas, Kangal Dog, Anatolian (Karabash) Dog

Temperament:

The Anatolian Shepherd is brave, demanding and independent. Anatolian Shepherd's get along well with other dogs and children. However they are not always an ideal family pet due to their independent nature and their natural devotion to herding. Anatolian Shepherds have been known to attack their owners when the dog thought one of the herd was being hurt. However Anatolian Shepherds are very trainable in the right hands.

Grooming:

Anatolian Shepherds need little grooming with their short coats. The coat should be brushed regularly during shedding to remove the dead hairs from the under-layer.

Exercise:

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require a considerable amount of exercise. This breed is not recommended for a flat or urban living.

History:

The history of the Anatolian Shepherd has been well documented unlike many other ancient breeds. Well preserved bas-reliefs (kept in the British Museum) show these dogs being used by the Babylonians for hunting big game and as wardogs. Anatolian Shepherds are members of the Mastiff family and were once known as the Anatolian Karabash, but unlike other herding breeds they were used more for guarding than herding for their nomadic masters. They lived outdoors in all extremes of temperature. In their duties as defence dogs against predators, the shepherds often placed large spiked collars around their necks. The Anatolian Shepherd is credited with having acute instincts enabling it to ambush unwelcome trespassers.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Large, powerful and confident.

Color: Any color, but generally fawn or cream with a black mask.

Coat: A short, dense outer coat and a very thick undercoat. The coat tends to be longer around the collar and tail.

Tail: Long, carried low with a slight curl when relaxed and carried high and curled over the back when alert.

Ears: Hang to the side of the cheeks and are short and pendant.

Body: Broad, heavy head, slightly arched powerful and muscular neck and deep chest. The body is very powerful and muscular.

Additional Comments:

Anatolian Shepherds are very protective guard dogs and can become overprotective and anti-social in the hands of an inexperienced owner.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/anatolian_shepherd_dog/