Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Working Group
Height at Shoulders
Females ~27 in, Males ~29 in
Weight
Females 80-120 lbs, Males 110-150 lbs
Life Expectancy
11-13 yrs
History
The Anatolian Shepherd originated on the peninsula of Anatolia, perhaps 6,000 years ago. It was here that sheep and goat herders developed a dog to protect their livestock from wolves and cheetahs in the scorching summers and frigid winters. These were the ancestors of today's Anatolian Shepherd dog. It is likely that the shepherds' dogs referenced in the early books of the Bible were local variations of the Anatolian Shepherd.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Anatolian Shepherd Dogs share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★☆☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★☆☆
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
Intelligence
★★★★☆
Affection Towards Family
★★★☆☆
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★☆☆☆☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★☆☆☆
Exercise Needs
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
★★★☆☆
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★★☆☆☆
Prey Drive
★★☆☆☆
Shedding
★★★★★
Common Traits
Calm, gentle, and friendly with family
Highly independent and are excellent at solving problems and making decisions without guidance- this also makes them stubborn
Will try to assume alpha role in the house if not taught otherwise
Very protective of the people or animals they grow up with and tend to be suspicious of strangers
Happiest when they have a job to perform