Breed Spotlight: Anatolian Shepherd

Coat Type and Colors

Anatolian shepherds can be found with either short or rough coats, but all have a thick undercoat. They have fringed fur, also known as feathering, in areas like the neck, ears, and legs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes several colors for the Anatolian shepherd, including white, fawn, blue fawn, red fawn, gray fawn, brindle, and liver. Most of the breed’s distinct markings include a different colored mask.³

Ears

Anatolian shepherds have v-shaped, dropped ears that don’t perk up when alert. Their ears are relatively small for a dog their size, with the tips only reaching the level of their eyes.³ It’s not uncommon for this breed to have ears that are darker in color to match their mask.

Shedding and Grooming

Since Anatolians are double-coated, they shed heavily when the seasons change, primarily in the spring and fall. During these times, it’s important to brush daily if possible to help make the process less taxing on your dog and your dark clothes. Otherwise, this breed is relatively low-maintenance, requiring a good brush on a semi-weekly basis and a bath when needed.

Drooling Level

Despite being a large guard dog, Anatolian shepherds don’t drool as much as some other breeds their size. They mostly drool when they’re patiently awaiting an appetizing meal or after eating.

Behavior

The Anatolian shepherd temperament is the definition of cool, calm, and collected on the surface. They’re quiet and reserved with strangers, mainly due to their innate desire to protect. While fiercely independent, an Anatolian shepherd’s personality shines when they’re with their closest family. They display playfulness and affection that most wouldn’t expect for this breed.

Exercise Needs

Anatolian shepherds don’t require as much exercise as other large breeds, but it doesn’t mean they enjoy being couch potatoes either. They’re not stimulated by games of fetch; these dogs feel fulfillment when put to work, so walking them with a weighted harness or enrolling them in training that taps into their skills can give them the exercise they need.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Good with Other Pets?

Anatolians do best when they’re the only dog in the home since they’re territorial and protective by nature.4 If socialized from puppyhood, this breed has the potential to coexist with other pets. Don’t expect them to be best friends, though!

Trainability

Due to their independence, Anatolians can be difficult to train for inexperienced owners, but they’re highly trainable for the right one. This breed is often used for livestock and home protection, and they excel when given a task.

Are Anatolian Shepherds Good with Kids?

Yes, the Anatolian shepherd is good with kids, often displaying affection and playfulness toward the children in their home.3 Due to their size and protective nature, however, they’d be best fit in a home with experienced owners and/or older children.

Barking Level

This breed barks moderately, typically to alert owners of someone approaching or entering the home. They’ll also bark to ward off any potential threats. Like most shepherd dog breeds, the barking can become unruly if they’re not trained properly to only bark when necessary.

Anatolian Shepherd: A History

The Anatolian shepherd gets their namesake from Anatolia, Turkey. Dogs among this breed are considered flock-guarding dogs, and were brought to the United States in the 1950s to support ranchers.⁵

The breed is said to have been imported to the states even earlier, however. In the 1930s, two dogs believed to be Anatolian shepherds were brought to Washington, D.C. as a part of a government program to find the best sheepdog.⁵ The breed wasn’t recognized by the AKC until 1996, but they have a long-standing, centuries-old history of being livestock- and flock-guarding dogs.