Anatolian Shepherd breed information

Anatolian Shepherd and Anatolian Shepherd pictures

The Anatolian Shepherd is a shepherd's guard dog of ancient lineage; probably descended from the large hunting dogs existing in Mesopotamia. The breed has evolved over the ages to suit a specific set of circumstances. Of these, the most formative are the climate (hot and very dry summers; very cold winters), the people's lifestyles (from settled to semi- and wholly nomadic), and the work assigned to the dogs. They guard flocks travelling great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau, staying out through all weather conditions.

Anatolian Shepherd

Life expectancy: 12 - 15 Years
Color: All colors, but most desired is solid cream to fawn with black mask and ears.
Eyes: medium-sized, almond shaped, dark brown to light amber
Coat type: The breed is double-coated. The outer coat is short or half-long and dense. The undercoat is thick. The coat is longer and thicker at the neck, shoulders and thighs. It tends to be longer in winter. There are great variations in length, influenced by climate.
Size: male: from 29 inches; female: from 27 inches
Health issues: Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism.