About
Anatolian Shepherds
Anatolian Shepherds
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an ancient Breed, still
being used in the rural districts of Turkey as the
shepherds' indispensable companion and front line of
defense of his livestock from predators. Without the
aid of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, the Turkish
shepherd would be less able to defend his property
and flock from wild animals. These dogs are found
from the Turkish Anatolian plateau to Afghanistan.
In Turkey, the breed is known as Coban Kopegi
(cho-bawn ko-pay) which translates "Shepherds Dog".
The Anatolian is a livestock guardian dog, which lives
his life in constant association with his sheep or goats
and is accepted as a member of the flock. (Anatolian's
are NOT herding dogs). The extraordinary speed,
agility, and strength of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog
enable them to run down a predator with great
efficiency, although this is seldom necessary as their
size and constant presence provides a strong
deterrent to predators.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog of today has remained
relatively unchanged from its ancient ancestors
because of the nature of its isolated existence. The
Turks have for centuries been dependent upon the
land for their livelihood, relying on domesticated
animals as an integral part of their existence. For this
reason, the characteristics of guarding the village
flocks against fierce predators have been so exactly
preserved in the Anatolian.
The first Anatolian Shepherd Dogs entered the United
States prior to the 1950s. However, the first breeding
pair was imported in 1970. The national breed club was
founded that same year, and in 1995, The American
Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized the breed. The
Anatolian Shepherd Dog entered the Working Group
in 1999.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a versatile breed. Here
in the United States, if appropriately trained, the
Anatolian Shepherd guards everything from chickens,
goats, and sheep to cattle. A few even guard miniature
horses, ostriches, and llamas. Some dogs are shown in
conformation, obedience, and working classes; a few
are certified as therapy dogs. Anatolian Shepherd
Dogs are also used as pets and family protectors.
Many Anatolian Shepherds live on small farms,
suburban homes, or ranches where they fulfill a duty
of family pet, livestock guardian and/or show dog.
These Anatolians have the best of both worlds (a
family and a job).
being used in the rural districts of Turkey as the
shepherds' indispensable companion and front line of
defense of his livestock from predators. Without the
aid of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, the Turkish
shepherd would be less able to defend his property
and flock from wild animals. These dogs are found
from the Turkish Anatolian plateau to Afghanistan.
In Turkey, the breed is known as Coban Kopegi
(cho-bawn ko-pay) which translates "Shepherds Dog".
The Anatolian is a livestock guardian dog, which lives
his life in constant association with his sheep or goats
and is accepted as a member of the flock. (Anatolian's
are NOT herding dogs). The extraordinary speed,
agility, and strength of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog
enable them to run down a predator with great
efficiency, although this is seldom necessary as their
size and constant presence provides a strong
deterrent to predators.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog of today has remained
relatively unchanged from its ancient ancestors
because of the nature of its isolated existence. The
Turks have for centuries been dependent upon the
land for their livelihood, relying on domesticated
animals as an integral part of their existence. For this
reason, the characteristics of guarding the village
flocks against fierce predators have been so exactly
preserved in the Anatolian.
The first Anatolian Shepherd Dogs entered the United
States prior to the 1950s. However, the first breeding
pair was imported in 1970. The national breed club was
founded that same year, and in 1995, The American
Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized the breed. The
Anatolian Shepherd Dog entered the Working Group
in 1999.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a versatile breed. Here
in the United States, if appropriately trained, the
Anatolian Shepherd guards everything from chickens,
goats, and sheep to cattle. A few even guard miniature
horses, ostriches, and llamas. Some dogs are shown in
conformation, obedience, and working classes; a few
are certified as therapy dogs. Anatolian Shepherd
Dogs are also used as pets and family protectors.
Many Anatolian Shepherds live on small farms,
suburban homes, or ranches where they fulfill a duty
of family pet, livestock guardian and/or show dog.
These Anatolians have the best of both worlds (a
family and a job).