Thursday, April 10, 2008

Breed profile on the Anatolian Shepherd dog

The Anatolian Shepherd dog originates from the regions of Turkey and Asia Minor and is a low grooming mainatinance guard dog. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is a large breed that can grow to approximately has been specifically trained and used for years in the role of shepherding and protecting farmer’s livestock. As a fiercely loyal guard dog these dogs have been used for years as guards to livestock herds and as companions to shepherds. This means that they make great protectors but need an owner that can lead and be strong and gauge the dogs the responses to new and unknown people. For this reason early training from puppyhood is extremely necessary.

The Anatolian reaches full maturity at three years of age and reaches between 40 and 60 kilograms with a shoulder length of 73 centimeters at the shoulder for females and 68 centimeters at the shoulder for males. The average lifespan is 11-13 years. Notable colour and markings is a fawn colour coat with black mask like patterning over the face. Other known Anatolian colouring includes white, pinto and brindle. Grooming maintenance for the Anatolian is quite low and easily manageable as the only time the dog really needs extra attention is with brushing during the molting seasons.