Anatolian Shepherd Puppy Photo by Teo Cereda

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, sometimes called Choban Kopegi, Kangal Dogs, or Anatolian Karabash Dogs, is native to the Anatolian Plateau in Turkey, where the dogs have served as guardians to livestock since Ancient Times (many estimate the breed to be roughly 6,000 years old). The breed was bred to be roughly the same size and colors as the livestock they protect so they can go undetected by predators among the flock, making them extremely effective as protector and guardian in the remote areas their herds may travel. In the 1950s the breed was introduced into the United States, and it was not until 1995 that they were recognized by the AKC, (American Kennel Club) in the Miscellaneous Class, and then moved to the Working Group Class in 1998.

The Anatolian Shepherd dog is loyal, alert, intelligent, and very active. While the breed is easy to train, due to its high level of intelligence, it is not a dog for inexperienced owners because the dog is naturally dominant, and needs an owner that can be a calm and assertive leader. The Anatolian Shepherd is also very territorial and possessive of it's "pack" (that's you!) and it's home, as such, an introduction to all persons entering your home or property is highly recommended, as well as proper Socialization throughout your Anatolian's lifetime. As you can imagine the breed makes an excellent watchdog, and will not allow anyone onto your property if you are not home, unless the dog has had frequent contact with said person.

Anatolian Shepherd Puppy Photo by Teo Cereda

Training the Anatolian Shepherd should be done in a very positive, goal oriented way. For example, Harsh commands, yelling, and cold attitudes will not work with this breed. In fact, Anatolian's seem to respond best to training that is conducted on a more chipper, assertive and dominant note. The breed does well with reward based training, this doesn't mean that all rewards should be food. On the contrary, this breed is just as motivated by your approval and praise, and is very sensitive to receiving your affection. Also, be sure to practice Obedience Commands on a daily basis, and to give the dog a variety of challenges. I should also point out that the breed matures slowly, and doesn't reach emotional adulthood until about 4 years old, so training during the first four years is critical.

It is recommended that an Anatolian Shepherd Dog should have at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of rigorous daily exercise to keep him/her healthy, as well as mentally stimulated. I would not recommend this breed to an apartment dweller, it is preferable to have a home with a secure fenced-in yard for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog to run around and play in. An apartment will feel too small and confining to this breed, and they will not be happy in this environment. I also would not recommend this breed to an inexperienced owner, or to someone that isn't a strong pack leader, as the Shepherd Dog is a dominant breed. It is also important to note that this breed has a tendency to bark at night, and to dig. Be careful of your flowerbeds, and train the dog from day one where it is, and isn't acceptable to dig, or you may find your entire yard dug up one day!

Anatolian Shepherd Puppy Photo by Teo Cereda

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do best with older children, as their very active nature could be entirely too much for a small child. As with all breeds supervision is always recommended, as any dog could easily knock down a child accidentally while playing, and children should always be taught the proper, and safe way to play with dogs. Children are generally hurt by dogs because they are handling the animal too roughly, and the dog perceives them as a threat to their own safety. Always keep that in mind.