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).
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).