Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is descended from ancient livestock guardian dog types that migrated with the transhumance, guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs[1]. It is probable that dogs of this type existed 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. The dogs were called Çoban Köpeği (shepherd dog), and over the centuries, regional variations or landraces developed.
.
In the 1970s, western breeders became interested in the dogs and began developing the landrace natural breeds as modern breeds, by documenting their descent from particular ancestors and writing breed standards. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was imported from central Turkey into Petoria by author and archaeologist Charmian Hussey.Many Turkish breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Kangal dog and the Akbash dog.
.
The Anatolian is a muscular breed,with thick neck, broad head, and sturdy body. Its lips are tight to its muzzle and it has triangular drop ears. It stands 29 to 36 inches (80 to 100 cm) females are between 27 to 31 inches (66 to 71 cm) and weighs between 90 and 150 pounds (70 to 90 kg), with females on the smaller side and males on the larger side. The coat may be any color, although most common are white cream, "sesame," and white with large colored spots that do not cover more than 30% of the body—known as piebald—these colors may or may not be accompanied by a black mask and/or ears. They have a thick double coat that is somewhat wirey, that needs to be brushed 1-2 times a week in warm weather due to excessive shedding. They have very thick hair on their neck to protect their throat. They are seen with docked as well as intact tails. They are a naturally thin animal with a large rib cage and small stomach. They look as if they are heavier than they actually are, due to the thick coat.
.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club .

• Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America

- The official parent club in the United States for the breed. Includes organization details, registration information, show results, events, breeder list, and photographs.

• Anatolian Shepherd Dogs International

- The organization was founded with the goal of preserving the breed's working heritage and promoting sound breeding practices. Contains standard, history, description of character, club news and breed related gifts.

• Alaturka Anatolian Shepherd Dogs

- Ancient Turkish Livestock Guardians - AKC & UKC Registered pups with sound structures and stable temperaments. Come see why we say - Other breeds may touch your heart - the Anatolian touches your soul!

• Ballester's Double H Ranch

- Shows news, videos, litter announcements and photographs. Bushnell, Florida.

• Basari

- Producing dogs for working, companion and show. Photographs, breed history, litter announcements, and links. Soulsbyville, California.

• DreamCatcher Farms

- Pictures, pedigrees, and litter announcements. Nacogdoches, Texas.

• Flat Creek Farm

- Contains photos and kennel history. Aurora, Missouri.

• Island Farm

- Raising Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and Havanese. Contains photos, show results and litter announcements. Ocala, Florida.

• Passport

- Pictures, pedigrees, and litter announcements. Bell, Florida.

• Semavi

- Articles, photos and litter announcements. Sacramento, California.

• Shahbazin

- Photographs, show results, articles, and litter announcements. Jamul, California.

• Takas

- Features breed history, profiles of their dogs with pedigrees, rescue information and photos of working livestock guardian dogs. Victoria, Australia.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.