Anatolian Shepherd: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care

Being the oldest dog breed, the Anatolian shepherd is a native of Turkey. It was bred to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and bears. The Anatolian shepherd is a large and powerful dog with a strong guarding instinct.

Surprisingly, these pups, seen thousands of years ago, are not more commonly known. Often called the "Turkish Mountain Dog," this is a molosser-type pup of considerable size and build.

The Anatolians are often overlooked as pets, but they make wonderful companions and are great with children. They're also frequently employed as working dogs on farms and ranches.

If you want to learn about the Anatolian Shepherd, the characteristics, and the care needs of this distinct dog breed or are considering adding one to your family, keep reading.

What Is an Anatolian Shepherd?

The Anatolian shepherd is a large and athletic dog, built for hard work and speed. These dogs were bred to protect flocks of sheep and goats from predators in their native Turkey. They're still used for this purpose today, for guarding property and as watchdogs.

Anatolian shepherds are not afraid of confrontation, but are not naturally aggressive dogs. With the proper training and socialization, they can get along well with other pets and strangers.

These dogs are loyal and protective of their families. They're very intelligent and learn quickly, but they can also be stubborn and headstrong. Anatolian shepherds need firm, consistent training, and socialization from an early age to prevent them from becoming dominant or aggressive.

What Is Anatolian Shepherd Size?

The Anatolian shepherd is a large and muscular dog. Males typically stand 28 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 110 to 150 pounds. Females are 26 to 27 inches tall and weigh 80 to 120 pounds.

Anatolian Shepherd: Average Lifespan

The average lifespan of an Anatolian shepherd is 11 to 13 years.

How to Take Care of Your Anatolian Shepherd's Health?

Some health conditions that can affect the Anatolian Shepherd include orthopedic problems:

• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Cardiomyopathy
• Autoimmune thyroiditis.

If you're considering buying an Anatolian Shepherd, be sure to do your research on reputable breeders to ensure you get a healthy puppy.

Regular vet checks are also important for all dogs, especially for large breeds like the Anatolian shepherd. What if you care about them prior so that you won't have to worry about your dog's health?

Here is a list of things you can do to keep your Anatolian shepherd healthy:

• An Anatolian Shepherd may be somewhat self-reliant in the field, but he is not self-sufficient in health care. Like all dogs, the breed requires routine vaccinations and preventive care to stay healthy and reduce the risk of developing severe health problems.
• Your Anatolian Shepherd's diet should be tailored to meet his energy needs and support his overall health. This will vary depending on his age, activity level, and any health conditions he may have.
• Anatolian Shepherds are large, active dogs and need plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. A daily walk or play session is a good start, but they will also enjoy hiking, swimming, and other activities that help them burn off excess energy.
• Regular grooming is important for all dogs, especially for long-haired breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd. Daily brushing will help to reduce shedding and keep his coat clean and healthy.

What to Feed Your Anatolian Shepherd?

Although the Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog, it's quite a picky eater. This breed does poorly with commercial foods that have a lot of protein. The shepherd would much instead stick to its vegetarian diet from back home.

The best way to ensure that your Anatolian Shepherd gets the nutrition it needs is to feed it a high-quality, balanced diet.

A vitamin C pill will also help your Anatolian Shepherd Dog maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Because of these stringent nutritional needs, this is not a particularly simple dog to feed.

How Much Does an Anatolian Shepherd Cost?

An Anatolian Shepherd puppy will typically cost around $1,000. However, the breeder's quality and where you live play a part in how much it'll ultimately set you back. For example, a reputable breeder is more likely to run several genetic tests to ensure their puppies are healthy, which drives up the price tag.

Final Thoughts on Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large, intelligent, and independent dog. They need an experienced, confident owner willing to put the time and effort into training and socializing them. They are not a breed for everyone, but if you are looking for a loyal and hardworking guard dog, the Anatolian Shepherd may be the right fit. Just be prepared to give them plenty of exercise, stimulation, and attention.