The Anatolian Shepherd, also known as the Anatolian Karabash Dog, was
the name given for large Turkish guard dogs by Westerners. Various choices
by breeders to buy from the diverse representatives of Turkish guard dogs
eventually led to the breed of today. Used more as guard dogs than as shepherds,
he guarded the Turkish flocks against such big game as lions and wolves.
He was first introduced into the United States in the 1960s. He is recognized
by the Kennel Club of Great Britain and in 1996 was added to the Miscellaneous
Class of the American Kennel Club. He was moved to the Working Group of
the AKC in 1998.
The Anatolian Shepherd is loyal to his master but wary of strangers. He
will demonstrate guard instincts at an early age and is very possessive
of his family and their property. He is gentle and playful with children
of the family but does require obedience training and plenty of exercise.
These are not "gentle giants."
The skull of the Anatolian Shepherd is large, proportional to the body,
with a slight centerline furrow on the skull. The muzzle is blocky and strong.
A scissors bite is preferred. The nose and flews are solid black or brown.
The eyes are of medium size, set wide apart, with an expression of intelligence.
The ears are set no higher than the plain of the head and drop to the sizes
of the head. They are v-shaped and measure approximately six inches long.
The neck is slightly arched, powerful and muscular. There is more skin and
hair on the neck than on the rest of the body which form a protective ruff
against the attack of other animals. The legs are long and well boned. The
feet are oval. His feet move toward the center of gravity the faster he
moves. The back is powerful and muscular with a level topline. The tail
is long and reaches to the hock. It is carried low with a slight curl at
the end. The coat is double with a thick undercoat and an outer coat that
is straight, hard and thick. The outer coat may be from one inch to four
inches long with the neck hair being slightly longer on the ruff. Coat color
is white or chamois with black muzzle and ears. Average height is between
27 and 30 inches. Average weight is between 80 and 150 pounds.