Anatolian Shepherd Dog
an-uh-TOH-lee-an SHEP-erd dog
Turkey· Anatolian plateau, central Turkey
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, athletic livestock guardian breed native to the Anatolian plateau of Turkey, one of the oldest guardian breeds still working today.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Giant
Exercise needs
2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Large
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short to medium
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
11-13 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The wide, exposed plains of the Anatolian plateau exposed flocks to wolves and other predators across vast distances, and shepherds needed a large, fast, enduring dog able to patrol and defend extensive grazing territory largely on its own. Its lean, athletic build sets it apart from heavier European mastiff-type guardians, favouring speed and stamina to close distance on threats.
- Region
- Anatolian plateau, central Turkey
- Climate it was bred for
- Continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters
- Original job
- Guarding sheep and goat flocks against wolves, bears and jackals
The long read
About the breed
Its open-country guarding role favoured speed and endurance alongside size, giving it a leaner, more athletic build than many other guardian breeds, along with strong independence and territorial instinct.
Within the family it is calm and deeply loyal, but it retains a serious guarding temperament, remaining aloof with strangers and requiring an experienced owner, secure fencing and thorough socialisation from puppyhood.
Widely used both as a working livestock guardian and, notably, in cheetah conservation programmes in Namibia, the breed has also become an established companion breed internationally, including recognition by the AKC and Kennel Club.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Anatolian Shepherd Dog greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
Ancient times
Anatolian origins
Guardian dogs of this general type are believed to have worked Anatolian flocks for several thousand years, among the oldest known guardian breeds.
1900s
Isolated regional development
Different regions of Turkey maintained their own local strains, valued purely for working ability.
1950s
Exported to the United States
The breed was exported to the US for study as a working guardian breed and gradually gained a following there.
1996
AKC recognition
The breed achieved full American Kennel Club recognition.
1994
Cheetah conservation programme
The Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia began placing Anatolian Shepherds with farmers to reduce predator conflict, a programme still running today.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Long, deep-chested and muscular with a strong, level back and good tuck-up.
- coat
- Short to medium in length, dense, with a thick undercoat for weather protection.
- ears
- Medium-sized, triangular, rounded at the tips and hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Medium-sized, set apart, amber to dark brown, with an intelligent, watchful expression.
- head
- Large but well-proportioned skull with a moderate stop and a strong, blunt muzzle.
- size
- Dogs 74-81cm, bitches 71-79cm at the withers
- colour
- Any colour, most commonly fawn with a black mask, but also brindle, white or pinto.
- temperament
- Independent, watchful and protective, calm with family but naturally reserved with strangers.
- general appearance
- A large, rugged and athletic guardian dog, powerful yet built for speed and endurance rather than bulk alone.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Anatolian Shepherd Dog illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
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Framed poster
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Anatolian Shepherd Dog illustration, framed or unframed.
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Hoodie
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Anatolian Shepherd Dog illustration on the chest.
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Mug
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Mug
Ceramic mug with the Anatolian Shepherd Dog illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
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