Does anyone know anything about the Anatolian Shepherd?

They are a livestock guardian breed- big, protective of their stock, and quite independent in nature. Check out http://www.anatolianshepherd.com- pretty informative site.

Hi Alan

Though I have never met a Anantolian, I've done alot of research on them prior to the potential purchase of a puppy.

I wanted a large dog that

1) Lived longer on average than 8-10 years of age, had minimal health problems, was non exaggerated in its looks ect.

2) Was still used for its original purpose and so it LOOKS AND ACTS just like they originally ahve for 1000's of years..
It not ruined by the show ring (yet)Though if anyone are after a working dog stay away from breeders whose dogs have never seen a sheep in 4 generations...and get a pup from proven parents..

Anantolians are a rare breed and have only really increased in numbers since the 80's..You will still see the same type of dogs working on farms in Western countries as you would in the dogs homeland Turkey..which is always a good thing that breeders haven't changed the type to win in the ring and kept true to the breed..

Compared to other Livestock gurading dogs, Anantolians don't have that pretty long fluffy coat( though long coats do occur- they are much rarer)..not as pretty for the ring..

Look at the Pyrenean Mountion Dog, look how many generations these dogs have been bred for show.. look how much they've changed in appearance..they're bigger, more bone, more bear like with humungous heads..

How are these big boof heads supposed to make their way up a mountain let alone protect a flock of sheep from predators ?

I don't think the Anatolian is in the same boat as them, well not for now..thats why I picked them over other LSG breeds, though it will be a while yet before I can even consider getting a pup.