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| Breed: Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
| Also Called: Coban Kopegi, Karabash Dog, Kara bas, Kangal Dog |
| Height: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is about 27-29 inches tall. |
| Weight: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog weighs between 80-150 lbs. |
| Colors: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog can be any color, but most desired is solid cream to fawn with black mask and ears. |
| General Appearance: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is large, rugged and powerful. This dog breed is impressive and possesses great endurance and agility. The breed was developed only for the purpose of being a working guard dog that protects livestock. The dog appears bold, but calm, unless challenged. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog possesses size, good bone structure and a well-muscled torso. |
| Temperment: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is alert and intelligent, calm and observant. This dog breed is instinctively protective and courageous. The dog is very loyal and highly territorial, making this breed a great watch-dog. |
| Care: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog requires minimal grooming. Brush the dog's coat weekly and bathe the dog only when necessary. |
| Health Concerns: |
| Training: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog requires obedience training as a puppy and should be well socialized with adults. This dog breed is highly intelligent and responsive to its master. However, the dog's independent nature means it can be slow to respond to commands. |
| Activity: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog needs daily exercise on a leash or a large area to free run. Mental stimulation to prevent the dog from becoming bored is necessary. |
| Life Span: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog lives an average life of 12-15 years. |
| Litter Size: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has an average litter of 5-10 puppies. |
| Country of Origin: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog originated in Turkey. |
| Brief History: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a guardian breed with its origin in Turkey. Quite probably more than 6,000 years old, this dog breed is impressive in size, serving as the Turkish shepherd's frontline defense from predators. Developed to withstand Turkey's harsh climate, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has evolved to endure the nomadic lifestyle of the shepherds. First entering the United States in the 1950s, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a fiercely loyal guard dog not considered a "glamour breed." |
| Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC |