| The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was developed as a | | | | bond with your pet. *Dogs teeth should be |
| large dog to guard livestock. She is powerful, and | | | | brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste |
| rugged with a sturdy body and thick neck. She is | | | | and a toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing |
| really not suited to an apartment due to her size | | | | removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar |
| and exercise requirements. She at least needs a | | | | which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal |
| properly fenced yard for exercise, better yet | | | | disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, |
| some acreage or a farm. If properly socialized, | | | | loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious |
| she is good with children and makes a mellow dog | | | | disease. Your dog should also have her toenails |
| but a good watch dog. Her size alone is a great | | | | clipped. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower |
| deterrent. Never leave any young child | | | | than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a |
| unsupervised with a dog for any length of time. | | | | guillotine type trimmer is the best choice for this |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult | | | | chore. *Life Span. She can live from 14 to 17 |
| size (two years old or older) of the male | | | | years with proper nutrition, exercise and health |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog is approximately 29 | | | | care. *History. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
| inches to the withers (highest point of the | | | | comes from a section of Turkey called Anatolia. It |
| shoulder) and from 110 to 150 pounds. The | | | | was bred to be large to help guard flocks of |
| female should run about 27 inches to the withers | | | | sheep against predators such as jackals, bears |
| and 80 to 120 pounds. *Special Health | | | | and wolves. These dogs were imported into the |
| Considerations. Canine hip dysplasia (genetic based | | | | United States with by quantity in the early fifties. |
| looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis | | | | The American Kennel Association started |
| pain and lameness) can occur in this breed. They | | | | registering them in 1995. *Category: Livestock |
| can be allergic to beef which might lead to | | | | guardian dog. *Registries: AKC, FCI, UKC, ACR, |
| reactions such as ear infections. A more natural | | | | APRI, CKC, NZKC, SKC, NKC, KCGB *Terms To |
| diet for them is food containing lamb as the meat | | | | Describe The Breed: Bold, powerful, calm, mellow, |
| ingredient. Another problem can be | | | | intelligent, territorial, observant. *SPECIAL GOOD |
| hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can | | | | POINTS Good with other pets, low prey instinct. |
| result in weight gain). *Grooming. Her coat is short | | | | Because of large size, have good guard dog |
| to medium length with a thick undercoat and she | | | | deterrent effect. May actually protect other |
| sheds heavily twice a year. You should try to | | | | animals in your household. They can make a good |
| brush your dog frequently, even though this | | | | family watchdog. Can stand a harsh climate, both |
| breed requires infrequent brushing. Brushing will | | | | very hot and very cold. *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| help keep your pets coat clean and healthy | | | | Can be aloof and a bit difficult to train. May |
| Brushing will also help you keep a closer eye on | | | | choose to disobey. |
| your pets health and strengthen your emotional | | | | |