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