The Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Appearance

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Çoban Köpegi), is the term used to describe the indigenous livestock guardian dogs from the vast regions of Turkey; that have been bred for thousands of years to guard flocks travelling on the Anatolian Plateu.

Large, upstanding, powerfully built - a dog capable of great speed and strength - the Çoban Köpegi's image has been presented on stamps in Turkey in acknowledgment of its time-honoured partnership with Turkish herdsmen to protect sheep and other livestock.

The Anatolian is both a dog of great size and stamina; its hardy physical constitution reflecting that throughout its ancient lineage, these dogs were bred to work while withstanding extremes in climate and terrain.

The general appearance of the Anatolian Çoban Köpegi, is that of a tall, rugged and powerful livestock guardian dog; with a dense double coat, broad strong head with pendant shaped ears; well-developed muscular shoulders and hindquarters with good bone; a level topline and a long relatively high-set tail that is carried high and curled over the dog's back when alert.

The predominant colour is that of a fawn dog with a black mask (karabas) on a short dense coat, with a thick undercoat; somewheat longer and thicker at the neck and mane.

Other colours (pinto, brindle, white, red) and a longer coat length, are also equally acceptable, and reflect the Turkish people's description of their dogs (ie: Alabas - pinto; Karayaka - brindle kangal; Akyaka - white kangal with no mask, Akbas - white yoruk with no mask; Kizilyaka - red Kangal) and that herdsmen when selecting breeding stock, prized their dogs on their physical hardiness and their fearless ability to protect stock.

It is important to note, that in Turkey, the dogs are not known as the collective term 'Anatolian', but rather described as Yoruk, Kangal, Haymana, Malak - depending on their function, physical form and the region from which they originate.

Also confusing to many unfamiliar with the traditional 'naming' of livestock guardian dogs,
is the Turkish tradition of describing types of dogs by their colour and using different names with similar words and meanings -
Karayaka, Akyaka, Sariyaka, Kizilyaka, Bozyaka, Karabas, Saribas, Alabas, Akit, Akbas.
In Turkey - dogs of fawn / light dun colour and black mask are not confined to being of the kangal strain, nor are all kangals light fawn / dun coloured dogs with black masks.
Yoruks, Kangal, Haymana, can all be a light fawn/dun colour with a black mask.
Their colour may also be:
white with no mask (Akyaka is the Turkish term used for a white kangal; Akit, Akkus and Akbas refer to a white Yoruk),
red colour with or without black mask (Kizilyaka Kangal)
black or brindle with or without a black mask (Karayaka)
pale yellow or beige with a black mask (Saribas Yoruk; Saribas Haymana; Sariyaka Kangal)
tones of beige with a black mask (Bozyaka)
red mask, sometimes with a red nose or a pinto face (Alabas)
any colour other than white with a black mask (Karabas).

The term 'Anatolian Shepherd Dog' refers to all the bloodstrains of Turkish Çoban Köpegi - all shepherd dogs of Turkey are related, there is no definite distinction between them - but there is variations between the strains.

History

In Australia today, Anatolians are widely used in a working capacity to guard sheep, goats, chickens, alpacas, horses and are renowned for their dedication to their livestock charges, and unsurpassed loyalty to their human handlers.

Anatolians may also be found in semi-rural and suburban environment in the role of family guardian and companion.

Temperament

Anatolians are a very adaptable, strong, hardy, long-living dog, but due to their immense size, strength and willful nature, require a home where owners will give the young Anatolian the obedience and socialization training necessary, for it to be a happy member of the family.

Care / Grooming

This breed requires little grooming. The coat needs thorough brushing-out during the twice a year shedding season. You can get away with little attention the rest of the year. The Anatolian Shepherd is a seasonal, heavy shedder.

Health

Anatolians remain true to their spartan roots and are not plagued by 'big dog probs' which affect many other giant breeds. Although HD can and does occur, HD is more often the result of poor diet and over exercising a young growing dog. Hardy and long living, the Anatolian eats comparatively small amount of food for a dogs of its size. Anatolians can be sensitive to anaethesia.

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