Variety:
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Country of origin:
Turkey
Destination:
Watchdog
Colours:
Various
Character:
Intelligent, energetic, proud, self-confident, independent, attentive, stubborn, courageous. Loyal and affectionate to his owner. Kind and considerate to his own self and true to his own heart, and devoted to his own self
Height:
71-81 cm
Weight:
41-65 kg
Longevity:
10-11 years
Other names:
Anatolian Karabash, Karabash, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Kangal dog, Anatolian dog
Hypoallergenic:
No
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Litter size:
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog – is a giant, sturdily built dog that is also known as the Karabash. These dogs have a high guarding ability and can be bred for home protection if properly trained. Although Anatolian Shepherds are quite patient and have a stable character, they need to be trained from a young age. If not properly trained, the Karabash can even be very dangerous.
History of the breed
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a very old breed – the breed is believed to have originated in Turkey several thousand years ago, and the ancestors of these dogs are thought to be Mastiffs and Middle Eastern herders. In ancient times, Anatolian Shepherds were bred to protect livestock herds from bears and wolves, as well as to hunt lions and horses. The Anatolian Shepherd has always been quite important – images of similar dogs can be seen in Assyrian artworks and today the Anatolian Shepherd is considered the national symbol of Turkey. To this day, the carabash protects goats or sheep and is indispensable when reliable protection of territory is needed. For a long time, Anatolian Shepherds were not known outside Turkey – the first Karabash reached America in the 1950s and England in 1965. During the same period, many similar breeds were imported into England and crossed with each other, and it was not until 1983 that the Anatolian Shepherd was recognised as a separate breed (until then, the Kangal and the Karabash were considered to be the same breed). The Anatolian Shepherds are currently the most popular breed in their native Turkey and America.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog: appearance
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large dog: males are 74-81 cm tall at the withers and females 71-79 cm. Males are not only taller, but also larger – their weight is 50-65 kg, females – 41-59 kg. Body rectangular, chest deep, abdomen slightly retracted. Neck of medium length, muscular. Head proportionate to the body, rather angular in shape. Lips black, jaws very firm, occlusion acuminate. The nose may be brown or black (depending on the shade of the coat). Eyes are small, rather far apart, almond-shaped, brown. Ears medium-sized, triangular, drooping. Legs straight, muscular (the hind legs are particularly strong), paws oval, with curved toes. Coat rather short, undercoat very dense. Various coat colours are allowed, but a black „mask“ on the muzzle is preferred. Anatolian Shepherds are most commonly found in a yellowish-brown colour, which may have some white mixed in.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog: character
Anatolian Shepherds have a rather independent character and tend to make their own decisions. Each representative of this breed needs proper socialisation and training, otherwise the dog may become unpredictable. Anatolian Shepherds are not recommended for people who have small children or pets at home. They are very active dogs that need regular long walks and various other physical activities. The prospective owner of a Karabash must be aware that this dog will need to be given a lot of time, so it will not be suitable for people who are constantly busy