Dog breeds :
Anatolian Shepherd Dog / Chien de berger d'Anatolie / Coban Kopegi / Karabash
ASDCA/ASDI/ARBA/FIC/WWKC/UKC 'BIS' GRAND CH Tilki-Bayan of Alaturka, CGC
General
After several centuries of breeding for specific traits, we now have a breed of large to giant guardians that bonds to livestock, patrol and protect their territory like soldiers, and still manage to be loving companions and eye-catching showdogs. Some have even excelled in obedience competition, and as therapy and service dogs. Please note that these dogs are "guardians" and DO NOT HERD. The basic difference here is that herding breeds have a high prey drive and usually cannot be left unsupervised with livestock, as they have been known to kill animals that take fright and run from them. The LGD, on the other hand, is expected to bond with their charges and have a very low prey drive so that they only protect, not hurt whatever they are guarding. Many owners of Guardian breeds feel that these dogs give them a "safe" feeling they never experienced with any other dog ... even those who had previously owned the traditional "guard" dogs such as German Shepherd, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.
Characteristics
A large to giant breed of Livestock Guardian dog, the Anatolian is a fiercely loyal guardian that demonstrates a possessive attitude towards family, property and livestock. He is suspicious of strangers, reserved when in public, and may expect "formal introduction before tolerating any familiarities. The Anatolian is NOT a dog for everyone, but for those select few who learn to live with this very demanding breed, it can be a most wonderful experience!!<
Temperament
The Anatolian will generally get along with any animals it grows up with or has decided to "adopt" as its flock. They are especially good with well behaved children; however, it is never recommended to leave very young children alone with a dog.
History
The Anatolian is an ancient Turkish Livestock Guardian that is considered one of the giant breeds of Molloser-type dogs. Humans are believed to have first lived in what was originally called Mesopotamia, now Turkey, and surrounding areas. Records show that fossils suggesting large Mastiff-type dogs appeared at the same time as fossils of grazing "flock" animals. This puts forth the theory that the Livestock Guardian breeds were probably among the first domestic dogs. The Anatolian is believed to have been developed by shepherds crossing these large Molloser-type dogs with the Turkish sighthounds to get a guardian with the speed to run down whatever was threatening their flocks of sheep or goats and have the strength to deal with the predator, be it wolf, bear, or lion, in the most effective manner. There is also a theory that the Asian Wolf might be part of the Anatolian makeup.
The name "Anatolian Shepherd Dog" is a subject of much controversy. There are those who believe there are three completely separate breeds of Turkish Livestock Guardians (Akbash, Kangal & Kars Dogs), while others choose to believe there is only one breed with regional and color varieties. The name "Anatolian" was chosen due to the fact that a great majority of the Turkish Shepherds come from the Anatolian Plateau, and since the Turkish names for the dogs were not known by the first Americans to bring the dogs back to the USA, hence, the generic name "Anatolian Shepherd Dog".
Origin
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is native to the rural districts of Turkey.
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