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Breed profile

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

An ancient Turkish livestock guardian: calm, watchful and very independent. Built to think for itself, not to take orders.

Cream Anatolian Shepherd Dog with a dark mask standing in grass by a fence
A cream Anatolian keeping watch.Photo: Jon Mountjoy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Weight
36–68 kg79–150 lb
Height
69–74 cm27–29 in
Lifespan
11–13 yrs
Group
Working
Origin
Turkey
Popularity
#88 US#176 UK · 2025

Known for: WatchdogsWorking dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Independent, Protective, Calm, Territorial.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Entropion
  • Sensitivity to anaesthesia
  • Bloat (GDV)

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

High, secure fencing is a must, and walks stay on lead. Socialise widely from puppyhood. Brush weekly, daily during the moult.

A good fit for

Rural homes with livestock or large secure land, experienced owners.

Probably not ideal for

Flats and small suburban gardens, first-time owners, households with lots of visitors.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club: Anatolian Shepherd Dog
  2. PetMD (vet-reviewed): Anatolian Shepherd
  3. Vetstreet: Anatolian Shepherd

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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