Dog Breed

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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Primary image of Anatolian Shepherd Dog dog breed
Full Name
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Alternate Names
Anatolian Karabash Dog or Kangal
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Life Span
11 - 13 years
Weight
120 - 150 pounds
Description

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, more often known as the Kangal, is smart, confident, and incredibly protective of its family and property. They are a good fit for farm life where they can roam on large acreage, and where they will not be presented with strangers or other dogs too often. With proper obedience and training, they can be profoundly loyal and loving dogs, but they are not recommended for first-time owners or for apartment and city life.

Origin
Turkey
Bred For
Guarding flock from predators
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog good with children?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is about average in how friendly they are with children. They can be friendly and loving with children, but we recommend that they get early socialization, and are not left alone with children for extended periods.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog friendly with strangers?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is not naturally friendly with strangers. Dogs who are timid or defensive with strangers have typically been bred that way, and it is not always a fault.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog friendly with other dogs?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is not naturally friendly with other dogs. There are always exceptions, but we would not recommend them for homes with other dogs, or if you intend on going to dog parks.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog like to cuddle?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is not a cuddle bug, but it can still appreciate affection. It just has different boundaries with physical affection.
    Playfulness

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog like to play?

    As with all puppies, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog loves to play. But as they grow into adults they become more serious and are more interested in their job. They aren't as playful as other breeds.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog make a good service dog?

    Historically, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has never been used as a service dog and really would not be a good fit.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog good for first-time owners?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog would not be a good fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and pleasing its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Anatolian Shepherd Dog be trained?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog does not have high levels of training potential. There are exceptions, but the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is not typically seen in competitions or as a service dog or police dog.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog shed a lot?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog easy to groom?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog requires some grooming, but less than the average dog breed. Typically you will not need to take the Anatolian Shepherd Dog to the pet salon, and occasional combing at home should be enough.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog need a lot of exercise?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog bark? Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog bark too much?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Anatolian Shepherd Dogs - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog a good guard dog?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog can serve as an excellent guard dog. It is both physically intimidating and also enjoys having a "job" to protect its family and property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog good at staying alone? Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog independent?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is very independent, and an excellent choice for someone who will not have the time to always be with their dog. This can be beneficial for a working dog on the farm, or even just a family that works the 9-5 and cannot work from home.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog a good apartment dog?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a very bad fit for apartment living and we would not recommend it.
    Size

    How big is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. In the "giant" category!
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog try to run away?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog a healthy dog? The health of a Anatolian Shepherd Dog should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Anatolian Shepherd Dog high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a good amount of energy and it's important to give the Anatolian Shepherd Dog daily walks and ideally run time as well. A well-exercised dog is easier to train, and will be happier and have less likelihood for destructive habits.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog drool?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog drools a decent amount, especially if that irresistible food is nearby.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog have a large prey drive? Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Anatolian Shepherd Dog may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog atheltic?

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
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  1. Working
  2. Shepherd / Sheepdog
  3. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a purebred dog that belongs to the Shepherd / Sheepdog sub group, which falls under the larger Working dog breed group.
Working group: Working dogs encompass a wide range of different breeds- but they all were bred to assist people, so they are used to working hard. It is important for them to feel they have a "job" as their roles traditionally have varied from rescuing people to pulling sleds. Because of their large size and intensity, they may be a handful for first time dog owners. On the other side, they can be trained well, so any owner who can exercise and dedicate to training their working dog, will be well rewarded. A common misconception may be that the working dog's jobs are only in physically challenging jobs; actually working dogs can also make excellent service dogs, since they are also kind and attentive to their owners.
Shepherd / Sheepdog sub-group: Shepherd dogs are the super performers of the dog world. For many generations they have served their owners by performing their job of helping in the farm- guarding, protecting, and herding. Shepherds were bred based off intelligence and temperament, and willingness to serve their families. Today they are excellent family dogs, but also excel as military service animals, emotional therapy dogs, and in competitive obedience competitions. They are highly trainable and intelligent, but that does not necessarily mean they are an easy dog or optimal for first time owners. With this potential comes greater responsibility from the owner. They need a firm owner who is willing to stimulate them both physically and mentally from an early age. They need a leader. If they have one, you will be rewarded with one of the friendliest and most intelligent dogs in the World.

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