GROUP 6 - UTILITY

Brief History
The Anatolian is an ancient Breed originally bred to guard the flock, living a nomadic life. Travelling great distances in all types of weather.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 13 to 15 years.

Temperament
Steady, bold, naturally independent.

General Breed Description
Rugged large and very strong. Good sight and hearing for guarding stock. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog likes to roam, travelling with the herd and sometimes leaving the herd to search for predators. They come in a variety of colours.

Coat and Care Requirements
They have a double coat with thick undercoat, longer in the winter months. As they are suitable for farm life, they require little grooming. More brushing and combing required during the change of season when they are dropping coat.

Size
Height: Males 74 to 81cms, Females 71 to 79cms.

Weight: Males 50 to 65kgs, Females 40 to 55kgs.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally.

Suitability
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is strong willed and independent, so are more suitable for farmers needing a guard dog for their stock.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/172