Anatolian Shepherd: Your Guide to One Of The Oldest Dog Breeds Of All Time!

The Anatolian Shepherd is a Mastiff type dog from the Anatolia Region of Turkey. Although they were first seen around 6,000 years ago, they are still one of the most unheard of dog breeds. Anatolians are canines with many talents; as well as making an excellent companion and working dog, they are also great at livestock and guardianship jobs.

The Anatolian Shepherd is not known to be particularly affectionate, instead preferring to be independent and fend for themselves. Despite their lack of outward affection, they are known to be a fiercely loyal canine. Their protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs due to their intimidating appearance and aloof temperament. The Anatolian is better suited to owners with experience in large or giant dog handling. They also do best in homes with a large amounts of land, as they do not do well confined to small homes.

Let us know what you love about this breed in the comments below.

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[hyperion_prime]

Mine is 11 now & I’d give anything to be able to go back to the day I saw him sitting in the shelter when he was 2. I’ve had many great dogs in my life but he will always be my other half. It’s hard watching them get older knowing the clock is running. I’m beyond grateful for the years with him. As much as I’d adore another Anatolian, once he passes. I don’t think I’d be able to have one that looks so much like my Bandit.

[cayrick]

The saddest day in my life when I had to put down my suffering Anatolian. Yes, she was stubborn, but incredibly intelligent, using a different technique to con each person in the house. Incredibly loyal to me and loving towards everyone in the house. My hope is that when I pass I will meet her on the other side.

[stRateResumes]

Probably the most difficult dog we've ever had to train, and following the social media forums has been a huge help. The pound said he was a "shepherd" - lab mix when we got him at 8 weeks. About 4 months in, we discovered he was a Kangal (Turkish Shepherd) mix due to his stubborn traits and good looks. We were told to hang in there, he'd be bulletproof by age 3. We took him everywhere with us, including Lowes, the pet stores, fabric shop, etc to socialize him. He LOVES riding in the car. Most ASDs don't. And he never destroyed anything. Walks off leash perfectly, and handles hand signals and whistle commands well. He loves lording over his 2 cats and guards them when they're outdoors from hawks and other predators. He's also a great guard dog with a loud booming bark when necessary, but not neurotic. Note--they don't get along with wolf hybrids, huskies, and other sled dogs since they are considered "predators" to them. Not for inexperienced dog owners.

[barbarawalker]

I had an Anatolian and he was one of the best dogs I ever owned. He was a city dog but loved to run and play He was very protective of us. He lived until 13. He did develop diabetes and had some neurologic problems but he still did his best to keep us within his sight. Saddest day of my life when I had to say goodbye.
They are a wonderful breed. I would love to have another someday.

[jenniferj.johnson]

I am two weeks in with "Ollie" - a Rescue Anatolian. This vid and these comments? Spot on! LOVE the "con artist" comment! I was not sleeping well at night. Now that this one is in the house? Sleep amazingly well. <3

[melissakemp]

I've had many dogs, but when my anatolian shepherds came into my life, it was love at first sight, per se. I had four show up on my doorstep one day, and I kept 2 of them...they are great guard dogs!!! They are so smart and very protective of their family, (even a rabbit at one time)!!! Love this breed. I had never heard of this breed before they showed up on my doorstep. They belonged to a neighbor who had livestock and used them to guard them. So glad I adopted my two!

[x]

We love our Anatolian! We've had him for over 6 years, so he's about 7.5 now. He's almost 150 pounds, so I have to imagine there are larger ones. And, yes, he is stubborn, but does know to follow me when I take him outside without a leash.

[BullseyeBenR]

I have had many! Anatolian shepherd and Kangals! They really are the best dogs! They have been great with my kids even saving them from harms way many times!

[koori]

I have the runt of a litter so she's only about 115lbs and stubborn as a mule, but absolutely the most profoundly loyal and loving dog I've ever had! She loves to flop on her back and be rubbed and when she's not in her field, she gallops like a horse for an hour easy playing! She's peaceful toward strangers as long as they are to her, and only once has anyone raised their voice in front of her, and that person has never been back to our farm! Her low growl and deep bark scare delivery people who know she's there and always ask if she's put up. I always respond, of course she's not eating you is she. They tend to laugh but not whole heartedly. Thanks for your video, they are very special animals for the right kind of people.

[ammoarlo]

My wife and I have had many dogs over the years (including a pair of German Shepherds) and when we had to put down our Golden (at 100lbs he was the biggest dog we have had) we wanted Shepherds again so we went through the German Shepherd rescue and adopted a pair. One is a Border Collie/Shepherd mix and the other is a picture perfect Anatolian. We had no idea what kind he was until I researched him. He was overweight at nearly 160lbs when we got him but he is a great looking 110 now. He's a wonderful dog with the most fierce and loudest bark I have ever heard but still very gentle. Love him to death.

[blak]

I have one. She's 4 months old and already showing her protective instincts. She's also very smart and stubborn. She'll sit in the yard and just look and listen. But she is very playful!

[tarabtexas]

I have an Anatolian Shepherd mix. Big boy with the curly tail and long snoot. Best dog I have ever had. Extremely loyal and protective. Everyone that's met him, instantly falls in love with him because he is so well behaved and kind. I feel like this breed is underrated for sure.

[apbeauregard]

Mines from the shelter and about 2 years old. She is super affectionate and actually knows the word hug and actively seeks them out and looks into my eyes and smiles. She's very social. She's been easy to train and gets excited when we have a session, even if she chooses what she learns in the lesson... 😂. She also lives in a small city home with a small yard and is happy to go on a couple walks a day and loves to see her neighbors human and doggo friends. She likes to take me to her favorite ones and makes them pet her by leaning on their legs. She also let me dress her up for halloween. So not all of this was quite accurate with mine.

[curtherman]

My Anatolian is so loving. She doesn't listen well but I have no regrets on getting her.The last year we've had her she's brought us so many memories

[ladylecter]

I have a 4 year old rescue and was unsure what she is but these dogs look EXACTLY like her. She even tries to "herd" some dogs when she is playing with them and is immensely stubborn. Her favourite thing to do is disappear into a hedge for 10 minutes then come out when it suits her looking all smug!

[doctorlove]

The best dog breed according to Captain Holt

[ashlynvanwinkle]

My parents have an Anatolian named Hughy :). He’s ten months old and weighs 110 pounds. But he’s 110 pounds of pure love. We take him to work in the city and he LOVES the attention. He’s so affectionate. Loves to cuddle. He’s the sweet guy but he’s stubborn as hell. You tell him no and he will argue with you and howl. 😂 too cute to be mad at. Can’t say enough about him. Love that big ball of floof. ❤️

[hotelcalifornia]

They aren’t “all over you” affectionate like some breeds, but they do demonstrate their strong connection with you. And I am certain this breed would protect me with his life. Exceptionally intelligent, you have to train them or you will have issues. You can watch their brain solving puzzles if you watch their eyes. My experience is that they communicate more directly with you than other breeds I’ve had. Marvelous dogs, but they can be a handful.

[sheilascoyne]

I was blessed to spend 8 months with one, his name is Sam, he was my roommates dog. The minute we met, he was my friend, very very affectionate, he would stand up on his hind legs and lay his head on my shoulder. Love hugs and licks always from Sam. Beautiful baby he is.

[dhl]

I have a 6 mo anatolian female. I have goats and chickens. She is the most amazing dog. Loyal, smart (maybe too smart), but not real affectionate, most of the time. Her guardianship characteristics are really kicking in to high gear really great with my goats, and great with the grandkids.