Buyer question
Is an Anatolian Shepherd Dog good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 1 out of 5 for beginners (experienced owners only).
Source: the Anatolian Shepherd Dog page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Anatolian Shepherd Dog in the Animal Library
The detail
A Turkish livestock guardian bred to live with flocks and drive off wolves and bears on its own judgment. Calm, watchful and fiercely protective, the Anatolian is independent by design, and it needs space, strong fencing and an owner who understands guardian breeds.
- Temperament
- Independent, calm, protective
- Best fit
- Farms, livestock guarding
- Trainability
- 2 out of 5 (Independent thinker)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Patrols more than plays)
- Grooming load
- 2 out of 5 (Weekly brush, heavy shed)
What to weigh
Anatolians bark at night, roam if fences allow and are wary of strangers and strange dogs. They rarely obey off leash, and their size and guarding instinct need careful management.