Anatolian Shepherd Puppies
A Complete Guide to Anatolian Shepherd Puppies
A favorite breed for guard dogs and family pets, Anatolian shepherd puppies need to be trained well. Ensure a loyal, friendly and confident mature dog by following proper procedures during puppy-hood.
An Anatolian shepherd may also be called a Karabash and stems from Turkish breeds (Anatolia is located in central Turkey). It’s a sizable breed even now, with a thick head shadowed in black. Full grown pups stand between 27 and 36 inches tall and weigh between 90 to 150 pounds. The stomach is naturally thin and the chest is wide.
Most Anatolian shepherds are light or cream colored, but their coats may be darker or mottled. Some don’t have the trademark black head or snout. Their fur is thick, especially around the neck, and sheds regularly. Brushing at least once a week is recommended. Get your Anatolian shepherd puppies used to grooming from a young age.
Originally the Anatolian shepherd guarded the flock from dangerous creatures. Nowadays this breed is known as an excellent home guard that isn’t overly aggressive yet won’t back down in its defense. They’re naturally protective of their home and family but are gentle and caring when no threat is sensed.
For that reason, it’s important to train your puppy to know what a true threat is. Teach them what is considered “normal” in your home, so that he won’t become unnecessarily aggressive. Be sure to get your new dog from a group of well socialized Anatolian shepherd puppies as well.
Understand that an Anatolian shepherd will naturally be suspicious of strangers. But you can familiarize your puppy with many different people and settings. That’s all part of the training.
Since they were bred to roam with herds, Anatolian shepherds like to have space. They will often escape from a confined area, but are highly likely to return. Be sure to put a collar on your pet or invest in a micro-chip tag, just in case. Puppies and mature dogs should be walked for at least half an hour each day. In smaller, less active homes an Anatolian can become lazier, but they will thrive with plenty of area to explore. Look to have a fence installed on your property to deter the dog from roaming and to give him a sense of defined space to protect.
Anatolian shepherds are a healthy breed with good endurance. They’re surprisingly agile for their size and can be intimidating when they want to be. Although they may not enjoy playing fetch, puppies and adult dogs love to run. Let them loose across the fields or jog with them through the suburbs and you’ll both feel great!
Some breeders do not recommend special training classes for Anatolian shepherds. It’s felt that simply being nearby and involved in a family will result in the right training. Be sure that you let your dog get to know different people and settings as well, in case the family dynamics change. Anatolians are wonderful with children and babies. As a puppy they may be prone to knocking toddlers over only because of their own clumsiness and lack of coordination, not because of any aggressive tendencies.
If you have other animals in the home, an Anatolian shepherd will get along just fine as long as he is the dominant animal. You’ll likely have to give him a place or spot of his own, but he’ll gladly share the house with the whole family.
Anatolian shepherd puppies are a wonderful addition to your family. With a loyal attitude and a sharp intelligence, this dog can add security and protection to any home – as well as become a beloved family member.