GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 71-81cm (28”-32”).
Colour: Any colour, but generally fawn or cream with a black mask.
Coat: Outer coat is shortish and dense with a very thick undercoat but varies according to extremes in climatic conditions.
Gait: Head, neck and back level when walking. Supple long reaching strides - pacing acceptable.
As with most of the dogs originating from the mastiff family, the Anatolian head is rectangular with a large skull, a shorter square muzzle and ears which hang to the side of the cheek. The body is powerful and well muscled, the chest deep with strong fore and hind quarters and a good turn of stifle. When the dog is excited, the long tail may curl over the back.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
In both Turkey and Australia, it has been found these dogs have an affinity to work well with goats and sheep, and in this area farmers hold them in high regard. Although tough and hardy, they get on well with other dogs and rarely display any signs of aggression. Not always good domestic pets due to their independent natures, and devotion to their duties as a herder is such
that they have been known to attack their owners if the dog thought one of his herd was being hurt. Periodic grooming is necessary to keep the coat free of dead hair.
HISTORY
Unlike many ancient breeds whose origins are obscure, the history of the Anatolian Shepherds has been well documented. In the British Museum, well preserved bas-reliefs show these dogs being used by the Babylonians for hunting big game and used as wardogs. These members of the mastiff family were once known as the Anatolian Karabash, but unlike other herding breeds they were used more for guarding than herding for their nomadic masters. They lived out of doors in all extremes of temperature. In their duties as defence dogs against predators, the shepherds often placed large spiked collars around their necks. The Anatolian is credited with having acute instincts enabling it to ambush unwelcome trespassers.