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CLEAR ALLNative to Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd was bred to guard livestock and live a nomadic life with their human companions. Also known as Turkish Moutain dogs, these powerful canines are believed to be one of the most ancient dog breeds, with an ancestry that dates back as far as 6,000 years. The Anatolian Shepherd was developed to survive hot summers and freezing winters, so they are very hardy animals. These large dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners however, they tend to be wary of strangers.
As livestock protectors and guardian dogs, Anatolian Shepherds were developed to live with their herd. As a result, they are adaptable, rugged, and self-confident. They know exactly when to protect or intimidate. These majestic dogs have been working alone for centuries, making independent decisions involving dangers to their property.
When they are puppies, they will adapt to whoever they live with, whether that's a human or a herd of sheep. As they grow and mature, they assume the protector position because they were developed to be possessive and protective.
The Anatolian Shepherd can make a wonderful, devoted companion for the right owners. If you are considering adding one of these dogs to your family, you need to make sure you understand their unique needs and are ready to take responsibility for a large, instinctively protective dog breed.
Native to Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd was bred to guard livestock and live a nomadic life with their human companions. Also known as Turkish Moutain dogs, these powerful canines are believed to be one of the most ancient dog breeds, with an ancestry that dates back as far as 6,000 years. The Anatolian Shepherd was developed to survive hot summers and freezing winters, so they are very hardy animals. These large dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners however, they tend to be wary of strangers.
As livestock protectors and guardian dogs, Anatolian Shepherds were developed to live with their herd. As a result, they are adaptable, rugged, and self-confident. They know exactly when to protect or intimidate. These majestic dogs have been working alone for centuries, making independent decisions involving dangers to their property.
When they are puppies, they will adapt to whoever they live with, whether that's a human or a herd of sheep. As they grow and mature, they assume the protector position because they were developed to be possessive and protective.
The Anatolian Shepherd can make a wonderful, devoted companion for the right owners. If you are considering adding one of these dogs to your family, you need to make sure you understand their unique needs and are ready to take responsibility for a large, instinctively protective dog breed.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large mastiff-type dog, standing 69 to 74 cm tall. Females are significantly lighter than males, weighing 36 to 54 kg, compared to 50 to 68 kg for males.
Carrying this much weight, you won't be surprised to hear that every part of this dog's body is incredibly well-muscled. From its slightly arched neck to its straight front legs to its tucked-up belly, the Anatolian Shepherd has a powerful and athletic appearance.
This hefty body holds a large, broad head with a strong jaw, medium-sized triangular ears, black lips and nose, and small black-rimmed eyes. These dogs carry their ears down when relaxed and raised when alert. Likewise, they hold their long tails low when relaxed and high, with the tip curling over the back when alert or excited.
Anatolian Shepherds have a short but thick double coat. The hair around the neck, shoulders, and tail can be slightly longer than other body parts, and sometimes there may be slight feathering on ears, legs, and tail.
Anatolian Shepherds can have any coat colour except Merle. Popular shades are pinto, white, brindle, fawn, and biscuit & white. Many of these pups with a fawn-coloured coat have black masks and ears, but not always.
Anatolian Shepherds are probably one of the most protective dog breeds, possessing a strong instinct to protect their "pack", whether it's a flock of sheep or a human family. Generally, these canines have a calm but alert demeanour and are not as playful as other breeds.
Anatolian Shepherds won't show their love by showering you with cuddles and kisses. Instead, you'll feel their affection through their loyalty and dedication to protecting you.
This breed tends to be wary of strangers, so they are not a dog who will instantly become friends with random people they meet on the street. However, personality traits vary, so some Anatolian Shepherds are more social than others.
Anatolian Shepherds are not big barkers as they tend to reserve that for situations when they need to alert you of danger. However, as they can be wary of all strangers, they are likely to bark at the postman or any unfamiliar sound or sight that is not dangerous.
While not needy, Anatolian Shepherds develop strong, albeit hidden, bonds with their owners. Thus, they can suffer separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
Socialisation and obedience training are essential with this breed, but their independent nature makes them somewhat challenging to train. For this reason, they are best suited to people with previous experience with dogs.
As Anatolian Shepherds originate from rural environments, they are happiest living in the countryside or small villages where they have a large, fenced garden. They are certainly not apartment or city dogs.
Providing they are well trained and socialised from puppyhood, Anatolian Shepherds tend to do splendidly with children, who they will happily protect and care for. However, as they are large and heavy dogs, they are best suited to homes with older children, as there is the possibility they could accidentally knock over a toddler or squash a baby.
Anatolian Shepherds tend to be wary of other dogs and don't do well meeting new canines once fully grown. If you want to introduce your Anatolian Shepherd to another pup, do it while they are very wrong. That way, they will accept them as part of their pack and live harmoniously together.
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Neo
Russian Blue
We had some concerns purchasing a kitten online but our experience with The Pedigree Paws was great. They connected us with Caroline, the Russian Blue breeder and we had many conversations and received multiple pictures and videos. She answered to all our questions.
The Pedigree Paws verified for us all the vaccinations and health checks to make sure our new kitten was 100% healthy.
Thank you for all your help The Pedigree Paws! Highly recommended!
Jack
Miniature Dachshund
One of the reasons I was hesitant to order a puppy from The Pedigree Paws is because I live in Spain. However they connected me with a very good FCI breeder in Barcelona.
He showed me all the health documents of both parents, their pedigree and answer to all my questions. I am so happy they helped me to find a healthy puppy as finding one by myself was very overwhelming. Contacting The Pedigree Paws was the best decision and I highly recommend them to everybody!
Stitch
Chartreux
From the kittens's selection to the arrival of our Chartreux kitten, The Pedigree Paws was there to assist us. We had great experience with them, and they breeder Alexandra from France with whom they connected us and from whom we got our kitten from. They are very prompt in answering our initial and follow-up questions while our kitten was in transit. Very reliable and trustworthy!
Thank you so much for all your help. We are very happy with our new family member. We will definitely recommend it to all our friends.
Athena
Chihuahua
It's been a few months since we decided to find a Chihuahua puppy to join our family, however we had issues finding a good breeder.
We contacted The Pedigree Paws and they connected us with a very unique breeder in Greece. Many videos and pictures were shown, the breeder shared with us the proof of vaccinations, deworming and her 5 generation pedigree. We were fortunate as George, the breeder was able to deliver the puppy to us personally. We are very pleased with our beautiful Athena. Thank you, The Pedigree Paws, for being truthful and transparent.
Thor
Abyssinian
I feel wonderful having help from The Pedigree Paws finding the dream Abyssinian kitten I was looking for. Thor is the absolute dream! The Pedigree Paws team was really patient and responsible in everything. Lovely experience! They replied to every questions, requirements, and information I ask about the kitten.
Fin
Chihuahua
Thank you for finding for me such a beautiful Chihuahua puppy! I love him so much from the minute I saw him. He changed my world.
Kate, from The Pedigree Paws assisted me through the whole process informing me about everything from health checks to arranging a Pet Nanny to transport Fin directly to my door. So thankful that the experience went so well! I love my Fin.
Emi
Ragdoll
I have always wanted a Ragdoll kitten as it was my dream cat breed, but didnt know how to find one as heard a lot about kitten farms and bad breeders. I reached out to The Pedigree Paws and they were very accommodating and transparent from the start. They offered me few kittens from their list of breeders and when I saw Emi I knew she was the one! We went through the kitten's parents DNA testing as for me that was a priority to have a kitten free from genetic disorders. We sealed the deal and now I have the best kitten I could dream of! Thank you very much for all your help
Shima
Russian Blue
I really wanted a Russian Blue kitten, but was very nervous getting one after reading horror stories about scammers on the Internet. I had my first call with Natalia, from The Pedigree Paws and with her help I was able to connect with the breeder, that I knew I could trust. I am very lucky to have now Shima, she is an absolute joy to live with.
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