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The Anatolian Shepherd served as shepherds' frontline defense from predators. The dog breed is probably more than 6,000 years old. It was developed to withstand Turkey 's harsh climate and endure the nomadic lifestyle of the shepherds.
The following information is offered to help you decide if the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed is right for you, your family and lifestyle. The descriptions are also meant to fit a dog true to the breed standard.
Origin: Turkey
AKC classification: Working Group
Appearance Description
Large
Rugged
Powerful
Impressive
Possesses great endurance and agility
Eyes are medium in size, set apart, almond shaped and dark brown to light amber in color
Ears should be set on no higher than the plane of the head
Chest is deep
Tail should belong and reaching to the hocks
Shoulders should be muscular and well developed
Hindquarters are strong with broad thighs and heavily muscled
Coat is short with a thick undercoat, feathering may occur on the ear fringes and legs, breeching and tail
Color: all color patterns and markings are acceptable
Gait: While trotting, the gait is powerful yet fluid
Personality Description:
Alert
Intelligent
Calm
Observant
Instinctively protective
Courageous
Highly adaptable
Very loyal and responsive
Highly territorial
Natural guard
According to a health survey done in 2004 by the UK Kennel Club, the median life span for the 23 deceased dogs in the survey was 10.75 years. This may be the only health study ever done on the Anatolian Shepherd dog.
Conclusion from the survey:
This is a typical longevity for purebred dogs in general, and several years longer than most other breeds of their large size that generally have a life span of 6 8 years
The leading causes of death of the dogs in the survey were cancer (22%), "combinations" (17%), cardiac (13%), and old age (13%)
Based on the 24 still-living dogs in the survey, the most common health issues according to the owners were:
Dermatologic
Musculoskeletal
Lipomas
Entropion
Canine hip dysplasia are sometimes in the breed
It is recommended that eyes and hips be tested before breeding.
For more information about this breed, other dog breeds and to view pictures, follow the link in the resource box of this article.
Written by: Connie Limon. Visit "Adopting Puppies" at http://smalldogs2.com/AdoptingPuppies to find a reference for choosing and caring for the perfect puppy. Purchase Shih Tzu puppies at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved Connie Limon
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Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
