Buying or Adopting an Anatolian Shepherd

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is an Anatolian Shepherd the right breed for you?

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for an Anatolian Shepherd?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence) at least 6 feet high, preferably more
• No very small dogs in the household
• No dogs of the same sex in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Anatolian Shepherd stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a dog sport (carting or sledding)
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – be aware that meat is expensive
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Anatolians are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with heavy shedding
• Commitment to establish the proper Leader-Follower relationship with your Anatolian Shepherd, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt an Anatolian Shepherd?

Anatolian Shepherds are about middle-of-the-road in popularity in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs rank 84th. Unfortunately, too many people acquire this breed because of its regal appearance, without realizing that it's a serious working dog, a livestock guardian – not a casual pet.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Anatolian Shepherds can be adopted from Dog Rescue groups. Owners often give up their Anatolian when it becomes apparent that the dog is too much for them to handle. Typically the dog is bored being left out in the backyard with nothing to do. There might be barking issues, destructiveness, dominance, or aggression toward other animals. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Anatolian Shepherds are occasionally found here, but more often the dog is just a cross or mix of some sort, that has been mislabeled as an Anatolian. Anatolian Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that an Anatolian Shepherd Dog turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy an Anatolian Shepherd from a show breeder, who breeds Anatolians to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. But since this breed should really be used for livestock guarding, a suitable puppy should be acquired from a performance breeder who focuses on preserving those essential flock guarding instincts.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of an Anatolian Shepherd puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Anatolian Shepherd ends up with hip or elbow dysplasia.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen an Anatolian Shepherd in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Anatolian Shepherd Dog Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?