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 ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOG
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is built for speed. The torso is well-developed and supported by muscular forequarters and hindquarters. It is a large dog without massive features. The eyes are average size and vary from dark to light brown and are almond shaped. The ears fold forward loosely and parallel with the eyelids. The muscular neck is somewhat made ambiguous by the thickness of fur and skin in this area. Elsewhere on the body the coat is short and thick. The tail is long and generally hangs close to the body. However, it can vary in position according to the dogтАЩs activity; high and rounded when alert and low and curled when calm.
Temperament
Like most flock guard dogs, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is independent, reserved, and intelligent. These are positive attributes in its natural habitat as shepherd dog, but in the household type they may become a nuisance for the owner. It has a tendency to balk at social training and may exhibit disobedient behavior. The good news about the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is that it will always remain loyal to its family and seek to protect them from uninvited guests. Their gentle nature and resistance to aggression make them suitable for families with children.
Height and Weight
Male height: 29-32 inchesMale weight: 110-143Female height: 27.5-31 inchesFemale weight: 88-120
Health Problems
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a generally healthy dog. Processed food may cause allergic reactions in some types.
Ideal Living Conditions
The ideal living conditions for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a moderate-size yard with a well-built fence and shady patio. The size of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog makes it unsuitable for small apartments.
Exercise
The Anatolian needs a considerable amount of exercise, preferably in an enclosed yard where it can run off leash whenever it wants. With a large yard, this dog can be left to exercise on its own, though a long walk or jogging session with its owner is also good.
Life Expectancy
Average of 11-14 years life expectancy
Litter Size
Average of 5-8 puppies
Grooming
Dogs that shed heavily are usually an annoyance to owners. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is among this group, but its coat naturally blows away and requires minimal brushing. The coat generally sheds twice each year, typically every six months. More brushing is required during these times.
Origin
Originating from the mountainous terrain of the Anatolian Plateau of Turkey more than 6,000 years ag
Group
Flock Guard
Color
The most common colors of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are the light brown shades. Many types have a black mask..
Breed Clubs
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America http://www.asdca.org
Breed Rescues
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs International Rescue http://www.anatoliandog.org/rescue.htm National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network http://www.nasm,org

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