Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd (Dog Coban Köpegi) ORIGIN : Anatolia. UTILIZATION : Active breed originally used as a guard dog for sheep; hard working; capable of enduring extremes of heat and cold. BRIEF HISTORICAL SURVEY : The Anatolian Shepherd is a shepherd’s guard dog of ancient lineage, probably descended from the large hunting dogs existing in Mesopotamia. The breed has evolved over the ages to suit a specific set of circumstances. Of these the most formative are the climate – hot and very dry summers, very cold winters – the peoples’life-style- settled, semi- and wholly nomade – and the work assigned to the dogs. They guard flocks travelling great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau. They stay out whatever the weather may be. GENERAL APPERANCE : Large, upstanding, tall, powerfully built, livestock guarding dog with broad, strong head and dense double coat. Must have size and stamina. Capable of great speed. BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Steady and bold without aggression, naturally independent, very intelligent and tractable. Proud and confident. Loyal and affectionate to owners, but weary of strangers when mature.