Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Large, rugged and powerful, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a working guard dog, possessing a superior ability to protect livestock. While not a "glamour" breed, the Anatolian's loyalty, independence and hardiness is cherished by breeders and owners. The breed's coat can be short (one inch) or rough (approximately four inches), with all color patterns and markings, including fawn and brindle, equally acceptable.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a guardian breed that originated in Turkey more than 6,000 years ago. Well-suited to Turkey's harsh climate and a nomadic lifestyle, he served shepherds as the frontline defense against predators. Breeders created a dog of the same size and colors as the livestock they guarded so that they would remain undetected by these predators. Anatolians entered the United States in the 1950's.
Instinctively protective, the Anatolian is a calm, reserved breed around strangers, showing his loyal and loving nature only to his family. He enjoys children, but should be supervised around them in case he interprets rough play as a need to guard "his" child. Because he was bred to make independent decisions while working, owner commands may not be followed to the letter, but the Anatolian is trainable. Regular exercise and grooming is necessary.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/anatolianshepherd.htm
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a guardian breed that originated in Turkey more than 6,000 years ago. Well-suited to Turkey's harsh climate and a nomadic lifestyle, he served shepherds as the frontline defense against predators. Breeders created a dog of the same size and colors as the livestock they guarded so that they would remain undetected by these predators. Anatolians entered the United States in the 1950's.
Instinctively protective, the Anatolian is a calm, reserved breed around strangers, showing his loyal and loving nature only to his family. He enjoys children, but should be supervised around them in case he interprets rough play as a need to guard "his" child. Because he was bred to make independent decisions while working, owner commands may not be followed to the letter, but the Anatolian is trainable. Regular exercise and grooming is necessary.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/anatolianshepherd.htm