Other Name(s) Anadolu KoPek, ANATOLIAN KARABASH, Anatolian Karabash Dog, Anatolian Shepherd, Coban Kopegi, Karabas, Turkish Guard Dog, Turkish Sheepdog
Breed Type Pure
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Breed Spotlight
Origins
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is believed to have descended from ancient war and hunting dogs of Mesopotamia and ancient herding dogs of the Middle East. Known for their strength, speed, and endurance, they are used in native Turkey as an unwavering protector of livestock and property. In their homeland, they have remained second to none when it comes to the protection of herd animals against formidable opponents, such as the Persian Jaguar, the Anatolian Jaguar, and the now-extinct Caspian Tiger. The steeps and plains of Anatolia have shaped the dog: the environment requires hardiness during harsh winters and durability for sweltering, arid summers. Circumstances also required that these dogs be capable of keeping up with roving herds and the nomadic peoples who depended on those herds, so persistent stamina was a must. Today, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog’s exceptional flock-guardian capabilities are coming front and center and are growing in popularity.
Breed Characteristics
Head: The mesaticephalic skull type is moderately large and wedge-shaped, yet always in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad, approximately as broad (measured across the top in front of the ears) as long (measured from occiput to stop). Skulls will appear broader on mature males than on females. When viewed in profile or from the front, the plane of the topskull appears just slightly arched. The head is powerful, substantial, and equipped with strong (yet smooth) muscle throughout. The head tapers from the broad, back skull toward the narrower muzzle end. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and amber or hazel to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size and set wide and fairly high on the skull. They are pendant or drop and triangular in shape with rounded tips. The front edge hangs close to the head. Ears may be natural (preferred) or surgically cropped (short). The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak. In profile, the muzzle tapers only slightly from a broad and powerful base toward the tip. When viewed from above, the muzzle remains broad throughout, with only minimal taper, appearing almost rectangular.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. Strongly muscled with a slight arch. Although primarily thick throughout, the neck tapers slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut and without excess skin or throatiness. A minimal dewlap is not to be penalized.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but never overly prominent.
Body: Deep, powerful, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The body is capable of speed, endurance, and power. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. It is often carried low with a slight curl in it, but it may also be carried high or curled over the back. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or curled.
Movement: Smooth, effortless, and efficient, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an independent thinker with a steady temperament, but they are quick to react when encountering a perceived threat. They are fiercely loyal and territorial to their herd and property, with a strong natural wariness of strangers. If kept as a companion, they will bond strongly with their family but require obedience training and socialization from early puppyhood to curb any aggression issues that could manifest later in life. The Anatolian’s tendency to form strong bonds early on, coupled with their large, powerful size and speedy response, make them excellent livestock guardian dogs for most types of flocks. The breed has been effectively used in cheetah conservation programs since the dogs are quick enough to thwart the speedy and cunning cheetah’s hunting attempts when misdirected toward livestock. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
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Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Proportions: Somewhat off-square to slightly rectangular with the length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being just slightly greater than the height at the withers. The length-to-height ratio is between 5:4 and 10:9. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance and sturdy bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: The mesaticephalic skull type is moderately large and wedge-shaped, yet always in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad, approximately as broad (measured across the top in front of the ears) as long (measured from occiput to stop). Skulls will appear broader on mature males than on females. When viewed in profile or from the front, the plane of the topskull appears just slightly arched. The head is powerful, substantial, and equipped with strong (yet smooth) muscle throughout. The head tapers from the broad, back skull toward the narrower muzzle end. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Expression: Watchful, intelligent, and alert.
Stop: The stop is slight, yet definite.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between 3:2 and 5:4, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak. In profile, the muzzle tapers only slightly from a broad and powerful base toward the tip. When viewed from above, the muzzle remains broad throughout, with only minimal taper, appearing almost rectangular.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit fairly tightly over the teeth and jaws. Lips should never protrude below the lower plane of the jaw. They are well-pigmented. The lips' corners are tight, never appearing loose or “wet.”
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and powerful, giving the face breadth and manifesting strength. The cheeks should not appear chiseled.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and amber or hazel to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size and set wide and fairly high on the skull. They are pendant or drop and triangular in shape with rounded tips. The front edge hangs close to the head. Ears may be natural (preferred) or surgically cropped (short). The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.
Body and Tail
General Description: Deep, powerful, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The body is capable of speed, endurance, and power. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. Strongly muscled with a slight arch. Although primarily thick throughout, the neck tapers slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut and without excess skin or throatiness. A minimal dewlap is not to be penalized.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but never overly prominent.
Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: The croup is broad, long, powerful, and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. It is often carried low with a slight curl in it, but it may also be carried high or curled over the back. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or curled.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of solid bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: The Anatolian Shepherd comes in various coat lengths, varying in accordance with climate and season. The coat length can range from short and close to medium length. Both should exhibit a thick, dense, and protective undercoat.
Short coat variety: short, smooth, flat, and close double coat. The texture is harsh to the touch. The coat is slightly longer on the neck (forming a light ruff), the back of the front, the hind legs, and on the tail.
Medium-coat variety: The coat is short on the face, forehead, ears, and front of the forelimbs and hind legs. The coat is longer and harsher on the neck, ears, rear of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, feet, and tail, forming slightly more developed fringe and furnishings. The coat should never be abundantly thick, abundantly long, or silky.
Coat Color or Pattern: All coat colors and patterns are equally permissible.
Movement
Smooth, effortless, and efficient, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an independent thinker with a steady temperament, but they are quick to react when encountering a perceived threat. They are fiercely loyal and territorial to their herd and property, with a strong natural wariness of strangers. If kept as a companion, they will bond strongly with their family but require obedience training and socialization from early puppyhood to curb any aggression issues that could manifest later in life. The Anatolian’s tendency to form strong bonds early on, coupled with their large, powerful size and speedy response, make them excellent livestock guardian dogs for most types of flocks. The breed has been effectively used in cheetah conservation programs since the dogs are quick enough to thwart the speedy and cunning cheetah’s hunting attempts when misdirected toward livestock. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
Read Full Standard
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Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Proportions: Somewhat off-square to slightly rectangular with the length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being just slightly greater than the height at the withers. The length-to-height ratio is between 5:4 and 10:9. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance and sturdy bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: The mesaticephalic skull type is moderately large and wedge-shaped, yet always in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad, approximately as broad (measured across the top in front of the ears) as long (measured from occiput to stop). Skulls will appear broader on mature males than on females. When viewed in profile or from the front, the plane of the topskull appears just slightly arched. The head is powerful, substantial, and equipped with strong (yet smooth) muscle throughout. The head tapers from the broad, back skull toward the narrower muzzle end. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Expression: Watchful, intelligent, and alert.
Stop: The stop is slight, yet definite.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between 3:2 and 5:4, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak. In profile, the muzzle tapers only slightly from a broad and powerful base toward the tip. When viewed from above, the muzzle remains broad throughout, with only minimal taper, appearing almost rectangular.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit fairly tightly over the teeth and jaws. Lips should never protrude below the lower plane of the jaw. They are well-pigmented. The lips' corners are tight, never appearing loose or “wet.”
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and powerful, giving the face breadth and manifesting strength. The cheeks should not appear chiseled.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and amber or hazel to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size and set wide and fairly high on the skull. They are pendant or drop and triangular in shape with rounded tips. The front edge hangs close to the head. Ears may be natural (preferred) or surgically cropped (short). The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.
Body and Tail
General Description: Deep, powerful, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The body is capable of speed, endurance, and power. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. Strongly muscled with a slight arch. Although primarily thick throughout, the neck tapers slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut and without excess skin or throatiness. A minimal dewlap is not to be penalized.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but never overly prominent.
Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: The croup is broad, long, powerful, and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. It is often carried low with a slight curl in it, but it may also be carried high or curled over the back. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or curled.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of solid bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: The Anatolian Shepherd comes in various coat lengths, varying in accordance with climate and season. The coat length can range from short and close to medium length. Both should exhibit a thick, dense, and protective undercoat.
Short coat variety: short, smooth, flat, and close double coat. The texture is harsh to the touch. The coat is slightly longer on the neck (forming a light ruff), the back of the front, the hind legs, and on the tail.
Medium-coat variety: The coat is short on the face, forehead, ears, and front of the forelimbs and hind legs. The coat is longer and harsher on the neck, ears, rear of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, feet, and tail, forming slightly more developed fringe and furnishings. The coat should never be abundantly thick, abundantly long, or silky.
Coat Color or Pattern: All coat colors and patterns are equally permissible.
Movement
Smooth, effortless, and efficient, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an independent thinker with a steady temperament, but they are quick to react when encountering a perceived threat. They are fiercely loyal and territorial to their herd and property, with a strong natural wariness of strangers. If kept as a companion, they will bond strongly with their family but require obedience training and socialization from early puppyhood to curb any aggression issues that could manifest later in life. The Anatolian’s tendency to form strong bonds early on, coupled with their large, powerful size and speedy response, make them excellent livestock guardian dogs for most types of flocks. The breed has been effectively used in cheetah conservation programs since the dogs are quick enough to thwart the speedy and cunning cheetah’s hunting attempts when misdirected toward livestock. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
Dog Fact #1
Dogs have a third eyelid. It’s called the haw, and it removes debris from the eye, produces tears, and protects the cornea.
