The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a loyal and distinguished pet, but it requires a committed and experienced owner to ensure they are properly raised and trained to be a good companion and effective guard dog.
Breeding Anatolian shepherd dog at home
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Kangal Dog, is a large and powerful breed of guard dog, originating in Turkey to protect livestock. Raising this dog at home requires a lot of commitment and knowledge. Here are some important facts:
Size and Strength:
These dogs are large and powerful, standing between 66 and 81 cm (25 and 33 inches) tall and weighing between 41 and 68 kg (98 and 140 pounds).
They need plenty of space, so small apartments may not be suitable for them.
Personality and Temperament:
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are serious and loyal to their family and their duty as guard dogs.
They are generally calm, but can be suspicious of strangers.
They are good with children if properly trained and socialized from an early age.
They are patient and intelligent, eager to please their owners, and enjoy learning.
They are defensive and powerful dogs, and can be dangerous if not properly trained.
They need a handler with a strong, dominant personality; otherwise, the dog may try to take over.
Training and Socialization:
Early training is essential: These dogs should begin training from a few weeks old until they reach maturity.
Strict Training: These dogs require a firm and patient trainer, using positive reinforcement to improve their behavior.
Socialization: They must be trained from a young age to be accepting of strangers, other animals, and children to ensure their good behavior.
Obedience: They are highly intelligent and capable of learning many commands.
Physical Activity:
These dogs are very energetic and require regular exercise.
They need long daily walks to release their energy and reduce fatigue, which helps them calm down.
They should not be left alone for long periods.
Health Care and Nutrition:
Always consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate food for your dog, as they have specific nutritional needs.
They do not require frequent brushing; paying attention to their diet and regular visits to the veterinarian are sufficient.
They may be susceptible to some health conditions associated with their large size.
Environment:
It's best to keep them in a house with a garden or a large outdoor space.
If you keep them outdoors, high fences (at least 1.8 meters tall) with deep, strong foundations are required to prevent them from jumping or digging.
It's not recommended to keep them outdoors for long periods.
Additional Tips for Raising an Anatolian Shepherd Dog:
If you want your dog to be a guardian of the home, train them from an early age.
Get them used to their name from an early age and teach them some simple commands.
If your area is home to a lot of predators, it's best to keep two dogs together, as their combined barking scares off predators and helps each other guard.
