Considering a dog: Anatolian Shepherd : Opinions/Experiences?

[watchdogps]

I am off to bed, but I will try to address this tomorrow. Come on over to the other pets section, I will get it there, since we aren't really supposed to be doing this on two spots.

 

[pride&joy]

We have two Anatolians among my pac of five dogs. I could not be more pleased with my dogs. I live not a mile from the levy separating Everglades National park from the mostly agricultural area where I live. Area is also infamous for stray or feral dogs. My Anatolians will keep most predators at bay with their bark but will and have taken the next step when the threat came onto the property. My Anatolians will not let the hawks land on the property and will routinely chase and bark at them if the fly low. They are lg dogs and strong willed. Good fencing and some basic training for dogs and owners is important. I work as a dog trainer and have put lots of work into my pac but my dogs will accept who ever I bring on the property. The pic of the boy was taken about 5 after the dog and boy first meeting. My dogs will sit by broody hens and watch the chicks for hours and routinely let baby goats jump on their backs. As you can tell I am a big fan. It does get real hot and humid down here in the land south of Dixie (south Florida), they do fine with the heat. Would not feel safe with my games on cords like I do with out my dogs keeping an eye out.

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[remuda1]

Awesome pics, P&J! Thanks for posting

 

[Ole rooster]

Centerchid.........could you explain "nippy".

 

[Milk Glass Chicky]

I love those pics!

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Acts like wanting to bite without giving overt growl or loud bark. Sometimes actual pinching action on you pants or jacket. With these guys it may a function of their upbringing. Great Pyrenees are not doing it at all. Our Anatolians are more gracile than Pride and Joy's dogs, possibly because ours have some other breed in their background, German sheperd most likely.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

Here's the link to the National Anatolian Shepard Rescue, Facebook page. In case you're interested in adopting a rescue.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Anatolian-Shepherd-Rescue-Network/100486599417

 

[pride&joy]

Quote:

 

[watchdogps]

Nippy is not something that is correct for the breed. Those dogs are behaving that way because they have been raised poorly, incorrect temperament, or being currently mishandled. Please note, I said mishandled, not mistreated. If the situation is not changing, you might want to consider other approaches to what you are doing. I'm not saying you are doing anything wrong, as I dont know what you ARE doing, but I'm saying that is something to consider. LGDs are very much not like other breeds in their thinking and need to be handled accordingly.

 

[Shireshome]

I have had both GWP (two) and an Anatolian. The Anatolian was full blooded her father came over from Hungary. He was a massive 200 lbs routinely killing and burying anything that didn't belong in the goat pasture. Everything from coyotes to lizards to the neighbor's black lab, if it crossed onto his territory it was toast. His daughter grew up to be just like him. If a GREAT guard dog is what you are looking for, then an Anatolian is a great choice. I thought our Anatolian was much better at protecting then either of our GWP were. Our Anatolian had a much stronger protective instinct, and didn't roam which both of the GWP did! She actually chased a bucking mare for a quarter mile before letting the mare go.
My only word of advice to you is make sure you look carefully over the puppies (if you start out with a pup) and go with the most social, friendly one. Our problem was that DH choose the largest female out of the litter instead of going for more family friendly personality traits. She was MUCH bigger then her siblings but she wanted nothing to do with my husband or myself even at 6 weeks. Every time she was pulled from the puppy shelter and placed in front of us, she would go right back to the shelter. When placed on her back while holding her, she would fight fiercely until put down. but DH wanted big so big we got. She was a protective dog, friendly, but she did nip at my hands. When I wasn't looking she would grab my arm in her teeth and hold me as if to say "I'm boss here" and would come from behind and knock me to the ground. I would say that she needed a lot of training but at over 70 lbs at 6 months and nearly half my hight (I'm 5'8") she was just too big for me and much too big for our nine month old son. We finally gave her to a friend where she is a very happy flock guardian, and loved to death by a 16 year old. Please understand that she really is a great dog but she had a personality that belongs more with a herd of goats then with a family. But if you go with a dog that has the right personality (more social) you will have a great mix of livestock guardian AND family friend. Best wishes to you in your search for a perfect friend and guard.