Description

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Karabash is a large powerfully built mastiff type dog. They are best known for their distinctive facial markings, cream to fawn with a black mask and ears. They have a short dense coat that is relatively easy to keep. As a breed they are slow to mature, males can be 4 years old and females can be 3 before they are fully mature.

Color

The Karabash comes in a variety of colors including fawn, brindle and white.

Category Size

Giant

Coat Length

Short/Medium

Weight/Height Range

Dogs measure between 74-31 inches at the withers; females are between 28-31 inches at the withers. Dogs weigh between 110-141 lbs and females weigh between 90-130lbs.

HEIGHT	MIN	MAX	WEIGHT	MIN	MAX
Female	28"	31"	Female	90 lbs.	130 lbs.
Male	29"	32"	Male	110 lbs.	141 lbs.

Ailments

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has been bred over many centuries and because of this is virtually free from hereditary health problems. They can have wry mouths and bad temperaments. Owners should insist on screening for temperament and physical traits, including hips and eyes.

Suitable Breed for Allergy Sufferers

No

Common Ailments

Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia, Eye - Entropion, Endocrine - Hyperthyroidism, Reproductive (Male) - Retained testicles or cryptorchidism (one or both), Mouth - Malocclusion (Overshot or undershot jaw)

Personality

Anatolian Shepherd Dog are territorial. They are natural guard dogs, independent and very intelligent. They must be socialized from a very early age, as their guarding instinct is very strong. They are gentle with children, but must be watched due to their size. They can be aggressive (especially the males) to same sexed dogs in the same household and, because of their susceptibility to fleas, should not live with cats or other household pets. This is not a suitable breed for novice dog owners.

Intelligence

A very intelligent and strong willed dog, they have been bred to use their initiative, making training quite hard. They require a great deal of patience when training and, even then, success cannot be guaranteed.

Energy

High

Tendency To Bark

Low

Overall Exercise Requirement

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog needs a lot of exercise, lots of long walks. This dog is very active and can endure extremes of heat and cold conditions. They need a large, enclosed and safe area for running around off the leash and so do not do well in cities and towns.

Suitability for Personal Protection

High

Suitability as a Guard Dog

High

Suitability for Children

Medium

Ease of Transportation

Low

Level of Distress caused if left alone

High

Level of aggression

High

Other animal compatibility

Medium

Breeding & ownership

As these dogs are so large they do need a lot of feeding, especially as young dogs, and this can be quite expensive. The adult dog will not eat a vast amount of food once it is fully-grown.

Food Cost

Expensive

Average Puppy Price

Moderate

Other Expenses

A puppy will cost between $700 to $1000. This is a hardy breed, so veterinary costs should not be too high.

Grooming & showing

The grooming of this dog is relatively easy. The coat is short and dense with a thick undercoat and will only need brushing once a week. They will shed heavily during the molting seasons.

Grooming requirements

Once a week

Trimming required

None

Tendency to shed hair

Heavy

Show characteristics

The head is large with a strong muzzle; males have broader heads than the females. The muzzle has slightly pendulous lips and a black nose. The eyes should be set well apart and be golden to brown in color and are quite small in comparison to the rest of the head. The ears should be triangular and carried flat to the head. The neck is powerful, thick and muscular. They should be deep chested with well-sprung ribs. The forelegs are set well apart and are well boned, the hind legs are powerful and lighter than the forelegs. The tail should be carried low when relaxed and carried high and curled over the back when alert. The coat should be flat and lying close to the body. It should be slightly longer and thicker at the neck, shoulders and tail with no feathering on the ears or legs. They should be cream to fawn in color with a black mask and black ears.

Breed classification

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Herding group. Today it is still used by the shepherds of Turkey to guard flocks of sheep and goats.

Origin

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was once used for hunting lions and horses, now they are used for guarding flocks of sheep and goats in Turkey. They are an ancient breed that is regarded as a national emblem in Turkey.

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