Photo: Dfence · CC BY-SA 3.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Anatolian Shepherd: Turkish Livestock Guardian
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Turkey
- Height
- 71 cm
- Weight
- 40 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 years
The Anatolian Shepherd, also called the Kangal Shepherd Dog or Turkish Kangal, is a traditional Turkish breed. It was developed as a large livestock guardian. Recorded height is 71 cm, weight is 40 kg, and life expectancy is 10 years. Its coat ranges from pale fawn to wolf gray and includes a black mask.
What it is
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog from Turkey. It is also known as the Kangal Shepherd Dog or Turkish Kangal.
Its traditional job is guarding livestock. The breed name comes from Kangal town and district in Sivas Province, in central Turkey. See more dog breeds from Turkey.
Getting started
Begin with the breed’s working purpose and size. It was developed as a livestock guardian and is recorded at 71 cm in height and 40 kg in weight.
The coat may be pale fawn or wolf gray, and it always has a black mask.
Strengths
The Anatolian Shepherd has a clear traditional role as a livestock guardian.
Its Turkish origin and Kangal name give it a distinct regional history.
Catches
This is a large breed, so check that its size suits your home and setting.
Coat color varies from pale fawn to wolf gray, but the black mask is a defining feature.
Pricing
No purchase price or plan information is provided here.
Who should skip it
Skip this breed if you are not looking for a traditional livestock guardian. You can compare other options in dog breeds.
Verdict
Choose the Anatolian Shepherd if its Turkish livestock-guardian background matches what you need from a dog.
Look elsewhere if you want a breed selected for a different original purpose or a smaller recorded size.
What stands out
- Traditional livestock-guardian role
- Origin and history tied to Turkey’s Kangal district
- Coat ranges from pale fawn to wolf gray
- Always has a black mask
Worth knowing
- Large recorded size may not fit every setting
- Its original role is specific to livestock guarding
- Coat color variation may not match every preference
Suits
- People seeking a Turkish livestock guardian
- Readers comparing breeds by origin and working purpose
Think twice if
- You want a smaller dog
- You are not looking for a livestock-guardian breed
In short
The Anatolian Shepherd is a Turkish livestock guardian with a well-defined historical role. Its recorded measurements describe a large dog: 71 cm tall and 40 kg, with a life expectancy of 10 years. The breed is also identified by its Kangal names and its coat, which ranges from pale fawn to wolf gray with a black mask. It makes the most sense for someone specifically seeking this type of working dog and its regional history, rather than a breed chosen for another purpose.
Questions
What is the Anatolian Shepherd also called?
It is also known as the Kangal Shepherd Dog or Turkish Kangal.
Where does the Anatolian Shepherd come from?
The breed comes from Turkey. Its name refers to Kangal town and district in Sivas Province, in central Turkey.
What was the Anatolian Shepherd bred to do?
It is a traditional livestock guardian dog.
How tall is an Anatolian Shepherd?
The recorded height is 71 cm.
How much does an Anatolian Shepherd weigh?
The recorded weight is 40 kg.
How long does an Anatolian Shepherd live?
Its recorded life expectancy is 10 years.
What colors can its coat be?
The coat varies from pale fawn to wolf gray, and it always has a black mask.
More dog breeds from Turkey
Photo credits4 photographs on this page
- Anatolian Shepherd — Dfence · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Akbash — Jerry Kirkhart · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Kangal Shepherd Dog — friend of tr:Onur1991 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Zerdava — Annwfwn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.