Did you know that the word Shepherd in Anatolian Shepherd Dog, a breed that hails from Turkey, translates to “shepherd’s dog” in its homeland’s language? And these canines weren’t just named as such for fancy reasons, but because of their job dating to around 2000 B.C as a critical companion to Turkish shepherds guarding flocks of sheep. Intriguing, right? If you’re considering bringing an Anatolian Shepherd into your family, you’re probably intrigued about their personality and temperament. Specifically, you might wonder, are they calm dogs?
While the prominent characteristic of these dogs is their protective nature, they sure do have a calm demeanor until duty calls and they have to spring into their protective roles. This calm behavior, however, is not a birthright to Anatolian Shepherds, it’s rather a trait cultivated through targeted training and socialization from puppyhood.
At this point, let me inject a quick and fun anecdote; Anatolian Shepherds are so calm that in Africa, they’re used to guard cheetahs! The Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, had the idea of training puppies of the breed to guard farming herds. Consequently, there were fewer attacks on the herds by predators. Having these dogs guard the flock meant that local farmers didn’t have to hunt these cheetahs in retaliation for losing their livestock, thus helping to save the wild cheetah population.
While we have established a basic answer to our original question, it’s important to unpack this a bit more for understanding why and under what circumstances an Anatolian Shepherd can become a calm pet. Learning about their temperament, training requirements, and exercise needs is critical to ensure a successful companionship.
Temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd
Essentially born for serious work, Anatolian Shepherds are known for their intelligence and independence. They’re serious, dignified, and loyal dogs that are devoted to their human families. Other words you could use to describe them are strong, resilient, and brave. However, being calm does not imply that these dogs are also easy-going or docile, they are extremely alert and instinctually protective.
But suppose you’re looking for a calmness that stretches towards a charming and playful demeanor with bountiful kisses and desperate tail wags. In that case, the Anatolian Shepherd may not be the right breed for you. These dogs have been bred for thousands of years to be livestock guarding dogs; they’re aloof and task-orientated.
Training Your Anatolian Shepherd
Effectively training an Anatolian Shepherd, which builds the foundation for their calm temperament, is no small undertaking. Extensive socialization from an early age is essential for these dogs. That means exposing your Anatolian Shepherd puppy to all sorts of people, sights, sounds, and experiences to help him develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. By including socialization in your training, the dog learns what is a threat and what’s not.
Remember, you’re essentially working with a canine that had been bred to think on their own, away from human instruction. To train an Anatolian Shepherd effectively requires patience, consistency, and a firm, yet gentle hand.
Exercise Needs of the Anatolian Shepherd
Like their human counterparts, dogs rely on exercise to stay emotionally balanced. A bored Anatolian Shepherd can quickly turn destructive. They require routine challenges both of the mind and the body to keep them calm. This does not necessarily mean you need to own a farm or a herd for your Anatolian, but a large yard would certainly be a plus. You can provide a suitable challenge for your pet through activities such as long walks, hiking, or even agility courses.
In conclusion, if you’re in search of a loyal, hardworking, and calm dog breed that would rise in the face of danger to protect you, then an Anatolian Shepherd may be the perfect choice for you. It’s essential, though, to remember that the tranquility they possess is paired with an acute sense of responsibility, intelligence, and courage. They require socialization, consistent training, and ample exercise to help nurture and maintain their calm demeanor. If you can provide for their unique needs, the Anatolian Shepherd is a devoted and calm companion that will be an exceptional addition to your home.
