10 Reasons not to get an ASD

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10 Reasons not to get an Anatolian Shepherd
by Karen Massa

When I was on the rescue list it came to mind, after seeing the amount of rescues appearing, that people have no place to get the entire “truth” about this breed. NO ONE is posting the truth; there is nowhere to send anyone to read the real pitfalls. I am getting calls from uninformed people with statements like, “well, I saw the photo of them with the little chick, this is the breed for us” or “I saw on a website they are good with kids, my kids want one to play with and walk”! Someone needs to step up and take a stand for our breed and let people know. In reality they should see a photo of an Anatolian MAD and hair raised, teeth gleaming— this could change their minds pretty rapidly!

It took me 5-1/2 years and working with rescue to realize the problem. I am at a loss about how to inform the public and stop the vast amount of rescues now appearing. This is what came to mind during this time, and I have written the 10 reasons not to get an Anatolian. There are more than 10, but these seemed to be the problems most are having with this breed. I cannot handle seeing all the rescues happening before me and just sit around and watch.

In no way do I profess to be any sort of expert on the Anatolian. No one is or ever will be, and it is not my intention to come across that way. We all are still learning every day. I only wish to relay what I have observed working with rescue and my experiences raising my own two Anatolians.

10 Reasons Not to Get an Anatolian Shepherd

If one thing is true about the Anatolian Shepherd Dog it is that they take life very seriously and do not view or react to situations as a Golden Retriever, Doberman or other large breed would. Their survival skills are keener, and they are still a very primitive breed, bred to protect livestock.

1. The Anatolian is always in a protection mode even though he does not appear so; everything is a threat until proven otherwise. They have no sense of humor concerning protection and cannot turn it on or off for the convenience of the owner. Since Anatolians are very territorial they can be barkers, especially at night. Their bark can be quite loud and hard to control.

2. Anatolians may not accept some friends or family members on your property. You should have locked gates when away to prevent people from entering. Most will not accept public workers, meter readers or trespassers on their property and may deal with them according to the perceived threat they present to the dog. The way they might deal with the threat may be shocking to the owner. If 911 is called, they may not be allowed to enter the property or house. It is impossible to “make” Anatolians accept these people if they do not wish to.

3. Anatolians will “challenge” their owner for leadership at some time. This is frightening to the owner and must be handled correctly and immediately. Physical force and the “wolf roll” are both ineffective and dangerous. Changing the dog’s thought pattern and reinforcing leadership with verbal controls can be effective, such as commanding a sit and down position when possible. If a challenge is not handled immediately, the dog may dominate you and be impossible to control. This challenge could be in the form of raising lips and showing teeth with hackles raised, a threatening growl, not letting the owner out of the house, and threatening the owner when the dog is corrected, all making the owner fearful of their own dog.

4. Anatolians can be impossible to contain because of digging or jumping. This can be managed with solid reliable or “creative” fencing and low voltage hot wire if necessary. They should never be allowed to run loose without fencing no matter what size the property. If off the home property, they should always be leashed, as they can be impossible to manage and very aggressive to passing dogs. Many have dragged their unsuspecting owner like a rag doll behind them, trying to attack a dog while walking, even after heavy socialization.

5. Anatolians can be great creative excavators, carving livable tunnels or caves into your property or giant holes to lay in above ground.

6. Anatolians shed profusely and can do so in all seasons and all areas of the country with especially heavy periods in the spring in cold weather areas.

7. Anatolians can be aggressive to other dogs especially when on their own property. They must be formally introduced and then they still may not accept the dog. They may or may not accept a new adult dog into the family, especially of the same gender. Males generally do not tolerate living together, and many females do not either!

8. Many Anatolians, especially on ranches, will not tolerate cats, but if taught to they can possibly live in harmony with them. Their interaction with cats and other small pets must be handled with care and vigilance, never allowing them to give chase in play. You should not discipline your cat in front of the Anatolian, this may result in disaster when the dog tries to “help”!

9. Anatolians bore easily and therefore can become quite destructive if left alone with nothing to do all day. Their job must be well defined for them. They have a higher activity level early morning and early evening. They thrive on a daily “routine.” Crating all day is not advised at all.

10. Anatolians require more than average socialization for a longer period than other dogs. This can be very time consuming. Many owners are deceived because their Anatolian is so “sweet” when young, and they end socialization too early, feeling it has been accomplished. This is an ongoing process for two or more years minimum, taking your dog into various situations and encouraging good manners. This must be done with vigilance!

Karen Massa has a virtually inexhaustible willingness to help Anatolians and their owners.

Her tireless concern is an example to many of us.

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