Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog - Anadolu Çoban Köpegi is the Western term used to describe the indigenous livestock guardian dogs from the historical region of Anatolia, known today as modern Turkey . The term 'Anatolian' is a geographical reference, used by Western Kennel Clubs (ANKC, AKC, FCI, KC) to describe the collective Çoban Köpegi of Turkey, and to reflect their development as a landrace. Evolving over millenia, the Çoban Köpegi (Anatolian Shepherd Dog) is a dog of great size and stamina - its hardy physical constitution reflecting that throughout its ancient lineage, these dogs were bred to work while withstanding extremes in climate and terrain.

In its homeland, the Çoban Köpegi protects flocks and serves as shepherd's companion. On the high Anatolian Plateau, where summers are hot and very dry and winters are cold, the Çoban Köpegi lives outside all year round. For centuries it was used as a combat dog in war and for hunting. It was particularly valued for the victorious battles it could fight with wolves. As a sheepdog, it was bothered by neither fatigue nor bad weather. Today the Çoban Köpegi is still used as a sheep dog as well as a guard dog.

The Çoban Köpegi of Turkey is registered as Çoban Köpegi (Anatolian Shepherd Dog) Breed Standard No. 331 under the F.C.I. and ANKC Australian National Kennel Council and Anatolian Shepherd Dog under the AKC American Kennel Club and UK Kennel Club.