Anatolian Shepherds
Walkapaca Farm’s Suri & Akbar
About Anatolian Shepherds
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog which originated in Anatolia (central Turkey). The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is descended from ancient livestock guardian dog types that migrated with the transhumance, guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs. It is probable that dogs of this type existed 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Turkish-speaking people most likely brought these dogs to the area now known as Turkey about 1000 A.D. The dogs were called coban kopegi (shepherd dog), and over the centuries, regional variations or landraces developed.
Akbar & Suri at Work
In the 1970s, western breeders became interested in the dogs and began developing the landrace natural breeds as modern breeds, by documenting their descent from particular ancestors and writing breed standards. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was imported from central Turkey into Britain by author and archaeologist Charmian Hussey. Many Turkish breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Kangal dog and the Akbash dog.
Jeanie taking Akbar out with the herd.
Suri Standing Guard