Discover the Heritage and Legacy of the Anatolian Shepherd

Origins and Ancient HeritageThe Anatolian Shepherd Dog, often simply called the Anatolian, is a large, ancient livestock guardian breed originating from the Anatolian plateau in what is now modern-day Turkey. This region, historically known as Anatolia, spans a vast area between Europe and Asia, encompassing diverse terrains from high mountain plateaus to arid plains, and has been a cradle of civilization for millennia. The breed’s roots trace back over 6,000 years to the Neolithic period, when migrating tribes from Central Asia introduced early mastiff-type dogs from the Himalayas as humans shifted from hunter-gatherer societies to animal domestication, including sheep, goats, and cattle.

anatoliandog.org Archaeological evidence, such as bas-relief carvings from the Babylonian and Assyrian empires around 2000 BC, depicts large, mastiff-like dogs in guardian roles, resembling the modern Anatolian in form and function.

anatolianshepherd.me These dogs are believed to descend from ancient war and hunting dogs of Mesopotamia, with influences from southern Mesopotamian sighthounds contributing to traits like long legs, a dry muzzle, and an aloof demeanor.