I’ll never forget the morning my first Anatolian Shepherd, a magnificent male named Titan, refused to get up from his bed. He’d been slightly off for a few days—a little stiff in the mornings, a bit less enthusiastic about patrol—but I’d chalked it up to a hard week of activity. That morning, looking into his eyes as he tried and failed to rise, I realized I’d missed the signs of something far more serious. Emergency surgery revealed a ruptured cruciate ligament, complicated by early hip dysplasia neither of us knew he had.

That experience taught me something every Anatolian Shepherd owner needs to understand: these remarkably stoic dogs rarely complain until something is seriously wrong. Their ancient guardian heritage programmed them to hide weakness—showing vulnerability could have meant death from predators. It’s a trait that served them well on Turkish mountainsides, but it means we must be vigilant observers, catching problems before our dogs tell us through obvious suffering.

This guide covers the health conditions that most commonly affect Anatolian Shepherds, what signs to watch for, and how to maximize your dog’s chances of a long, healthy life. The good news? Anatolians are remarkably healthy for their size, with proper care often living 11-13 years. Knowing what to watch for helps ensure those years are quality ones.

Anatolian Shepherd Health Overview: The Big Picture

Compared to many giant breeds, Anatolian Shepherds are exceptionally healthy. Their 6,000+ year history as working dogs in harsh conditions selected for robust genetics—Turkish shepherds couldn’t afford veterinary bills, so only the strongest, healthiest dogs survived to reproduce.

According to the American Kennel Club, Anatolian Shepherds are considered a relatively healthy breed with few widespread genetic issues. However, “relatively healthy” doesn’t mean problem-free, especially as modern breeding and changing lifestyles introduce new considerations.

Hip Dysplasia: Understanding the Most Common Concern

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn’t form properly, leading to loose-fitting joints that grind rather than glide smoothly. Over time, this causes cartilage damage, inflammation, and painful arthritis.

In my experience working with large guardian breeds, hip dysplasia ranges from barely noticeable to severely debilitating—and the physical evidence on X-rays doesn’t always match the clinical symptoms. I’ve seen Anatolians with moderate dysplasia on radiographs run and play without apparent discomfort, while others with milder imaging findings struggled significantly.

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

• Difficulty rising from lying down, especially after rest
• Bunny-hopping gait when running (both rear legs move together)
• Reluctance to climb stairs, jump into vehicles, or navigate rough terrain
• Decreased activity level or reluctance to exercise
• Visible muscle loss in rear legs compared to front
• Swaying or wobbly hindquarters when walking
• Audible clicking sounds from hip area during movement

Prevention and Management

Hip dysplasia has both genetic and environmental components. You can’t change genetics after the fact, but responsible choices make a significant difference:

• Buy from health-tested parents—OFA or PennHIP evaluations should be standard for breeding dogs
• Control puppy growth rate—Large breed puppy food prevents overly rapid growth that stresses developing joints
• Maintain lean body weight—Every extra pound increases joint stress; obesity dramatically accelerates dysplasia progression
• Appropriate exercise—Avoid forced running, jumping from heights, and repetitive impact activities in puppies under 18 months
• Joint supplements—Glucosamine and chondroitin may help maintain cartilage health
• Non-slip flooring—Slippery surfaces force abnormal hip movements that worsen joint damage

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): The Emergency Every Owner Must Understand

Bloat is every giant breed owner’s nightmare, and for good reason. This condition can kill an otherwise healthy dog within hours, sometimes less. Understanding bloat isn’t optional for Anatolian Shepherd owners—it’s essential survival knowledge.

Bloat occurs in two stages. First, the stomach fills with gas and fluid (gastric dilatation). In many cases, it then twists on itself (volvulus), cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen while preventing the dog from belching or vomiting to relieve pressure. The twisted stomach rapidly becomes necrotic, toxins flood the bloodstream, and cardiovascular collapse follows.

Recognizing Bloat: Time Is Everything

Reducing Bloat Risk

No method completely eliminates bloat risk, but several strategies reduce it significantly:

• Feed multiple smaller meals—Two or three meals daily rather than one large meal
• Slow down eating—Use slow-feeder bowls or puzzle feeders for fast eaters
• Avoid exercise around meals—No vigorous activity for 1-2 hours before and after eating
• Elevated bowls—Evidence is mixed, but some studies suggest slight elevation may help
• Limit water gulping—Provide water throughout the day rather than large amounts at once
• Reduce stress during meals—Feed in calm, secure environments

Prophylactic Gastropexy: Consider the Surgery

Gastropexy is a surgical procedure that tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall, preventing the deadly torsion component of bloat. Many Anatolian Shepherd owners choose to have this procedure performed when their dog is already under anesthesia for spay/neuter. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that gastropexy significantly reduces mortality in at-risk breeds.

Discuss this option with your veterinarian. Many specialists recommend prophylactic gastropexy for all deep-chested giant breeds due to the life-threatening nature of GDV.

Elbow Dysplasia: The Other Joint Concern

While hip dysplasia gets more attention, elbow dysplasia affects Anatolian Shepherds as well. This umbrella term covers several developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint, including fragmented coronoid process, osteochondritis dissecans, and ununited anconeal process.

Signs of Elbow Dysplasia

• Lameness in front legs, often worse after exercise
• Stiff gait, especially after rest
• Reluctance to fully extend front legs
• Pain when elbow is manipulated
• Swelling around elbow joint
• Turning front feet outward when standing

Many Anatolian Shepherd owners don’t realize that front leg lameness in young dogs often indicates elbow problems rather than injury. If your Anatolian under 2 years old shows front leg lameness without obvious trauma, elbow dysplasia should be investigated.

Treatment depends on severity, ranging from weight management and anti-inflammatories to surgical intervention. Early detection and treatment produce better long-term outcomes.

Hypothyroidism: The Silent Metabolism Disruptor

Hypothyroidism—underactive thyroid function—is relatively common in Anatolian Shepherds, typically developing in middle age. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, so when it underperforms, the entire body slows down.

Signs of Hypothyroidism

• Unexplained weight gain despite normal food intake
• Lethargy, decreased activity, or exercise intolerance
• Coat changes: thinning, dullness, excessive shedding
• Skin problems: dryness, recurring infections, “rat tail” (hair loss on tail)
• Seeking warmth, cold intolerance
• Mental dullness or behavioral changes
• Slow heart rate

As an Anatolian Shepherd owner, I’ve seen hypothyroidism mistaken for “just getting older” or “slowing down naturally.” Because symptoms develop gradually, owners often don’t notice the change until it’s quite advanced. Regular thyroid panels as part of annual bloodwork catch this condition early.

The good news? Hypothyroidism is easily managed with daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. Most dogs return to normal energy and appearance within weeks of starting treatment, and medication is inexpensive.

Entropion: When Eyelids Turn Inward

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid (usually lower) rolls inward, causing eyelashes and fur to rub against the cornea. This creates constant irritation, pain, and potential corneal damage if left untreated.

Signs of Entropion

• Excessive tearing or eye discharge
• Squinting or holding the eye partially closed
• Red, inflamed tissue around the eye
• Rubbing or pawing at the face
• Visible inward rolling of eyelid
• Cloudy cornea (in advanced cases)

Entropion is usually present from puppyhood, though severity may change as the face matures. Mild cases in puppies sometimes resolve as the head grows; severe cases require surgical correction. If your Anatolian puppy shows persistent eye irritation, have a veterinarian evaluate for entropion.

Anesthesia Sensitivity: What Every Owner Must Tell Their Vet

This is a health consideration many Anatolian Shepherd owners don’t know about until it’s almost too late. Like several sighthound breeds, Anatolians often show increased sensitivity to certain anesthetic drugs, particularly barbiturates.

The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s likely related to low body fat percentages and differences in drug metabolism. Standard anesthetic protocols developed for other breeds can cause prolonged recovery, respiratory depression, or other complications in Anatolians.

Cancer: The Senior Dog Reality

Cancer affects dogs of all breeds, and Anatolian Shepherds are not exempt. While they don’t have the extremely elevated cancer rates seen in some breeds (like Golden Retrievers or Boxers), senior Anatolians do develop various cancers, including osteosarcoma (bone cancer), hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma.

Warning Signs of Cancer

• Lumps or bumps that grow or change
• Non-healing wounds or sores
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty eating, swallowing, or breathing
• Persistent lameness (especially with bone cancer)
• Lethargy or decreased interest in activities
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Difficulty urinating or defecating

Regular veterinary checkups become increasingly important as your Anatolian ages. Palpating lymph nodes, examining the mouth, and discussing any changes you’ve noticed at home helps catch cancers early when treatment is most effective.

Other Health Considerations

Ear Infections

Anatolian Shepherds’ folded ears create warm, moist environments where bacteria and yeast can thrive. Regular ear cleaning and inspection help prevent infections. Watch for head shaking, scratching at ears, redness, discharge, or odor.

Dental Disease

Like all dogs, Anatolians are prone to periodontal disease without dental care. The bacteria from dental disease can affect heart, liver, and kidney health. Regular dental checkups and at-home tooth brushing extend both dental health and overall longevity.

Obesity

While not a disease itself, obesity dramatically worsens nearly every other health condition. Overweight Anatolians experience accelerated joint disease, increased bloat risk, higher anesthesia risks, reduced heat tolerance, and shortened lifespans. Maintaining lean body weight is perhaps the single most impactful health decision you can make for your dog.

Preventive Health Care Schedule

Proactive care catches problems early when they’re most treatable. Here’s a recommended schedule based on AVMA guidelines adapted for Anatolian Shepherds:

Choosing a Healthy Puppy: Prevention Starts at Purchase

The healthiest adult Anatolians start as puppies from health-tested parents. Responsible breeders invest in screening their breeding dogs before producing puppies. For comprehensive guidance on the breed, explore our Anatolian Shepherd care guides.

Health Tests to Request

• OFA Hip Evaluation—Both parents should have fair, good, or excellent ratings
• OFA Elbow Evaluation—Normal rating for both parents
• Thyroid Panel—Normal results within the past year
• Eye Examination—CERF or OFA eye clearance

Breeders who don’t health test, or who dismiss testing as unnecessary, are gambling with your future dog’s health. The cost of health testing is minimal compared to treating preventable conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Living with an Anatolian Shepherd means partnering with a dog whose ancestors survived harsh conditions through sheer toughness. That heritage gives them remarkable resilience—but it also means they won’t always tell you when something’s wrong. Your role is being the vigilant observer they can’t be for themselves.

The health conditions we’ve discussed can sound overwhelming, but remember: most Anatolians live long, healthy lives with proper care. Buy from health-tested parents, maintain appropriate weight, provide regular veterinary care, and learn your individual dog’s normal behavior so you recognize when something changes. These steps maximize your chances of sharing 11-13 wonderful years with your guardian.

Titan, my first Anatolian, lived to nearly 13 despite his hip and cruciate challenges. With careful weight management, appropriate exercise modification, and good pain control in his later years, he patrolled his territory until nearly the end. That’s the Anatolian spirit—resilient, dedicated, unbowed by adversity. Give them the care they deserve, and they’ll give you everything they have.

For more information on caring for these remarkable dogs through every life stage, explore the trusted Anatolian Shepherd resources available throughout this site.