Anatolian Shepherds originated in Turkey and were bred to guard the livestock for over a thousand years. The shepherd is extremely agile and fast going from a resting position to approximately 30 miles per hour in mere seconds. The dogs instinctively guard their flock with warning, escalating barking to an attack if a predator poses a threat. If the dog is barking it is for the reason that a predator has been detected and is nearby. The dogs start actively patrolling the fence lines of our pastures at dusk when predators, such as coyotes, dog packs, etc., are most active. Since we have used them on our farm we have not lost one goat, chicken or even a barn cat to a predator.

    The Anatolian Shepherd is an instinctive guardian dog. The 2007 puppies that you see below were born in the barn and as soon as they opened their eyes they saw that Boer Goats were their herd. The shepherd, if raised as such, can make a wonderful family dog because the family to whom it belongs becomes its herd which it will guard from harm. The dogs are highly intelligent, strong, agile and instinctively  alert for any sign of danger whether it be from a bird of prey, coyote or some other predator. They are amazing to watch at work. Just prior to the birth of the puppies the shepherds detected and killed a coyote in one of the pastures that had gotten past the fence line and bottom strand of barbed wire.