Breed History
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is the primary working dog of Asia Minor and is used for its ability to protect livestock. The original Turkish name for the breed is "Comar" (chomar). The more commonly used Turkish expression, "Coban Kopegi" (choban kopeyi) literally means "shepherd dog." Instinctively protective, they are extremely courageous and highly adaptable to specialized training.

Since the Turk is prohibited from owning a rifle, the proven dog becomes his twenty-four-hour security system. To detect enemies, keen hearing, smell, and sight are basic requirements. The Anatolian's days are spent with the livestock, and if the livestock are corralled for the night, the dog then watches agricultural areas to deter bears and pigs from feeding there.

Turkish shepherd dogs are large. They are regarded more as workers than as pets. A farmer cannot afford to feed many. Dogs must justify the expense they represent. Since fences are uncommon, dogs must be intelligent enough to learn early that harassing livestock is wrong. Also, livestock at large must be guarded by something capable of overtaking a predator.

In 1968 , Lt. R. C. Ballard, USN, was sent to Turkey where he settled his family in the city of Ankara. Friends told him that a dog would be the best deterrent against thieves. Turkish acquaintances suggested buying a pup from a locally famous guard breed called the Anatolian Shepherd. From farmers of an ancient village, which had been in existence since the days of Alexander the Great, they purchased a six-week-old male puppy, a brown and white muff of fur. The puppy was the whelp of semiwild parents, who lived alone for months at a time in the rugged country surrounding the village, with only the sheep they were protecting as comrades. The Ballards named the puppy Zorba. The Ballards also purchased a second Anatolian, a puppy bitch named Peki. Thus the Anatolian's entrance into the United States began. In 1970 Zorba and Peki were parents.

The first Anatolian Shepherd Dog to be AKC registered is Keechi's Sandy Dusty "Dusty". Photo of her to the left, biscuit coloring, WP69124801, taken 3/11/96. Dusty is the dam of Cheyenne, our second Anatolian. Making Dusty the Great-Granddam of our 3rd generation of Anatolians. This year we hope to have our 4th generation and more Champions out of exceptional working/showing bloodlines!
Source: The Complete Dog Book, 20th Edition, Official Publication of The AKC
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