The Anatolian shepherd dog (Turkish: Anadolu çoban köpeği) is a breed of dog which originated in Anatolia (central Turkey) and was further developed as a breed in America.[1] With acute hearing, exceptional eyesight, and the strength to take down wolves, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a superb guardian of his flock. The Cheetah Preservation Foundation are also using them in Africa to protect flocks from Cheetahs & Leopards so that the farmers don’t kill them off.
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I have been following the growth of Kofte from his owner. I treated their previous beautiful Mastiff who is with us no longer and suffered from elbow and hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injuries. Then along comes an even bigger and gorgeous Kofte. I haven’t come across any Anatolian Shepherds in my practice yet in Australia so I though this breed might be of interest to some of you out there.
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In owning such a large breed it is so important to care for them appropriately as they grow. Correct diet and exercises and management at home is vital to set them up for a long and happy life. I have advised Kofte’s owners to keep an eye on his weight and build up muscle stability and strength without impact in these early phases. Controlled walks on lead, swimming and gentle incline walking little and often are the best until they are fully grown. The underwater treadmill would be fantastic for this one to build muscle without adding impact. Be careful not to run/play ball too much as they are prone to developmental disorders such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia or cruciate ligament injuries down the track. We want them to grow big (which they will!) but strong and not suffer from arthritis down the track. Prevention is the key!
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Kofte is in gorgeous condition and much loved so I look forward to hearing good things and stories of long strolls on the beach at sunset!
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