Monday, February 23, 2015

Puppies!

Mid-February brought plummeting temperatures that were cold even for a  Michigan winter.  In the midst of this cold spell, our farm welcomed a litter of twelve Anatolian Shepherd puppies.  Our female, "Turk", has been an impressive mother caring for them all.  The Anatolian is an all around impressive dog.

If you're interested in becoming an owner of one of these puppies, please visit our Anatolian Shepherd Dogs page.

Puppies at 1 day old (born on 2.17.15)




Puppies at 5 days old:




Puppies at 5 weeks:


A Little Information About Anatolian Shepherd Dogs

Anatolian Shepherds are first and foremost livestock guardian dogs and are known for their  strength, speed, and agility as well as their loyalty and love for their charges.  They originate from Turkey where they have been depended on for centuries as the primary flock guardian against predators.  They are very intelligent dogs that are gentle and loving to their families and flocks, and will fiercely defend them to ensure their safety.  While large in size - averaging between 100-140 pounds - they are built for agility and speed as well as strength, and are a trim, well muscled dog.




Anatolian Shepherds require a good amount of exercise and a firm leader who offers consistent training while the pup is young.  Their intelligence and independence that makes them excellent guardian dogs when mature also makes training and firm leadership essential while they are young.  This is a breed that requires a job to do and will be content when left to tend to their job.  They love to run and need a good amount of space outside to exercise.  They are also territorial and must be taught their boundaries, and will roam if a secure perimeter is not established. 

Our dogs have been raised and live with sheep, geese, and chickens.  These dogs have also been raised with our young children, and make great friends and protectors, though children who are unaccustomed to these large dogs may at first be intimidated by their size.  Raising a puppy around children, while under a watchful owners eye to ensure proper behavior, will ensure a life long companion and protector.   
*Rough housing or playing with pups aggressively is never advised as the dog must learn respect for humans, and due to their size and strength, even "playing" with a child could result in injury.*

Our dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the litter of pups will also be registered with the AKC.