Sunday, July 6, 2008

I love Anatolian Shepherds

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog from Anatolia (central Turkey) and bred for guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs[1].

Wikipedia.com

As you know, my dog Elvis is an Anatolian shepherd. Moms dog Lily is Elvis's daughter. I am getting so sick with worry because Elvis is at least 5 or 6 now and with his weight hovering 200lbs his life span is limited.This is Elvis with a young cow.
With the summer heat so oppressive her in Texas, Elvis spends many an afternoon sleeping on our slate floor under a ceiling fan. Yep, he is spoiled rotten but hey, he didn't ask to be raised in Texas! The breed originated in Turkey.

The breed's ancestors most likely migrated to the area now known as Turkey about 1000 A.D. with Turkic-speaking people, although it is probable that dogs similar to this existed at least 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Over the centuries, regional variations began to develop, although the dogs were collectively known as coban kopegi, i.e. "shepherd dog". In the 1970s, western breeders became interested in the dogs and developed standards for the regional breeds; the Anatolian is one of those breeds, coming from central Turkey. They were originally imported into Britain by author Charmian Hussey.
by Wikipedia.com

I so want to have a puppy by Elvis to keep when he is in his advanced years. I would like to rescue one as well. I will end up rescuing a dog instead of breeding Elvis because it is the right thing to do. Besides, just because you have his offspring does not guaranty they will be the same lover dog he is. I am a firm believe in rescuing animals in lieu of buying from puppy mills. Elvis actually came from a farm that "accidentally" ended up with a litter when their new $1700 pure bred Anatolian Pup bred their Pyrenees/Anatolian dam.

They sold the pups for $100 each. Best money I ever spent.
My mom could go on for hours with stories about Lily. She is quite the celebrity in her neighborhood.

 

10 comments:

Evergreen loves Kilroy said...

They're such beautiful dogs. I had no idea what Anatolian Shepherds were until now, so thanks for sharing.

We've got an Australian Shepherd mix and a German Shepherd/Rottweiler (spelling?) mix. They're also very loving and sweet (spoiled) dogs. :)

Jean9 said...

Wow when you put Elvis next to the baby cow he is huge! Very very handsome guy though.

Karen and Gerard said...

What great looking dogs. I love the picture of you on the swing with him on your lap!!

Vikki North said...

Elvis and Lily are both amazing and absolutely gorgeous. I totally agree with you on rescue animals.

Does Elvis like the water (go swimming) ?
Vikki

Jules said...

Kilroy~ Thanks for visiting!!
I used to have an Australian Shepherd. He was such a sweet boy.

Jean! Elvis is gi-normous! he is so sweet and gentle tho. Thanks for dropping in!!

Karen~thank you! That picture is of Mom and Lily. Elvis does climb on the couch sometimes when he is lucky enough to be let inside. Only thing that can fit on my lap is his big head! hahah

Vikki~ Thank you so much. They are beautiful animals for sure. Yep Elvis loves the water. He doesn't actually swim, just romps in the shallow and stands where his belly is cool!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful dog. I don't believe I've ever seen one before, very pretty!

Anonymous said...

I would still love to have one myself, but need to not be feeding all these growing boys to afford it! :))) Elvis is a very sweet and loving chap!

Jean9 said...

Hey Jules, just cruising through and wishing you a good day!

Anonymous said...

Hey Jules, I love the pictures. I get very attached to our dogs and animals around here too.
Have a great week.

Jules said...

Hidy hidy Jean....can't wait till my order gets here. I will post pix on my blog! heheheh

Christi~ girl I hear ya. These dogs can eat!! Dang.

Lynne~ I had never seen them before I bought Elvis. I'm so glad I have him. He is sleeping on the living room floor as we speak. poor spoiled thing.

Hey gafarmgirl! Thanks for dropping by. I can't believe you find the time!! You make me tired every time I read all you do in a day! heheheheh