HOW ARE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERDS AS LIVESTOCK GUARDIANS?
The Anatolian is a slow maturing breed and the newly acquired puppy is not an instant livestock defender. A puppy needs to learn the rules, and develop enough size and confidence to protect himself before he or she can be a reliable guardian. Some pups will show guardian behavior at 3 to 6 months, but they will command more respect from trespassers and predators once they are at least 8 months old. Confidence increases with maturity. The mature stock guardian of 3 years or more is a valuable asset to the farm and is sometimes considered priceless. The occasional pup within any litter of successful guardians may not be able to perform the work of its heritage, due to a behavioral idiosyncrasy, incorrect training or another reason, such as unsoundness. Pups from import, working, companion and show litters are equally likely to be excellent working dogs at maturity. A major reason for failure for the dog to guard livestock is usually due to the dog being turned into a pet and being given
