Although Anatolian Shepherds are hardworking and tend to be natural guardians, they also tend to get along well with children and other animals that are part of the family. These dogs tend to have a calm and patient disposition and a friendly, loving personality towards their families.

Their protective instincts mean that they are naturally suspicious of strangers. This makes socialization and training early and often important to make sure they don’t become overly territorial. The other parent breed can throw some potential traits into the mix that could affect temperament, so it’s important to ask the breeder about them.

You can also meet the mother dog to get an idea of what sort of temperament you’re starting with in your puppy. But, it’s important to remember that once you get your puppy home, it’s up to you to continue socializing and training them so they grow up into a well-rounded dog.

The Anatolian Shepherd is moderately adaptable and is better suited to a home with a securely fenced yard. They have a high prey drive, which means they also have an urge to chase in addition to wandering and patrolling their property. Unless the other parent breed has traits that would affect these things, you can likely expect something similar in an Anatolian Shepherd Mix.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than their purebred counterparts? They can be sometimes, but it’s not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog can inherit any of the health conditions common to one, both, or neither of their parents. Because of that, you want to make sure you know about the other parent breed, so you know what potential things to be aware of.

For the Anatolian Shepherd, potential health conditions include sensitivity to anesthesia, entropion, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing on issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents.

Although Anatolian Shepherds are highly intelligent and pick up on things quickly, they also tend to be stubborn, independent, and strong-willed. This, paired with their hardworking nature and need to have a job, can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle.

The other parent breed may introduce traits that could make an Anatolian Shepherd Mix a better fit for first-time dog owners. But, again, this is not a guarantee. So, you should be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. These classes can be a great idea regardless because they often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy.

An Anatolian Shepherd Mix can inherit a coat similar to either of their parents or they can inherit one that is a blend of both. The grooming required will depend on the coat types of the parents and the potential combinations that are possible.

Should an Anatolian Shepherd Mix inherit the Anatolian Shepherd coat, they will have a dense double coat. They will shed moderately with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Weekly brushing, brushing more often during seasonal shifts, and bathing as needed are usually sufficient to care for this type of coat.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Anatolian Shepherd Mix’s ears, nails, and teeth. Weekly checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Cutting your dog’s nails monthly is usually enough, but if they grow quickly then you may need to trim them more often.

Just as your teeth and gums need care, your dog’s do as well. But, many owners overlook dental care for dogs. This is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, you can help prevent painful dental disease later in life.

The Anatolian Shepherd needs daily walks, some time to run or extra activity, and a job to do to be happy and healthy. They tend to run a more moderate energy level and should only be let off-leash in secure areas.

If the other parent breed is also a moderate energy dog breed, you should be able to expect a similar energy level in an Anatolian Shepherd Mix. If the other parent breed has a different energy level, you will want to make sure you are prepared for a dog that could fall anywhere in that potential range.

An Anatolian Shepherd is large dog breed that is 27-29 inches tall and 80-150 pounds when fully-grown. The other parent breed may affect this, so it’s important to ask the breeder about them and pay attention to which breed is the mother. You can also meet the mother dog in person to get an idea of potential size. It’s not a guarantee, but it is a start.

Anatolian Shepherds tend to live 11-13 years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar life span in an Anatolian Shepherd Mix.