If you’re looking for the perfect pooch to fill your home with love and loyalty, the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix doesn’t disappoint. This four-legged companion has a fearless personality, and their unwavering devotion to guarding those they love makes them truly remarkable.
But OK, we know what you’re thinking! You might be worried about their intimidating size.
Despite their imposing presence, these dogs have a gentle side as well. They are known to be patient and tolerant of children. Learn more about this gentle giant’s personality, care routine, diet requirements, and more.
Quick Facts: Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
Height
27 - 29 inchesWeight
80 - 150 poundsLifespan
10 - 13 yearsBreed Size
extra large (more than 100 lbs.)Breed Type
mixedBreed Group
companion, workingTemperament
gentle, protective, loyal, intelligent, confidentGood With
families, farmersIntelligence
highShedding
frequentExercise Needs
moderateBarking Level
highEnergy level
averageDrool Amount
lowCoat Type
dense double coat, short or longCoat Patterns
bi-color, brindleColors
fawn, white, brindle, blue fawn, liver, red fawn, gray fawn, biscuits and whiteOther Characteristics
cold weather tolerant, easy to train, high potential for weight gain, highly territorial, strong loyalty tendenciesAnatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Highlights
- The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix may be suitable for potential owners with prior knowledge of intelligent and robust breeds such as the Bully Kutta and Cane Corso Pitbull Mix. Nevertheless, these dogs can be quite persistent and need regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid becoming too frustrated or bored.
- One of the fascinating traits of this breed is their natural instinct to protect their territory. They are fiercely loyal to their family members and can be very wary of strangers.
- The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix is built to withstand even the harshest winter climates with a dense, double coat that provides superior insulation and protection from wind and snow. This breed is well-suited for life in colder regions.
- These pups are intelligent, independent thinkers who excel at problem-solving and are loyal to their families.
- The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix possesses a strong, sturdy structure due to its sizable and elongated physique inherited from both parent breeds.
- The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix will likely want to be assigned a duty to remain content, such as safeguarding your kids and livestock.
History
The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees is a mixed breed, hence lacking its own distinct lineage. Nevertheless, their parent breeds have attained significant popularity and appreciation in their own right.
Check out each of their history below.
Australian Shepherd
The origin of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog appears to date back to hunting dogs from Mesopotamia, suggesting a very ancient breed. Through the ages, they have been adapted to best suit their environment and responsibilities; this process was heavily impacted by factors such as duties, climate, and lifestyle.
This breed can be found in its homeland in Turkey, where it has traditionally served as a herder’s friend and guardian for livestock; it was selectively bred to share qualities with the farm animals so that potential threats would not be able to differentiate these shepherd dogs from their prey.
During the 1970s, breeders in Western countries began to exhibit increased interest in Anatolian Shepherds. They subsequently ignited a process by which landrace natural breeds could steadily be transformed into modern variants; this was achieved through various means, such as documenting origins from particular ancestors and forming breed standards that set forth requirements.
The first kennel likely arrived in America during the late 1930s, when they became part of a study that was intended to find what type of dog would make an exemplary sheepdog.
Great Pyrenees
It is believed that the Great Pyrenees descended from a collection of predominantly white mountain flock guard canines dating back to around 10,000 or 11,000 years ago in Turkey. This theory is further supported by the likelihood that these large white dogs were brought to the Pyrenees Mountains with their herdsmen and domestic animals dating as far back as 3000 BC.
In 1931, Mr. and Mrs. Crane imported a number of Great Pyrenees in an effort to establish the breed in North America with the formation of Basquaerie Kennels at Needham, Massachusetts; their dedication to the cause enabled the breed to remain robust and continue developing. They also acquired valuable breeding stock from Europe prior to World War II restricting access from the continent.
On February 1935, the American Kennel Club approved the official standard of the Great Pyrenees, more commonly called Pyrs. Described by its characteristics as a kind, intelligent and regal breed of immense size, Pyrs can be a strong addition to any home.
Appearance
This breed exhibits a tall, sturdy, and muscular build ideally suited to protecting livestock. It has a thick double coat with heavy shedding tendencies; its head is broad and strong, while its shoulders are well-developed. Additionally, it has a long tail that curves upwards when the dog is alert.
Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Size
On average, the mature male Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix can reach a height of around 29 inches, and the female stands at 27 inches. As for weight, an adult male typically ranges between 110 to 150 pounds, while females range between 80 to 120 pounds.
Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Colors
You can find the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix to have coats in the following colors: biscuits and white, brindle, fawn, blue fawn, gray fawn, white, liver, and red fawn.
Coat
These dogs usually have a double-layered coat in either short or long lengths; however, the thickness of their fur makes them appear bulkier than they truly are.
The extremely dense double coat is an excellent insulator, keeping the dog warm during freezing temperatures. However, this can also be a curse during scorching summers. They can get hot fast and suffer from heat stroke if you do not keep them comfortable during this time.
Personality
The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix typically exhibits high levels of intelligence and independent personality, possessing a certain level of dominance which is essential for proper functioning as livestock guardians. These animals fiercely protect their family and flock, taking the responsibility to guard their territory seriously. Additionally, they are notoriously vocal during the night hours, ultimately serving as an effective deterrent against potential danger.
This dog breed exhibits a stern disposition regarding unfamiliar persons, including those associated with its owner. Since they are guard dogs by nature, the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix is naturally vigilant towards those they do not know and may act reservedly at such times. When their owner is absent, this canine will take its protection duty seriously; therefore, it may deny access to even familiar acquaintances or extended family members.
Though exhibiting protective tendencies, they are also amiable, warm, and friendly to family members. At the same time, they possess a high capacity for training as long as their independent streak is kept in check. Therefore, it is essential that owners be both strong-willed and gentle to train them effectively; only consistent training can ensure successful obedience from this mixed breed.
Health
This is generally a healthy breed, although it can suffer from certain conditions common to many breeds, such as Obesity, Hypothyroidism, Elbow Dysplasia, and Hip Dysplasia. Other potential health concerns for this breed include Cataracts and Bloat. Note that the possibility of any or all of these diseases occurring with an Anatolian Shepherd cannot be excluded. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with them before purchasing or adopting one of these dogs.
Lifespan
On average, an Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix can live between 10 to 13 years. But remember that regular veterinary check-ups, exercise, and a healthy diet are key factors in ensuring your pup’s long life.
Care
This large, hardy breed should not be confined in dog cages and must never be chained up. While they can adapt to either indoor or outdoor living conditions, it’s important that their outdoor space is suitably safeguarded since their territorial instincts would cause them to protect against any unwelcome guests fiercely.
Introducing this breed to new environments, people, and animals early on is paramount to ensuring their comfort. As they boast noteworthy guarding instincts, it is especially important to set boundaries through obedience training.
Moreover, the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix demands an active lifestyle from its owner to maintain their mental and physical well-being. Daily walks and the occasional hiking can lessen the risk of obesity, boredom, and anxiety.
Diet
These extra-large dogs have big appetites. They can eat up to 15 pounds of dog food per week. So what should you be feeding your Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix?
As a breed developed for livestock guarding, this dog needs plenty of protein to maintain its muscle mass. Look for high-quality dog food brands with real meat as their first ingredient. Additionally, ensure the food is low in fillers and artificial preservatives that can harm your pup’s health.
Grooming
Owners of the Anatolian Pyrenees should understand that this breed requires considerable grooming and upkeep. The coat is made thicker due to the genetic features of its Great Pyrenees parentage, meaning that it should be brushed at least four times a week.
Regularly maintaining the Anatolian Pyrenees’ coat is critical to keeping it healthy. Brushing the coat should be done three times a week, and professional grooming should also be considered. In addition, it is essential to monitor the dog’s nails, teeth, and ears regularly in accordance with responsible pet ownership expectations.
Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Puppies
Proper socialization is a critical aspect of the growth and development of an Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix. Early exposure to unfamiliar people, places, and scenarios, when they are young will ensure your puppy becomes well-adjusted as an adult dog.
Also, frequently having guests over, bringing your dog to crowded parks and restaurants that permit dogs, and embarking on neighborhood walks could aid in the improvement of their social capabilities.
Children and Other Pets
The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix can rightly earn the reputation of a gentle giant. Its tolerance of small hands, upon proper socialization at an early age, makes it an excellent pet for children to interact with.
But while they are tolerant of children, they tend to be more content when there are no other pets in the family.
Rescue Groups
There are no specific rescues for this mixed breed, but you can find them in groups dedicated to Anatolian Shepherds and Great Pyrenees.
National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network
National Great Pyrenees Rescue
Great Pyrenees Rescue and Sanctuary
Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue
Great Pyrenees Association of California
Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix FAQS
Is the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix apartment-friendly?
The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix is historically associated with herding flocks, making them more appropriate for households with plenty of available space than apartments. As such, these breeds’ inherent qualities make them ill-suited to life in a restricted area.
Does the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix make a great working dog?
Yes, the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix is a fantastic working dog. Its strength, endurance, and intelligence make it perfectly suited for jobs like herding livestock or protecting property.
Does the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix shed a lot?
Their double-layered coat inherited from the Great Pyrenees parent breed means that owners should expect to see regular shedding all year round.
Are Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix good family dogs?
These dogs are known for their large size, which can be intimidating to some people. However, when it comes to family life, these gentle giants are excellent companions for families with children.
Does Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix bark a lot?
One thing to keep in mind if you’re thinking about adopting an Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix is that they bark a lot. This trait comes from their ancestry as working dogs. They were bred to be vocal so they could alert their human companions of any impending danger.
Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Fun Facts
- As a large breed, the Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix eats a lot.
- Female Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix dogs are more dominant than males.
- The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix thrives when they are assigned tasks.
References
Binge, E. N. (2017). Guarding dogs as a mitigation tool in human-wildlife conflict-case study: the Anatolian Shepherd Dog breeding project in Namaqua National Park (Master’s thesis, University of Cape Town).
Ogata, N. (2016). Separation anxiety in dogs: What progress has been made in our understanding of the most common behavioral problems in dogs?. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16, 28-35.
