Strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal, some dogs are born to protect and show unwavering devotion to their humans. Among such breeds, two of the most famous dog breeds are the German Shepherd and the Anatolian Shepherd. Although they have somewhat similar names, but a lot different in their appearance, temperament, energy levels, and overall personality.
The German Shepherd is globally known for its versatility and intelligence. Agile, eager, and thrives on human companionship. It excels in the environment where daily exercise and mental stimulation are a part of everyday life. On the contrary, the Anatolian Shepherd is reserved, calm, and highly territorial. It does not demand much attention and is a low-maintenance dog as compared to a German Shepherd.
This comprehensive analysis will enlighten you about the differences between the two from many aspects, such as appearance, exercise needs, temperament, grooming, etc. Moreover, it will also tell which one to keep at home according to their overall personality.
German Shepherd vs. Anatolian Shepherd
We will explore the main areas of difference in detail:
Physical Features
German Shepherd is a German origin, purebred, medium-to-large, athletic, well-balanced dog with a weight of 75-97 pounds, and a height of 22-26 inches. Whereas the Anatolian Shepherd is also a purebred dog that originated from Turkey, which is large, imposing, and powerful, known for strength and stamina. Its weight ranges from 80-150 pounds and 26-30 inches tall.
GSD has a strong wedge-shaped head and erect, alert ears, which show intelligence and agility. Interestingly, it is being admired for its big ears. It has a double-layered coat in black and brown.
But the Anatolian Shepherd has a broad head, sharp eyes that demonstrate a vigilant demeanor, and a double-layered coat that is thick and loose from the neck. It is also known as a Molosser-type due to a wide chest, large stature, and muscled legs.
Overall, the German Shepherd’s physique is a sign of responsiveness; however, its counterpart is a right dog for endurance, power, and intimidation.
Speed & Strength
German Shepherd is always known for their agility and speed. Its lean, muscular body allows it to move quickly and change speed easily. Amazingly, it can reach a speed of 30 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest breeds. It is exceptionally strong for its size.
Due to its strong jaws and neck, the biting strength is between 200 and 400 PSI. It uses strategic strength on human commands and chases the target well. On the other hand, the Anatolian Shepherd dog is not originally for speed but to stand on the ground and fight against serious threats. Its average speed is 22 miles per hour.
However, it has quite exemplary strength to overpower and deter predators like wolves and large animals. Its strong build and jaws allow it to use necessary force ranging from 700-750 PSI in comparison to GSD, which is enough to protect livestock and territory from intruders.
Exercise & Energy Levels
German Shepherd is a high-energy, highly driven breed that thrives on both physical and mental stimulation. It requires daily structured exercise. According to Britannica, it can be walked but enjoys exercise that incorporates physical and mental challenges. It needs exercise of 1.5-2 hours.
If sufficient stimulation is not given, then it may become unreasonable, destructive, and bark excessively. Whereas the Anatolian Shepherd dog has medium energy levels. Unlike GSD, it does not need activity all the time and likes to be calm. It reserves energy to be used at the right time.
It typically needs 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, but it should not be intense. It does not tend to be in constant motion. Besides, it fulfils its need for mental stimulation from observation and guarding.
Training & Intelligence
Undoubtedly, the German Shepherd is regarded as one of the most trainable and intelligent dog breeds in the world. Owing to its high levels of intelligence, it learns commands quickly in a few repetitions. It excels well in obedience, protection work, service roles, police, and military duties. If one is looking for an obedient and crazy intelligent dog, then this is one of them.
In addition to this, GSD is also being used as a remarkable sniffer and for rescue work. Without regular training, it can become bored. Alternatively, the Anatolian Shepherd is also highly intelligent, but of course in a different way. As it was bred to guard livestock, it can make independent decisions due to its intelligence.
It becomes a lot more stubborn, which is part of its strong-willed personality. Training is needed to correct this, but repetitive drills and obedience training often fail to make it well-behaved. It can never become a blind obedient and does not like to follow commands. According to the American Kennel Club, its owner has to be a strong leader to deal with its dominant nature.
Socialization & living environment
German Shepherd is highly social and forms a deep bond with the family. It mainly thrives on human interactions and is affectionate with them. When socialized from a very early age, it behaves well with strangers, children, and other pets. It can live in apartments and homes with small yards.
On the contrary, the Anatolian Shepherd dog has a highly reserved temperament and calm dog breed. It likes to be alone and indifferent to strangers. It is also intolerant of other animals entering its territory due to its herding instincts.
However, socialization is still needed to keep it stable around unfamiliar people. It cannot live in apartments as it makes it stressed, but thrives well in a home with medium to large yards.
Coat grooming needs
German Shepherd is blessed with a dense double coat, which is made up of a thick undercoat and medium-length outercoat. It sheds continuously throughout the year. Interestingly, it is also known as “heavy shedder”. It has medium to high grooming needs.
Requires brushing twice or thrice a week. Regular grooming also aids in the distribution of natural oil evenly to keep it shiny and healthy. Conversely, the Anatolian Shepherd also has a double coat, but shorter and low maintenance as well.
Its coat naturally repels dirt and debris. But can be a high shedder during shedding season. Brushing once or twice a week is enough to keep its coat healthy. Overall, its grooming is minimal and simple.
Health & Lifespan
The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 10-14 years. However, it can vary depending on genetics, diet, and exercise. It is prone to many health issues, and one of the most notorious conditions is elbow and hip dysplasia.
Moreover, it is also prone to neurodegenerative conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy. On the other hand, Anatolian Shepherd lives on average from 11 to 13 years. It is also predisposed to certain health conditions if not taken care of properly.
Due to its heavy size, it is vulnerable to hip dysplasia if overfed or overexercised. Some individuals of this breed may suffer from entropion (an eyelid condition). Furthermore, can be susceptible to bloating if feeding is not managed.
Are German Shepherds and Anatolian Shepherds good for family Protection?
When it comes to protecting the family, both are quite adamant, but in a different way. Since it has a deep connection with the family, it is courageous and responsive to threats. It is a good guardian, and its alert demeanor never hesitates to retaliate.
However, with socialization and training, it can distinguish between strangers and normal visitors. Such traits make it a reliable protector. While Anatolian Shepherd is way ahead when it comes to protection due to its territorial and protective instincts.
It is loyal to the family, and its deep bark and threatening appearance do not let the intruder come near the territory. It is stated by PetMD that it is loyal to both its families and flock. It does not get along with the frequent visitors and cannot do well in a home with frequent guests.
Conclusion
All in all, the comparison between German and Anatolian Shepherd highlights the general traits, temperament, and overall nature of both breeds. GSD stands out in its intelligence, agility, and speed. It likes to be with humans and demands daily mental stimulation.
It is a good guardian and a great companion. Nevertheless, it suffers from various health issues that need to be managed in a timely manner. While its counterpart, the Anatolian shepherd, is not that friendly due to its different instincts. It likes to be calm and does not have much speed like GSD, but is blessed with exemplary strength and endurance.
It likes to be independent and does not require much exercise. It is a prudent protector and goes an extra mile to make the danger flee. One can have any of the aforementioned breeds depending on their lifestyle and temperament. Both outshine in their own way, and any of them can be a great pet.
