I had one and I live in a terraced house in the middle of a small town, he was mostly lead walked as they are not the most obedient of dogs (plus most other dog owners would object to a dog that size bearing down on them to play!), but I walked him for miles over dockland/beach every day. He came from the same kennels of the dog that won BOB at Crufts. I would not hesitate to have another (or two!) in this house.

When I say they are not obedient I don't mean they are not capable of learning - just that they learn too fast and are too intelligent for their own good, this combined with the fact that they are very headstrong and think that they know best all the time can make them very frustrating dogs to own! They are bred to be independent and often don't always wait for 'commands' from their handlers/owners.

They don't really cover large distances. They are bred to sit on the hillside and 'guard' or watch over their stock. If something (like a bus) comes into their patch they will run alongside and escort it until it leaves their patch and the dogs next door will take over.

Most of the time they are laying/sitting surveying the area.

My boy was quite happy sitting around the house, I used to walk him for a half hour in the morning, then two hours most afternoons and half an hour round town at night. Not much different to what my GSD's got, except theirs was all free running because they were more obedient.

I would advise anyone interested in the breed to contact the breed rescue (Roz Carr). She will be very honest about the breed and has lots of experience of them. As gorgeous as they are they do not suit everyone.

If buying a pup I would definitely recommend going to a good breeder who has been breeding for a number of years. Don't just buy the first pup you see advertised. There are a number of cross breeds being advertised as pure 'Anatolians'. If you like the Karabash (black faced ones) then go to a breeder who breeds Karabash, not all 'Anatolian' breeders do (hence the variation in type).

They can be a very long lived breed so you have to make sure it is the breed for you - you will be stuck with them for quite a while!!!

If anyone wants more information about them you are more than welcome to pm me and I will try and answer any questions you have (or give you the names/phone numbers of people who can).......

Sue

The dog in the 3rd pic grabs my attention too for some reason...
A short haired live stock guard...dont seem to be many of those..

I really wouldn't worry - I liken them to Estrelas - bred to cover a lot of distance, crap off lead etc. but so laid back and lazy so it's not a major issue. So long as you are prepared to do plenty of walking (which I'm sure you are) you'll be fine!

The Seacop (karabash) type dogs are what I'm really interested in.

The exercise requirements won't be a problem, although not being able to let them off will be hard to get used to!

Their longevity is part of what attracted me to them, I do love large breeds but don't really like the health issues and short lifespan that often comes with the big size.

I've heard that they're quite chilled around the house, it's whether I could cope with a puppy working full time that will be the major sticking point. The pup would be in a crèche to start with and then left gradually once over 6 months old. I've just started a job in the Community which means I can pop home whenever I want and exercise the dogs which I think will be fine once the dog is an adult, but not something a pup could cope with.

You could always give Pat a ring, she is one of the most experienced people in the country with the breed and she is always happy to chat about them, she knows what dogs are available around the country, both rescue and for sale. I do know she has two five month old bitches at the moment, that she has had to run on from her last litter, sad to say but people are not taking on these dogs very much at the moment. She will also be able to tell you if there are any in rescue that may suit you (because they are a rare breed most of the dogs in rescue have their history/breeding known). The dog in my Avatar is one of her breeding.



Some people do let them off lead successfully, it depends on the area and how many other dogs there are around. An open moorland or beach where you can see around you is ideal. I know Roz Carr (breed rescue) lets hers off lead, she lives near Sellafield in the Lake District, this is what happened to one of hers a few years ago:

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/safe-but-bo...th=home/2.3320

They don't do things by half!!!



That is also what attracted me, my boy was healthy all his life and was nearly 14 when I lost him. He only ever saw a vet a handful of times (once when he stood on a wasp!!!).



They are quite chilled around the house, my boy did not even bark when the door knocked! People used to be really shocked when they walked in and saw this massive dog!

The pups can be quite a challenge, they are quite bolshy and very determined. If you start to play with them and then get tired and gently push them away, with a normal pup they would just walk off and find something else to do - a Karabash will come straight back at you and bark in your face!!!!

I like this video, I think it shows their temperament brilliantly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3AK50PotkQ

Sue

Both OH & I were astounded how just overall mammoth in the flesh they are, you assume they're going to be tall ect but they really are built like a brick s*** house ! Fantastic photos, a really nice breed. A whole lotta dog though!

Both OH & I were astounded how just overall mammoth in the flesh they are, you assume they're going to be tall ect but they really are built like a brick s*** house ! Fantastic photos, a really nice breed. A whole lotta dog though!