Last Updated on September 20, 2023
It is true that the Anatolian Shepherd and the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) are quite different in many ways however, they share some slight resemblances between them. If you’re trying to decide between the two breeds, their huge variety of differences will make the decision simpler for you!
It is said that the Anatolian shepherd is an individual who doesn’t need any human interaction. He can be quite content with the company of his family in his backyard with a long, yet easy, walk or two walks a day. If it’s a shepherd you’re looking for This guy is among the top and even the most effective! Beware, he’s determined and needs a powerful master to guide him.
It is not to be mistaken for the American Bulldog, the ABT is a friendly dog who is a lover of human interaction. is not able to live without it! However it will offer endless enjoyment for your entire family. The pocket rocket needs intensive activities for keeping his brain busy However, all in all, he’s an easy-going dog that is fun to be around.
Breed History
Knowing a dog’s history often helps to understand the needs of their current. This is certainly the case with the two dogs.
Anatolian Shepherd
It is the Anatolian Shepherd, also called a Kangal dog according to the AKC in the US It is a breed that originated of the Asian precinct in Turkey and was developed to serve as an sheep guardian. The region is famous for its scorching hot and dry summers, followed by snowy winters that are sub-zero and all that the Anatolian is able to handle.
Anatolian Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd first came to America in the 1930s, however, his popularity grew as an farm animal during the 70s, when the Lieutenant Robert Ballard brought a pair of Anatolians back from Turkey and then bred his first litter of puppies to work on his farm.
They were able to excel at protecting sheep flocks from Wolvesby infuriating them instead of fighting. Since when the Endangered Species Act which protects Wolves was introduced, they have been the preferred canine for employment in ranches.
They also have proved beneficial in the Namibia Cheetah conservation efforts for the same reasons. His brutal methods of intimidationmethods eliminate the necessity of killing predators.
Anatolian Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd was also crossed with an English Mastiff to create an American Mastiff. They were bred into that breed to give a more streamlined lip line than the standard English Mastiff.
American Pitbull Terrier
The APBT’s forefathers were specially-bred combat breeds that came from England, crossed between Bulldogs and Terriers. The sport was banned by the government of England in 1835, immigrants brought the dog to America and continued to fight against him. In America where an APBT APBT was born, through breeding the largest and most powerful fighting dogs , they created the strongest combat dog of all.
This is the main reason why the APBT has an negative reputation that he enjoys. Since the sport was banned, the APBT has been bred as companionship dogs and herders. The APBT is referred to by some people, the Pitbull’s original Pitbull.
He is one of the four breeds that are included in the umbrella term “Pitbull”; the other breeds include the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as well as American Bully, all of which differ in a few ways. They are frequently mistaken for other breeds such as Dogo Argentino. Dogo Argentino.
The APBT has crossed with a variety of breeds, some intentionally and others just out of the blue. Some of these hybrid breeds are boxer/pit mix, the husky/pit crossbreed and pits crossed with a mastiff.
Appearance
Anatolian Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd is a big-sized dog that can stand at least 32 inches in height, and weighs as much as 150 pounds. The Anatolian Shepherd comes in eight shades, but the most well-known color is black with fawn markings. The black markings are typically located around his snout and ears.
The coat is available in two lengths medium or medium-long as well as being rough the feel. Due to his fur and his weight, he doesn’t appear very muscular. The tail is quite long and usually hangs down. However, when the animal is in a state of alert, his tail will rise up and curl just like the pinwheel.
The APBT is quite different in appearance. It is an large dog and is shorter , ranging from 21 inches and weighs smaller than 65 pounds that is reduction of 43% in body mass. He is also slimmer and, as a result, his muscles are prominent.
He is available in an extensive variety of colors, far more than Anatolian and can have a different nose color and eyes as well. The coat of his is thin and hard to the touch and extremely shiny. Sometimes, his ears are cut to match the traditional style of his life. However they could be left as the natural drop ears.
Temperament
Anatolian Shepherds aren’t known for their love, but the affection that he has is primarily directed towards the person is the one he considers his master as well as other members of the immediate circle of his family.
In addition, since the dog doesn’t view small animals, even small children as part of the family, he’s not very welcoming of them, even if he is accepting any of them. This is why they’re said to be not the ideal pets for households with young children, or any other animal or if you want to raise pets with one another.
The APBT, however, is an extremely social dog who is a lover of companionship and is a great pet for all members of the group and for strangers too. This is why the APBT is believed to be a very dangerous guard dog, while the Anatolian is an natural protector, is a fantastic guard dog. The APBT is extremely sensitive and protective of the children of his family which is the reason they call him the “nanny dog”.
Anatolian Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd is very independent and is able to guard the sheep’s flock without human guidance. This is completely contrast to the Pitbull who would rather be with people and is unable to function with a lack of human interaction.
Exercise
The Anatolian Shepherd requires approximately sixty minutes of physical activity every day. This could include long-distance walking since he doesn’t require the most intense, or even any workout. The Anatolian would like a big space to roam because of his past of wandering in the wild.
It is essential to have a secure yard with a very sturdy and strong fence because this tiger is known to leap over walls easily, and will leave the house at sunset seeking an animal to protect! This is why it’s also essential to keep your dog on a leash at all times.
The APBT requires an hour of exercise every day, but the APBT will require slightly more intensive exercise. Walking him for an hour every day is not enough for this guy! Games like frisbee and tug-of-war do not just physically exhaust him but also provide him with an opportunity to get the psychological stimulation that he requires.
Training
The two breeds of dogs are smart dogs who are determined to be pleasing to their masters and, as such, they both love being trained. Both breeds require an early introduction to socialization and constant training. Socialization is essential to help the puppy understand that animals, humans as well as any other unfamiliar surroundings should not be considered a threat. So, they can grow to be well-behaved and balanced puppies.
Of of course, if you look at forums for dogs online and read about the experiences from Anatolian dog owners differ, and most say they believe that Anatolians are very social and tolerant of other animals and human beings. It all depends on how well you interact with them and teach them.
This contradictory opinion is also evident on a variety of forums, with many of which suggest that APBT’s are violent, however if you look over parent forums, you’ll soon realize that they’re among the most gentle breeds. It all boils down to the way you raise them..
What’s different, however what is different what is different, however, Anatolian Shepherd is not for those who are new to dog ownership. If he’s not socialized extensively at a young age, it is believed that he will not be able to accept other pets in the household. If he’s not socialized with other humans apart from the familial unit , it’s likely that he will be shy or even aggressive when it comes to other human. He requires a strong-willed leader who will not relent, and the ability to obey is essential.
Health
Anatolian Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd is estimated to be between 11-13 years The APBT is slightly older between 12-16 years old..
Both breeds are known to be suffering from hip Dysplasia,and they are both required to undergo tests for it through their own National Breed Club. Hip Dysplasia is a faulty development in the joint of the hip, that can cause crippling arthritis.
The other health issue that he’s examined to detect is Cerebellar Abiotrophy. This is a condition where the brain part that regulates balance and coordination has been damaged and he has difficulty with his mobility. It’s also believed to impact his cognitive abilities.
Anatolians are also susceptible to Ankyloglossia. Anatolian is also prone to Ankyloglossia that is called ‘ tongue tie.’ This will be evident in the puppy when he’s born, since the infant will have difficulty sucking and swallowing, and then his tongue will take an ‘W’ shape W and become connected on the top of the mouth. It can be treated successfully by surgery.
Anatolians are also sensitive to anesthesia. Anatolian can be susceptible to the effects of anesthesia So make sure you inform your Veterinarian of this when you need to bring him to see a doctor The vet will likely be aware, but since the Anatolian isn’t a typical breed, it’s better to be cautious rather than not be.
Nutrition
Both are alike in that they each require roughly the same amount of food each day. The Anatolian needs 3 cups of food per day while the APBT needs 2 1/2 2 1/2cup of meals every day. The Anatolian is significantly bigger than the APBT however the APBT is much more efficient in its metabolism.
Both of them are at risk of overweight, however make sure you don’t overindulge in the snack. Both of them will do great with a premium snack for keeping them in top condition.
Grooming
It is believed that the Anatolian Shepherd requires much more grooming than the APBT, as the APBT is a breeze to take care of in terms of grooming! The APBT only requires one brush every once a week for keeping his coat looking fresh and healthy , and to get rid of any dead hair might be present.
However, the Anatolian due to his more rough and longer fur, is required to be brushed at least 3 times per week to prevent the fur from clumping and becoming difficult to manage. The Anatolian also sheds heavily two times every year. During the time of shedding it is beneficial for him as well as your family members to clean him daily.
Similar to the other they are only required to bathe once every 2 to 3 months. If they are dirty, whether protecting flocks or playing, then bathe them whenever you need to. Be sure to not bathe more frequently than once every six weeks, or you risk harming the natural oils in their coats!
Price
It is worth noting that the Anatolian Shepherd can be much more costly in comparison to the APBT. It is possible to spend anywhere between 1,000 and $1500for an Anatolian Shepherd puppy from an established breeder, whereas the Anatolian Shepherd will cost somewhere between $1000 and $800.
If you’re looking for an active Anatolian and prefer that the breeder is from a highly sought-after bloodline and you are willing to expect to pay as much as $4,000. In the same way, if you’re looking for an APBT that is with a specific bloodline or are looking for specific color, then you could anticipate paying more.
Final Thoughts
In the end, both two men are essentially the same on the surface. They are both independent. Anatolian is an individual who loves counting sheep, literally! The APBT, on the other hand, is a playful and sociable dog who loves playing games with his loved ones.
Both of them have been on various prohibited or dangerous breed lists, so should you decide to adopt one of these dogs, look up the laws in your area to find out what it means to you. Don’t be deceived by these myths since many owners who have been in the business for years have expressed their displeasure with how false they are on different forums, as mentioned in the previous paragraphs.
Be sure to conduct your own research to determine if these men fit your needs and lifestyle. Make the effort to educate them both particularly the Anatolian or else, the Anatolian will choose to become the master of his own. If you can train them both effectively and properly, you’ll enjoy many years of high-quality canine companionship to come!