Elissa is a pure bred Antolian Shepherd that was resuced from a kill shelter by one of our wonderful folks at Pet Rescue by Judy.  We think that she was definitely used as a breeding mom and has has multiple litters of puppies.

 

She is two years old and is great with other dogs.

 

I think it's time this momma dog gets a break from breeding and finds a loving home where she can relax.

 

11/22 Volunteer Update:  I met Elissa for the first time yesterday - she is a beauty - a large girl but so very gentle and sweet.  She is very sad at the shelter and would love nothing better than a home to be in where she can just be loved.

 

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Anatolian Shepher Dog is native to Asia Minor. It protects flocks and serves as a shepherd's companion. On the high Anatolian Plateau, where summers are hot and very dry and winters are cold, the Anatolian Shepherd Dogs live outside all year round. For centuries the ancestors of the Anatolian Shepherd were used as a combat dog in war and for hunting. It was particularly valued for the victorious battles it could fight with wolves. As a sheepdog, it was bothered by neither fatigue nor bad weather. Today it is still used as a sheep dog as well as a guard dog. The Anatolian Shepherd is very closely related to the Kangal Dog and some people even declare all Turkish shepherd's i.e. the Kangal Dog, to be one breed, the Anatolian Shepherd, however the true Turkish Kangal Dogs are said to be a separate breed from the generic Turkish shepherd's dog. The isolated historical conditions of the Sivas-Kangal region has resulted in the development of the Kangal Dog as a distinct breed, which has been declared the National Dog of Turkey and a national treasure. The true Turkish Kangal Dogs are first and foremost still primarily working shepherds. The export of pure Kangal Dogs from Turkey has been controlled and now is virtually forbidden. The Kangal Dog Club of America continues to work to ease import restrictions. Imported dogs are considered to be extremely valuable for their potential contribution to the genetic pool in the United States. Anatolian Shepherds are not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This breed is very suspicious of strangers, and it is therefore necessary to provide a secure, fenced yard. This breed needs a lot of exercise. They do best when they can run free in their own fenced-in yard, but still need to go on long daily walks. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.