Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Good Dogs? What Science Says

Last Updated: Nov 22, 2022

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Introduction to the Temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The are many descriptions of the temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog out there. However, most of these descriptions are difficult to verify or prove. They are based on mere speculations.

In this article, we will provide a factual description of the temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog based on solid scientific research. This will give you a better understanding of what you can expect from the Anatolian Shepherd Dog breed.

We obtained our description of the temperament of Anatolian Shepherd Dog by analyzing raw scientific data from The Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) database.

The C-BARQ dog temperament standard was developed by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. It is considered the gold standard for measuring the behavior of dogs.

Over the years, the C-BARQ study has collected data on the temperament of thousands of dogs of different breeds including the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

The C-BARQ study obtains its data by asking dog owners to score the behavior of their dogs on different behavior patterns.

The idea behind the C-BARQ study is that if it collects thousands of scores from thousands of dog owners on different aspects of dog behavior, a clear pattern will emerge on the temperament of different dog breeds.

The C-BARQ questionnaire measures 14 behavior aspects of dogs:

  1. Aggression towards stranger
  2. Aggression towards its owner
  3. Aggression towards other dogs
  4. How well they get along with other dogs
  5. Fear of strangers
  6. Fear of new things (new objects, unfamiliar loud sounds, etc)
  7. Fear of other dogs
  8. Separation anxiety
  9. Clinginess
  10. Trainability/ Stubbornness
  11. Prey drive
  12. Excitability
  13. Touch sensitivity
  14. Energy level

In this article, we will discuss the score of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog for each of these 14 characteristics. This will let you know the real temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

The summary table below shows the score of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog for the different behavioral characteristics.

High percentage scores close to 100 are bad. Low percentage scores close to 0 are good.

Behavior Score
Energy Level 9.4 percent
Stranger Directed Aggression 63.4 percent
Dog Directed Aggression 54.3 percent
Dog Rivalry 44.4 percent
Attachment Attention Seeking 41.2 percent
Separation Related Behavior 30.5 percent
Stubbornness 26.4 percent
Prey Drive 19.8 percent
Touch Sensitivity 19.3 percent
Nonsocial Fear 16.5 percent
Owner Directed Aggression 16.3 percent
Dog Directed Fear 12.8 percent
Excitability 11.7 percent
Stranger Directed Fear 10.2 percent

Note that with proper training, you can better your Anatolian Shepherd Dog`s temperament. To learn how to properly train your Anatolian Shepherd Dog, I highly recommend that you go through Dr. Ian Dunbar`s online dog training classes, which you can find here.

I learned most of the things that I know about training dogs by reading Dr. Dunbar`s books and watching his training videos. Dr. Dunbar`s dog training methods are for people expecting to own a puppy soon, new dog owners, and experienced dog owners.

Another helpful online dog training class that I recommend is this one. The class will teach you how to properly train your Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

See also our complete ranking of dog breeds from the `best` to the `worst` based on temperament.

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Aggressive Towards Strangers?

Dog breeds that are aggressive to strangers show hostile responses to strangers approaching or invading the dog`s or the dog owner`s personal space, territory, or home range.

Stranger-aggressive dog breeds are quick to show aggression to unfamiliar people.

Typical signs of moderate aggression in dogs include barking, growling, and baring of teeth. More serious display of aggression generally includes snapping, lunging, biting, or attempting to bite.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very much aggressive towards strangers.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very high for aggression towards strangers.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 12 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards strangers.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a stranger-directed-aggression score of 63.4 %.

Other dog breeds that are very much aggressive towards strangers just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Stranger-Directed-Aggression Rank Breed Stranger-Directed-Aggression Score
9 Chinese Shar-Pei 68.5 %
10 Chihuahua 67.8 %
11 Parson Russell Terrier 64.3 %
12 Anatolian Shepherd 63.4 %
13 Standard Schnauzer 63.3 %
14 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 62.9 %
15 Maltese 58.7 %

The dog breeds that are most aggressive towards strangers are the:

  1. American Eskimo Dog
  2. Dachshund
  3. Miniature Pinscher
  4. Dachshund (Miniature)
  5. Miniature Schnauzer

The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards strangers are the:

  1. Siberian Husky
  2. Greyhound
  3. Irish Wolfhound
  4. Samoyed
  5. Black and Tan Coonhound

Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the most stranger-aggressive breed to the least stranger-aggressive breed.

Temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Aggressive Towards their Owners?

Due to human effort over the course of many centuries, the dog has become a very domestic animal. Dogs have learned to live well with humans. As a result, dogs respect and love their owners. Nevertheless, some dog breeds are less respectful to their owners than some other dog breeds.

Owner-aggressive dog breeds show threatening or hostile responses to their owner or other members of the household when challenged, manhandled, stared at, stepped over, or when approached while in possession of food, objects, or toys.

A dog that is owner-aggressive shows its aggression by barking, growling, and baring of teeth. In extreme cases, these dogs can snap, lunge, bite, or attempt to bite their owners.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are somewhat aggressive towards their owners.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks average for aggression towards its owner.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 59 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards their owners.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has an owner-directed-aggression score of 16.3 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat owner-aggressive just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Owner-Directed-Aggression Rank Breed Owner-Directed-Aggression Score
56 Siberian Husky 16.5 %
57 Akita 16.4 %
58 Rat Terrier 16.4 %
59 Anatolian Shepherd 16.3 %
60 Pug 15.4 %
61 Pit Bull mix 15.2 %
62 Bichon Frise 14.9 %

The dog breeds that show the most aggression towards their owners are the:

  1. Pekingese
  2. Basenji
  3. Australian Silky Terrier
  4. Lhasa Apso
  5. Alaskan Husky

The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards their owners are the:

  1. Chinook
  2. Pointer
  3. Irish Water Spaniel
  4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
  5. Italian Greyhound

Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most aggressive to their owners to the ones that are least aggressive to their owners.

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Aggressive Towards other Dogs?

Dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs will direct aggressive threats or actions toward unknown or unfamiliar dogs.

A dog-aggressive dog will threaten or show hostile responses when approached by unfamiliar dogs

A dog that is dog-aggressive shows its aggression by barking, growling, and baring of teeth. In extreme cases, these dogs can snap, lunge, bite, or attempt to bite other dogs.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are quite a bit aggressive towards other dogs.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks high for aggression towards other dogs.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 45 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards other dogs.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a dog-directed aggression score of 54.3 %.

Other dog breeds that are quite a bit dog-aggressive just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Dog-Directed-Aggression Rank Breed Dog-Directed-Aggression Score
42 Maltese 55.9 %
43 Yorkshire Terrier 55.6 %
44 American Staffordshire Terrier 55.3 %
45 Anatolian Shepherd 54.3 %
46 Boston Terrier 53.5 %
47 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 53.2 %
48 Cairn Terrier 52.8 %

The dog breeds that show the most aggression towards other dogs are the:

  1. American Eskimo Dog
  2. Parson Russell Terrier
  3. Chinese Crested
  4. Pit Bull mix
  5. Dachshund

The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards other dogs are the:

  1. Pointer
  2. Black and Tan Coonhound
  3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  4. Irish Wolfhound
  5. Keeshond

Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most aggressive to other dogs to the ones that are least aggressive to other dogs.

Personality of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Afraid of Strangers?

Some dogs breeds tend to be fearful of strangers.

Dogs that are fearful of strangers will avoid strangers. These dogs will crouch, cringe, or tremble when approached by strangers.

Extreme fear in dogs is characterized by serious attempts to escape or hide from the feared stranger.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not fearful of strangers.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very low for fear of strangers.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 109 out of 124 dog breeds for fear of strangers.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a stranger-directed-fear score of 10.2 %.

Other dog breeds that are not stranger-fearful just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Stranger-Directed-Fear Rank Breed Stranger-Directed-Fear Score
106 English Setter 10.5 %
107 Rottweiler 10.5 %
108 Black and Tan Coonhound 10.4 %
109 Anatolian Shepherd 10.2 %
110 Fox Terrier (Smooth) 9.8 %
111 Flat-Coated Retriever 9.5 %
112 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 9.2 %

The dog breeds that show the most fear of strangers are the:

  1. Dachshund (Miniature)
  2. Chinese Crested
  3. American Eskimo Dog
  4. Italian Greyhound
  5. Chihuahua

The dog breeds that are least fearful of strangers are the:

  1. Old English Sheepdog
  2. Irish Wolfhound
  3. Norwegian Elkhound
  4. Siberian Husky
  5. Giant Schnauzer

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most fearful of strangers to the ones that are least fearful to strangers.

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Afraid of Other Dogs?

Some dogs breeds tend to show fear when an unfamiliar dog approaches them.

A dog that is fearful of other dogs will try to avoid meeting other dogs.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not fearful of other dogs.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very low for fear of other dogs.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 115 out of 124 dog breeds for fear of other dogs.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a dog-directed-fear score of 12.8 %.

Other dog breeds that are not other-dog-fearful just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Dog-Directed-Fear Rank Breed Dog-Directed-Fear Score
112 Rottweiler 13.6 %
113 Siberian Husky 13.5 %
114 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 12.9 %
115 Anatolian Shepherd 12.8 %
116 Dingo 12.2 %
117 Collie 11.4 %
118 Airedale Terrier 9.7 %

The dog breeds that are most fearful of other dogs are the:

  1. Dachshund (Miniature)
  2. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  3. Chinese Crested
  4. Chihuahua
  5. Lhasa Apso

The dog breeds that are least fearful of other dogs are the:

  1. Giant Schnauzer
  2. Ibizan Hound
  3. Eurasier
  4. Kuvasz
  5. Borzoi

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most fearful of other dogs to the ones that are least fearful of other dogs.

Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog a good pet

Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Have Non-Social Fears?

Dogs that are fearful of sudden or loud noises, traffic, and unfamiliar objects and situations are said to exhibit nonsocial fear.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not fearful of unfamiliar sounds, situations, and objects.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very low for non-social fear.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 102 out of 124 dog breeds for being fearful of unfamiliar things and situations.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a nonsocial-fear score of 16.5 %.

Other dog breeds that are not nonsocial-fearful just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Nonsocial-Fear Rank Breed Nonsocial-Fear Score
99 Irish Water Spaniel 17.6 %
100 Basset Hound 17.5 %
101 Airedale Terrier 17.2 %
102 Anatolian Shepherd 16.5 %
103 Bull Terrier 15.7 %
104 Bouvier des Flandres 15.2 %
105 Norwegian Elkhound 15.1 %

The dog breeds that are most fearful of unfamiliar situations and objects are the:

  1. Australian Silky Terrier
  2. Dingo
  3. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  4. English Bulldog
  5. Italian Greyhound

The dog breeds that are least fearful of unfamiliar situations and objects are the:

  1. Giant Schnauzer
  2. Siberian Husky
  3. Irish Setter
  4. Kuvasz
  5. Borzoi

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most fearful of unfamiliar situations to the ones least fearful of unfamiliar situations.

Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Get Along Well With Other Dogs?

Some dog breeds display high dog rivalry. These dog breeds will threaten or act hostile to other familiar dogs in the same household.

These dog breeds will compete with other dogs. Also, these dog breeds do not get along well with other dogs.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are somewhat competitive when dealing with other dogs.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks average on dog rivalry.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 51 out of 124 dog breeds for displaying dog rivalry when dealing with familiar dogs.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a dog-rivalry score of 44.4 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat competition-driven just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Dog-Rivalry Rank Breed Dog-Rivalry Score
48 Rat Terrier 45.0 %
49 Bearded Collie 45.0 %
50 Border Collie 44.9 %
51 Anatolian Shepherd 44.4 %
52 Poodle (Toy) 44.1 %
53 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 43.1 %
54 Cocker Spaniel (American) 42.8 %

The dog breeds that do not get along well with other dogs are the:

  1. Miniature Pinscher
  2. Parson Russell Terrier
  3. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  4. French Bulldog
  5. Treeing Walker Coonhound

The dog breeds that get along well with other dogs are the:

  1. Chinook
  2. Saint Bernard
  3. Norwegian Elkhound
  4. Italian Greyhound
  5. Scottish Terrier

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on how well they get along with other dog breeds.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Is it aggressive?

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Easy to Train?

Dogs have high trainability have the willingness to listen to their owner. These dogs are not stubborn. These dogs obey simple commands, and they learn very quickly.

Highly trainable dogs excel at fetching objects. They also respond positively to correction and ignore distraction.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are quite a bit easy to train.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks high for trainability.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 43 out of 124 dog breeds for easiness to train.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the trainability of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a trainability score of 73.6 %.

Other dog breeds that are quite a bit easy to train just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Trainability Rank Breed Trainability Score
40 Bouvier des Flandres 75.8 %
41 Newfoundland 75.1 %
42 Havanese 74.7 %
43 Anatolian Shepherd 73.6 %
44 Airedale Terrier 73.5 %
45 American Pit Bull Terrier 73.3 %
46 Rat Terrier 72.6 %

The dog breeds that are most easy to train are the:

  1. Belgian Tervuren
  2. Belgian Malinois
  3. Border Collie
  4. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  5. Irish Water Spaniel

The dog breeds that are difficult to train are the:

  1. Dingo
  2. Treeing Walker Coonhound
  3. Basenji
  4. Afghan Hound
  5. Pekingese

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are easiest to train to the ones that are most difficult to train.

Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Get Along Well with Cats? Do They Get Along Well with Other Pets?

Dog breeds that have high chase-drive will run after (chase) cats, birds, and/or other small animals, given the opportunity.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not into chasing after other smaller pets like cats, squirrels, chickens, and birds.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very low for small-pet-chasing.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 116 out of 124 dog breeds for chasing after smaller pets.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a chasing score of 19.8 %.

Other dog breeds that are not into chasing after smaller pets just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Chasing Rank Breed Chasing Score
113 English Bulldog 24.0 %
114 Collie 23.9 %
115 Samoyed 19.8 %
116 Anatolian Shepherd 19.8 %
117 Black and Tan Coonhound 19.2 %
118 Keeshond 18.5 %
119 Mastiff (English) 18.2 %

The dog breeds that like chasing after cats and other smaller pets are the:

  1. Basenji
  2. Dingo
  3. Ibizan Hound
  4. Parson Russell Terrier
  5. Borzoi

The dog breeds that will not chase after cats and other smaller pets are the:

  1. Pug
  2. Bulldog
  3. Shih Tzu
  4. Bernese Mountain Dog
  5. Great Pyrenees

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their prey drive.

Things to know before getting the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Like Attention? Are they Clingy or Aloof?

Some dog breeds like to stay close to their owners all the time. These dogs like attention, and they like to receive the affection of their owners.

These dogs get jealous when their owners give attention to other dogs or other people instead of them.

Dogs with these traits are described as attachment/attention-seeking.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are a little bit attachment/attention-seeking.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks low for attachment/attention-seeking behavior.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 87 out of 124 dog breeds for attachment/attention-seeking behavior.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has an attachment/attention-seeking score of 41.2 %.

Other dog breeds that are a little bit attachment/attention-seeking just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Attachment-Attention-Seeking Rank Breed Attachment-Attention-Seeking Score
84 Pekingese 43.4 %
85 Lagotto Romagnolo 42.2 %
86 Bouvier des Flandres 41.8 %
87 Anatolian Shepherd 41.2 %
88 Collie 41.1 %
89 Italian Greyhound 40.0 %
90 Keeshond 39.7 %

The dog breeds that are always seeking the attention of their owners are the:

  1. Poodle (Toy)
  2. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  3. Australian Silky Terrier
  4. Australian Cattle Dog
  5. American Eskimo Dog

The dog breeds that are aloof are the:

  1. Norwegian Elkhound
  2. Borzoi
  3. Kuvasz
  4. English Setter
  5. Chow Chow

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their clinginess.

Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have Separation Anxiety? Do They Like to be Left Alone?

Dog breeds that have separation anxiety do not like to be left alone.

These dog breeds tend to bark and destroy things when separated from their owners.

They become restless or lose their appetite when left alone.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are a little bit prone to developing separation anxiety.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks low for separation anxiety relative to other dog breeds.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 80 out of 124 dog breeds for separation anxiety.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a separation anxiety score of 30.5 %.

Other dog breeds that are a little bit prone to develop separation anxiety just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Separation-Related-Behavior Rank Breed Separation-Related-Behavior Score
77 Chinese Shar-Pei 31.4 %
78 Vizsla 31.3 %
79 German Shepherd 30.7 %
80 Anatolian Shepherd 30.5 %
81 Poodle (Standard) 30.0 %
82 Newfoundland 29.8 %
83 Doberman Pinscher 29.4 %

The dog breeds that are most prone to develop separation anxiety are listed below. These dog breeds do not like to be left alone. These dog breeds are the:

  1. Treeing Walker Coonhound
  2. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  3. Chinese Crested
  4. Miniature Pinscher
  5. Australian Silky Terrier

The dog breeds that are least prone to develop separation anxiety are the:

  1. Kuvasz
  2. Borzoi
  3. Giant Schnauzer
  4. Eurasier
  5. Bernese Mountain Dog

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their tendency to develop separation anxiety.

Temperament Profile of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Touch Sensitive? Do They Like to be Groomed?

Dogs that are touch-sensitive are fearful of `painful` procedures such as bathing, grooming, nail clipping, and veterinary examinations.

These dogs do not like going through these `painful` procedures, and they will react to show they do not like the procedure.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not touch-sensitive.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very low for touch sensitivity.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 100 out of 124 dog breeds for touch sensitivity.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a touch-sensitivity score of 19.3 %.

Other dog breeds that are not touch-sensitive just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Touch-Sensitivity Rank Breed Touch-Sensitivity Score
97 Giant Schnauzer 20.2 %
98 Vizsla 19.9 %
99 Doberman Pinscher 19.4 %
100 Anatolian Shepherd 19.3 %
101 Mastiff (English) 19.1 %
102 Belgian Sheepdog 19.0 %
103 Bouvier des Flandres 18.9 %

The dog breeds that are most touch-sensitive are the:

  1. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  2. Miniature Pinscher
  3. Pekingese
  4. Australian Silky Terrier
  5. Chihuahua

The dog breeds that are least touch-sensitive are the:

  1. Kuvasz
  2. Borzoi
  3. Pointer
  4. Gordon Setter
  5. Portuguese Water Dog

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their sensitivity to touch.

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Hyper? Are they Highly Excitable?

Excitable dog or hyper dog breeds display strong reactions to potentially exciting or arousing events, such as:

  • going for walks
  • car trips
  • sound of the doorbell
  • arrival of visitors, and
  • the owner arriving home

Highly excitable dog breeds have difficulty settling down after arousal.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not hyper (excitable).

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very low for excitability.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 120 out of 124 dog breeds for excitability.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has an excitability score of 11.7 %.

Other dog breeds that are not excitable just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Excitability Rank Breed Excitability Score
117 Rhodesian Ridgeback 16.9 %
118 Eurasier 15.0 %
119 Collie 14.0 %
120 Anatolian Shepherd 11.7 %
121 Italian Greyhound 9.1 %
122 Great Pyrenees 6.2 %
123 Samoyed 5.9 %

The dog breeds that are most hyper (excitable) are the:

  1. Australian Silky Terrier
  2. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  3. American Eskimo Dog
  4. Parson Russell Terrier
  5. Miniature Schnauzer

The dog breeds that are least hyper (excitable) are the:

  1. Borzoi
  2. Samoyed
  3. Great Pyrenees
  4. Italian Greyhound
  5. Anatolian Shepherd

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on how hyper they are.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Playful? What is the Energy Level of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs

Energetic dog breeds are very playful dog breeds. These are the dog breeds that do not get tired easily.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not energetic.

This is because the Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks very low for energy level.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog ranks number 123 out of 124 dog breeds for energy level.

This information is based on what 13 Anatolian Shepherd Dog owners reported on the temperament of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has an energy-level score of 9.4 %.

Other dog breeds that are not energetic just like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are listed in the table below

Energy-Level Rank Breed Energy-Level Score
120 Pekingese 18.2 %
121 Great Pyrenees 17.1 %
122 Greyhound 11.7 %
123 Anatolian Shepherd 9.4 %
124 Kuvasz 0.0 %

The dog breeds that are most playful and most energetic are the:

  1. Belgian Malinois
  2. Belgian Tervuren
  3. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  4. German Shorthaired Pointer
  5. Ibizan Hound

The dog breeds that are laziest are the:

  1. Kuvasz
  2. Anatolian Shepherd
  3. Greyhound
  4. Great Pyrenees
  5. Pekingese

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the most energetic to the least energetic.

Conclusion on Anatolian Shepherd Dog Temperament

The temperament of your Anatolian Shepherd Dog comes from a combination of its genetics and what environment your Anatolian Shepherd Dog is exposed to.

You cannot change your Anatolian Shepherd Dog`s gene but you can change the things you expose your Anatolian Shepherd Dog to.

Exposing your Anatolian Shepherd Dog to dog training sessions early in its life can help you mold the temperament of your Anatolian Shepherd Dog to what you desire.

Again, with proper training, you can better your Anatolian Shepherd Dog`s temperament. To learn how to properly train a dog, I highly recommend Dr. Ian Dunbar`s online dog training classes, which you can find here.

I learned most of the things I know about training dogs by reading Dr. Dunbar`s books and watching his training videos. Dr. Dunbar`s dog training methods are for people expecting to own a puppy soon, new dog owners, and experienced dog owners.

Another helpful online dog training class that I recommend is this one. The class will teach you how to properly train your Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

If you think the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is the right dog breed for you, see our article on how much Anatolian Shepherd Dogs cost and Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy buying guide.

Also, see our list of reputable Anatolian Shepherd Dog breeders in the United States and the prices of their Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies.