What is the Vital Role of the Anatolian Shepherd in Africa?

 

 

Anatolian Shepherds are being used to protect livestock such as goats, sheep and cows in Africa from predators like cheetahs and jackals.

Large cats which share the land with farmers are now seen as less of a threat and create less of a conflict. This makes it a ‘non-lethal’ predator control method.

This shepherd breed which originates in Turkey, was brought to Africa (specifically for this work) in the early 1990’s and since that time, around 500 puppies have been placed as ‘dogs working with livestock’.  The Anatolian Shepherd also known as the Kangal has a lineage able to cope with living outdoors in hot dry summers and then low temperatures in winter.

The guardian dogs bond to the flock as they as raised with them and understand their job very clearly is to the protect. Genes in their bloodline makes them instinctively watchful in the same way as it is with Maremmas.  Since the introduction of Anatolian Shepherds for this purpose, previously plummeting numbers of cheetahs have been able to re-populate. Before the dogs, 100’s of cheetahs were killed each year by farmers.

This type of shepherd is large and strong in stature but without being cumbersome. Mastiff and sight-hound breeds are part of his makeup. He is very agile for his size and has been used on military mission for centuries due to his speed and bravery. He is intelligent, devoted and happily adopts his herd as family.  When he detects danger such as a predator, he will give an alarm call and position himself between his flock or master and the potential threat.

See the video below to find out first-hand how this amazing breed
has helped farmers in Africa…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKaQkUMSzE8

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)