Greenland Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Up in the mountains of central Turkey, in the region called Anatolia, a large, strong and rugged dog breed was born and is honored today on a postal stamp. This was the Anatolian Shepard – keeper of the flocks with strength, agility and speed. The Anatolian Shepard is able to pursue and catch any predator that threatens his livestock and they are his livestock. His keen sense of hearing and his excellent sight only add to his prowess as a protector.

The Anatolian is a giant dog, classified as a shepherd by the UKC – Kennel Club of the United Kingdom, while he is classified as a mountain dog or molossus by the Federation Cynologique International. When the breed was created, they were a gift to the farmers in the mountains to guard the livestock from cheetahs. This helped the cheetahs to stop attacking the livestock and prevented the farmers from wiping out the cheetah population by shooting them.

The Anatolian Shepard does have some controversy in his lineage as in some areas he is considered to be either the most closely related or the same breed as the Turkish Kangal Dog. The Anatolian is considered to have a blood line that goes back at least 6000 years.

They are direct descendants of mastiffs and mountain dogs. Yet they have the long legs, agility and aloofness of the sight hounds that are also in their bloodline. Originally called the “Coban Kopegi” or shepherd dog by their Turkish farmers, they were eventually separated into the breed called the Anatolian Shepard. When the breed was first brought into the United Kingdom the line of the Kangal dog was first. Then they were crossed with dogs called Anatolian Shepherds. Many breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd is a category that includes the Kangal, Coban Kopegi, Aksaray Malaklisi and the Akbash dog.

So as of January 2012, the Australian National Kennel Club no longer considers the Anatolian Shepard and the Kangal as separate breeds. The UK Kennel Club now recognizes the Kangal and the Anatolian as the same breed. For others they are still clearly separate and distinct breeds with the ASD being their own breed. In fact, the government of Turkey recognizes them as separate breeds and the Kangal Dog as the National Dog of Turkey.

The Anatolian Shepard was already in the United States in when the Anatolian Shepard Club of America came into being because of a young naval officer who had met the dogs in Turkey. They were allowed into the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club in 1996 after this naval officer had been breeding them in California for years. By 1998 they had moved to the Working Group where they reside today.

The Greenland dog is an ancient breed of dog hailing from Greenland. The dog was brought to North American from Siberia hundreds of years ago. In fact the very first dogs arrived in the Americas some 12,000 years ago.

The Greenland Dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but it is recognized by a number of other groups. While the Greenland Dog is valued in Greenland, it isn't particularly well known in other parts of the world.

Coming from the mountains and guarding their flock against cheetahs has led the Anatolian Shepherd to be a muscular dog with broad heads and thick necks and sturdy, strong bodies. Their ears drop and are triangular in shape, while their muzzles are rectangular with tight lips. Their double coat is thick and warm fitting for life in the mountain regions. They do blow their coats with excessive shedding twice a year. The fur on their throat is extra thick for their protection.

Muscular, thin, their rib cage is large while their stomach is small. Their tails can be intact or docked. The Anatolian Shepherd is much like the Kuvasz or the Great Pyrenees in their size, shape and responsibilities. He is more agile and slenderer than those two dogs. Their bite is scissors or level, while their eyes are almonds, set apart in their heads.

The Greenland Dog is a heavily built dog, and between the males and females, this medium to large sized dog can be 51 – 68cm in height and weigh 30 – 35kg.

He has the typical slanted eyes of the husky-type dogs with a keen, alert expression in them. He has small triangular erect ears. The long, bushy tail of the dog is curled over the back of the dog.

The coat is short to medium length and has 2 layers with the outer layer being fairly coarse. The double coat is thick and shortish but also stand-offish, meaning the hair doesn’t lie flat against the dog’s body. Color of the fur is a mix of cream, beige, white, tan, black, grey or silver.

Temperament:

As a working dog, the Greenland Dog is known for its strength, its boisterous nature and speed. Because its a dog that has worked as a pack, it wants a firm, patient, fair, confident owner to bring out the best in him. Being intelligent, independent and work-orientated, it is perhaps not a great choice for the first-time dog owner who may be out of their realm with the demands of these high-energy dogs.

The dog is independent, but he is quite capable of forming a strong, loving bond with his owner. This is certainly a dog that is never going to thrive if he has to lie around the house all day – he is an active dog who wants a task to do and he is going to need plenty of daily exercise.

They’ve always had active lives pulling sleds or hunting for seals and he craves this busy, active lifestyle. He is the kind of dog that shouldn’t live in the city with a tiny garden unless he has an owner who takes time to walk him and exercise him vigorously. He is a dog that will require training and socialization.

This breed is independent, stubborn and strong. They are great protectors of their flocks and people, but they are incredibly challenging to own. They are intelligent, loyal dogs who learn quickly when they want to. They key being “when they want to”. The Anatolian Shepard was bred to be nomadic, following the herd and hunting for the herd’s predators. Microchip your ASD because they will roam if they get the chance.

If you want your Anatolian to get along with other dogs, cats or other animals, socialize them together when the ASD is a puppy. If the animal or child is part of his flock the ASD will protect them with his life. Though he is loving, quiet and calm, the Anatolian is just as demanding and dominating. Never let your Anatolian Shepherd believe that he is above the humans in the pack or you will have a major problem controlling him. He will be especially leery of strangers and will not accept your word that the stranger is part of the family. However, if she understands that humans are above her and you are the leader, she will accept any person you accept.

Even if they accept strangers, they will not allow anyone other than the family into the home when the owner is not there. This is a proud, proud dog that can be stubborn, demanding and bossy. Being such a large dog, you need to be in control. This is not a dog for everyone. Be firm, confident, be loving and consistent when training an Anatolian Shepherd. Do not offer your ASD any additional training in protection. He doesn’t need it and it could be detrimental. They will protect children, but they do not respect them. Therefore, supervise their interactions with children.

Bred as a working dog, the Greenland Dog, native to Greenland is a high energy dog who is boisterous, lively and social. With training and socialization, he becomes an obedient, loyal and devoted pet.

While he is quite capable of being an awesome domesticated pet, he is essentially a working dog, loving having to be part of a very active lifestyle. He may not be the best pet for a first time owner or a home with small children. This is because he isn't your cuddly, lying-around-the-house, playmate kind of pet. He wants a home and owner similar to himself – strong, active, energetic, bold, independent, strong-willed and firm, and when he gets this, he becomes the splendid pet he is so well known for.

This is a healthy breed without a lot of the issues that plaque other giant breeds. In one recent survey the leading cause of death among the ASD is cancer and old age. Skin issues are more prevalent than dysplasia though it does occur. They have a sensitivity to anesthesia and their immune system does take longer to mature so all young ASD should be discussed with vets before any vaccinations are given. Bloat is not as common among this breed either. They should be screened for eyelid inversion or entropion. They are susceptible to Demodectic Mange or demodicosis which is caused by a mite.

Eye Disease:

Your Greenland dog can battle with eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, hereditary or juvenile cataracts and corneal dystrophy. Eye diseases like this can cause a host of problems for your pet and should receive immediate veterinary attention.

Cataracts in dogs are a common problem affecting the eyes of dogs, with there being different forms and causes.The age at which your pet develops cataracts is important for identifying the type of cataract it is because it will give the vet an idea if the cataracts are an hereditary trait in certain dog breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

Nearly every dog can battle with hip dysplasia and it can be a serious concern for active canines such as the Greenland dog.

This joint and bone ailment can start manifesting itself as early as 4 months of age with your pet. This dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur doesn't fit into the pelvic joint the way it should. It can lead to pain, arthritis and lameness with your dog.

Feeding

Feed your Anatolian Shepherd a measured amount twice a day and keep him from becoming overweight. It is recommended that you feed her from 4-6 cups of dry, high quality food for the entire day. The more active your dog is, the more she will need to eat. Using treats in training is appropriate but don’t give her too many as these will add to the waist line.

Health issues

As mentioned previously this is a very healthy breed especially when compared with other giant and/or mountain dog breeds. However, they are susceptible but not prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

Should be tested for this condition in which the bones don’t fit well into the joint. Elbow Dysplasia – the same as above except it is the arm bone does not fit well into the joint. Both these conditions can cause arthritis or lameness.

Demodectic Mange

Caused by mites and a weakened immune system it can result in patches of scaly, red skin and hair loss. A generalized version can cover the entire body and can be fatal.

Hypothyroidism

This can result if obesity, hair loss, epilepsy, lethargy and other skin condition. It is easily treatable.

Entropion

Mentioned previously it causes the eyelid to roll inward and requires surgery.

Exercise and games

Your Anatolian Shepherd does not need a lot of exercise despite his size. A large yard with a good fence will do for him as long as he gets a walk daily. If they can run free in a large yard they will be happy. If not, you will need to take them to a dog park, preferable when other dogs are NOT present. You can’t assume he will be ok with other dogs. Never walk them off leash as they love to wander. They need a job to do.

Diet:

As a medium- to large-sized dog breed, the Greenland Dog will require a high-quality commercial dog food if that is what you will be feeding him. The top quality brands have the right mix of vitamins and minerals in them for health.

However, it is wise to ensure that such an active dog breed gets his quota of raw meat in too. He has been used to eating fish and seal meat and will require this raw diet too. Sometimes if you cook rice, chicken and vegetables, you can add this into his kibble too.

He must never be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Greenland Dogs need to be groomed at least twice a week to keep the thick coat in tip top condition. He sheds throughout the year.

He will also require you brushing his teeth to get rid of plaque which can cause a host of health issues. You get special toothpaste and toothbrush for dogs. His teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

Exercise:

Make sure you give your high-energy Greenland Dog the right dose of exercise. He is intelligent too so he needs walks, games and other activities that contribute towards his physical and mental wellbeing.

He will do well on large properties or farms but won't do well where the space is tiny and where the owners are inactive couch potatoes.

Be careful too that the Greenland Dog isn't exercised immediately after eating as this puts him in danger of developing bloat.