German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher or Deutscher Pinscher originates in Germany. When you look at the dog you can see the the Doberman, the Rottweiler, Schnauzer, Affenpinscher and Miniature Pinscher have all played a role in the dog’s development.

There have been drawings of the German Pinscher which have been seen in dog books as early as 1884 and some drawings even earlier than this date. The dogs have descended from early European herding breeds.

The German Pinscher came to breeders of the United States in the 1980s, and the German Pinscher Club of America was started by German Pinscher fanciers, with the dog gaining acceptance by the Canadian Kennel Club in 2000.

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 German Pinscher is a medium sized dog with a square build, looking very much like the Doberman Pinscher we know so well, but slightly smaller. Dogs and bitches stand roughly 45 to 50cm at the withers and the dog weighs between 14 to 20kg.

The dog is lean and muscular with a tight fitting skin. He has a short, smooth coat which can be brown, reddish brown or black and tan. He has a black nose, dark eyes and he has either high set drop ears or the ears are specifically erect.

In fact, with German Pinschers, they have always had their ears cropped and their tails docked, but these days the tail is left and unfortunately that distinctive look is gone.

Temperament:

Energetic, spirited, lively, confident, intelligent, fearless and loyal are just some of the characteristics of this amazing dog who is guaranteed to make you an excellent watchdog and companion.

The German Pinscher is a playful, good natured dog and he’ll make a good pet for households where there are other pets as well as children. He is a loving and loyal companion with an even temperament, although he is strong-willed and stubborn and will therefore need training and socialization. He then becomes a super obedient pet.

He can fit into city- or country life but he is an energetic dog and will certainly require being exercised every day. Like any other dog, he can become bored and frustrated when put into the backyard and left there by himself day after day.

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.

The German Pinscher is a working dog bounding in energy. He just loves being involved with all the activities of his human family.

He is playful and assertive and will require a firm, balanced owner who is consistent with the rules laid down for the dog. It will be more than worthwhile having him trained and socialized as he becomes obedient, loyal and devoted.

He is intelligent and quick to learn and it simply turns him into a splendid pet. Add him to your family, and you’ll feel as though you’ve added a wonderful dimension to your home.

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.

When you see your German Pinscher standing lean and strong, you can’t think of him ever getting an illness. And yet, even a strong dog like this, who can reach 10 – 14 years of age with good nutrition, can get sick.

Look out for von Willebrand's blood-clotting disorder as well as heart disease and hip dysplasia with your German Pinscher.

Von Willebrand’s Disease:

This is a blood disease where there is a deficiency of von Willebrand Factor which results in the blood not clotting properly. The condition can lead to excessive bleeding with your pet after he has had an injury for instance.

You may notice bleeding from the gums, bloody urine or feces as well as bruising of the skin. Get him to the vet who will perform an examination of your pet.

Remember that some health problems seen in a dog are inherited, and if you can get certificates from the breeders proving that the parents have been cleared of hereditary eye diseases, hip dysplasia and blood clotting disease for instance, your dog will have less risks of developing any of these serious conditions.

Also many illnesses can be eliminated by providing your pet with excellent food, clean water, a warm dry place to sleep and lots of love and attention.

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:

The German Pinscher, because he is a muscular, energetic dog, should be fed a high-quality dog food that suits his size and his energy levels. If you feed him one of the commercially manufactured dog foods, make sure of the ingredients, as you don’t want food that is full of fillers, colorants and preservatives.

Choose high quality foods and sometimes mix in your own home cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken. Adding in some raw meat occasionally will enhance his health too and help him towards staving off common dog illnesses. He should always have access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

He is a high energy dog and will require hectic exercise such as ball- and rope-pulling games, hikes, swimming and walks every day.

Grooming:

His short, smooth coat will require brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs and help it to maintain that sleek, glossy look.

Remember to check his ears for wax and dirt build up as well as for ear hematomas. These swellings inside your dogs ear can also be as a result of something stuck inside your dog’s ear or from your dog scratching his ear because of mites.