PRESERVATION BREEDER

Sit with animals quietly and they will show you their hearts. Sit with them kindly and they will help you locate yours.

There are people who own Anatolians. There are people who show Anatolians. There are people who raise Anatolians. There are people who breed Anatolians. Then there are Preservation Breeders, those who are committed to doing all of the above and more. Only a few Anatolian breeders fit the definition of a Preservation Breeder.

We consider ourselves Preservation Breeders. We hold ourselves to a higher standard than most. We strive to protect the breed and continue its existence as a working livestock guardian. We honor the history of the breed by maintaining breed type, function (working ability) and health. We are very careful not to change the look, purpose, or temperament of the breed.

Yes, while preserving the breed, we also make improvements where necessary. Structural improvements to allow the dog to continue to perform the job it was intended to do. Health testing to ensure we are breeding healthy examples. Being mindful of temperament and working ability to maintain/improve superior working genetics, etc. However, our goal is not to change the Anatolian or to create something new or different, but rather to preserve that unique set of qualities that sets the breed apart as a distinct breed of dog.

A BREEDER CANNOT BE CONSIDERED A PRESERVATION BREEDER UNLESS ALL THEIR DOGS LIVE WITH LIVESTOCK 24/7. THAT IS HOW ONE HONORS THE HISTORY OF THE BREED.

When speaking about Anatolians it’s important we remember that this is first and foremost a working breed. In order to preserve the number one breed trait, it’s ability to guard and protect livestock, we must continue to selectively breed for traits that make that possible. The only way to selectively breed for and maintain working ability is to raise the dogs with livestock. The dogs must live with the livestock 24/7 in a predator rich environment. We must evaluate them interacting and protecting stock on a daily basis, over a number of years, to know exactly what working traits each dog has or doesn’t have. Without evaluating them living with stock, breeders are left to guess. Anatolians must live with livestock to be able continue to select for superior working traits or they will be lost over time.

Many Anatolian breeders raise their dogs in kennels. No livestock on the property. Or they have a handful of sheep on small acreage with 20+ dogs, some of which only see the sheep for picture time. They are under the impression that these are “natural born guardians,” and the “instincts” will remain without continued selective breeding. That thought process is detrimental to the future of the breed. Let’s not forget that this breed has been selectively bred by the Shepherds of Turkey for thousands of years. The Shepherds or “nature” culled any dog that didn’t work. While we do not cull in those harsh manners, we still need to selectively breed only those dogs with proper working behaviors in order to not lose the essence of the breed.

THE ESSENCE OF THE BREED IS IT’S ABILITY TO GUARD LIVESTOCK.

Remember, here at Stonecoat Farm, we honor and respect the history of the breed. We breed Anatolians that look and act like Anatolians! Preservation of the working dog is our top priority.

Whether you want a full time livestock guardian or a property/homestead guardian, our dogs can meet those needs as we strive for dedicated working dogs of sound mind and body.

When searching for the perfect Anatolian for your needs please support one of the few Preservation Breeders that remain in our breed.