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ught our parent Livestock Guard Dogs because coywolves, fox, hawks and weasels were decimating our chickens. We selected Anatolians for their temperament and lifespan. Since getting Smokey and Ruby as pups in 2016, we haven't lost a single chicken to predators. We hadn't planned on breeding, but Smokey is too fantastic a dog to not pass his genes on.
Smokey's courage and confidence are extraordinary, even among guard dog breeds. He takes his job as an LGD very seriously. He was born an Old Soul; with deep wisdom, intuition, perception, insight, politeness, knowledge, and empathy to a degree rarely found in dogs (or humans). We never had to teach him anything. He was born knowing virtually everything you would ever wish him to know, and more.
Smokey's and Ruby's characters are notable for devotion, affection, loyalty and love. We have taken them to nursing homes. Everyone fell in love with them. An elderly lady, who staff said didn't like dogs, wrapped her arms around Smokey, buried her face in his fur, and held him for ten minutes. He draws a very clear distinction between friend and foe. (While temporarily working as a greeter in our shop at just 2 yrs old (he does like most people) Smokey saved my wife's life from two knife toting would-be robbers! He ran them out!)
Ruby and Smokey are both powerful and capable LGDs, protecting our chickens from every predator these mountains contain. Some of their pups are already living with baby goats, lambs, alpacas, and with other adult LGDs. Anatolian Shepherds are athletic, agile and capable guardians who live longer than most LGD breeds. Yet they are also loving, Gentle Giants. Anyone close to an Anatolian Shepherd can relate to this. You can't help but LOVE them!