Dr. Mark is a veterinarian. He has been working with dogs for more than 40 years.

The Anatolian Shepherd is huge dog from Turkey that has been bred to protect livestock from all sorts of predators. They were first developed thousands of years ago to be big enough to defend the flocks from wolves and bears, and over time they have adapted to the harsh climate of the Anatolian Plateau.

If you have been lucky enough to bring home one of these intelligent dogs, remember that he is going to grow up to be up to 65 kilos (around 150 pounds): socialization and obedience training need to start right away.

Pick a name that will work well for obedience training. A good name has two syllables, ends with a vowel or sound that attracts your attention, and is easy to pronounce. These names below are all authentic, and I have already deleted hundreds that do not meet good training standards. Even if you find a name whose meaning you like, but it is hard to pronounce and you do not like the way it sounds, do not use it.

Don’t forget to start training with that new name immediately.

Good Turkish Dog Names

Turkish Names for Male Dogs

Anatolian Shepherds do tend to wander. As soon as you have picked out a name for your dog, be sure to get a collar with his name and your telephone number.

On the next visit to your vet, ask about having your dog microchipped.

Your efforts may save his life if he becomes lost.

Turkish Names for Female Dogs

Find any Turkish names you like? If you didn´t, and want to look at some other sites to read other Turkish names, remember:

• Only choose names that are short and easy to pronounce. If you find a long name that you really HAVE to use then decide on a nickname that you will use to call your dog, and start using it right away during training.
• Do not choose an overused name from the top 10 or top 25 lists of dog names.
• Do not give your dog a silly name that he will grow out of.
• Take plenty of pictures. Your Anatolian Shepherd will grow up fast, and you will want to enjoy and remember the days ahead!

I hope you learned all about the Anatolian Shepherd before bringing one home, but if you have not seen this video yet take a few minutes and watch a little more.

© 2014 Dr Mark

Comments

Nancy Pierce on September 07, 2020:

Hi Dr. Mark. I love your article on the naming of Turkish dogs. I am the editor/publisher of the Akbash Sentinel, a global news journal of interest to Akbash Dog devotees. Akbash Dogs are, of course, of Turkish origin. I would love permission to reprint your naming article in the next issue of the Sentinel. :-)

Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on September 10, 2014:

Thanks for your list, turkish. You will notice some names are on this list already. How about some meanings in your locale for the other names you suggested?

turkish on September 10, 2014:

the name list wrong.

we using these names

karabaş

arap

panter

haydut

aslan

kaplan

bozkurt

sarı

Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on May 23, 2014:

Thanks Bob. I do not know how many hours a normal goose can stay in a pond without getting wet, but I think there was something wrong with her ability to oil her feathers. The other geese do it all the time when they are sitting around between meals, Football rarely did so. Plus, as I mentioned above, even with supplemental feeding she was always kind of thin, and birds do not have much resistance when it comes to respiratory problems.

I appreciate your comment, Will. She has left a hole around here. Labs arent around as long as a Chi, but losing them, no matter the size, is just as hard. One reason I think these Anatolian Shepherds are so amazing is that they have a long lifespan for such a big dog.

WillStarr from Phoenix, Arizona on May 22, 2014:

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost Football. Like you, I'm an all around animal lover, and they all have a place.

I like all dogs (we currently have a Chihuahua) but prefer big, independent dogs, so this breed is intriguing. Great Hub!

Bob Bamberg on May 22, 2014:

Doc, I'm so saddened to learn of Football's passing. Although it's inevitable, it still takes a piece of one's heart...even for those of us who knew her from a picture and bits and pieces from the comment stream.

I wonder if she was unable to preen efficiently while in the water, preventing her from distributing oils throughout her plumage. She'll forever be a legend from the Beach of Brazil.

Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on May 22, 2014:

Thanks for that comment, Fraser Soul!

Hi Bob, Samir is one of those Arab names that Turks use a lot. I tried to use Turkish names, but looking over my list I see a few Arab names like "Yusuf". I have to admit that "C´mere Samir" would be a big hit!

I am training a few large aggressive dogs on the beach so have been getting up every morning at 5:30, before there is anyone else around. It has really messed up my HP schedule.

On a sad note, I came home last week and found Football soaked to the bone. She had been in the pond a long time since she cannot get in and out like the other geese. She caught pneumonia and, since she never grazed and was always kind of thin, died after only one day. She had become a regular fixture around here, and all my visitors always asked to see my handicapped goose.

Bob Bamberg on May 22, 2014:

I Googled "Turkish movie heroes" and the first entry was a movie directed by a guy named Samir. That has a nice ring to it...or is it a gong. I guess when you called him, you could yell, "C'mere, Samir." Nice to see you again. Voted up, useful and interesting.

Mildred Lucille Fraser from Bloomfield, CT on May 21, 2014:

Beautiful dogs. Thanks for the informative hub. it was interesting.