Anatolian Shepherds are our livestock guardians of choice.

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UPDATE:  October 2017

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While it was our plan to breed Bella and Mason, that has not been in the cards for us.  After a few unsuccessful attempts to breed her and a growing mobility issue for her, we have discovered that Bella has significant arthritis and hypothyroidism.  Her hips were actually fine when we had her evaluated prior to attempting to breed her the first time.  She will be on an anti-inflammatory medicine and thyroid hormone.  Pregnancy would not be easy for her.  We had been looking forward to their puppies for quite some time.  While we are sad, we know it is best for her health to not carry puppies.  Mason, of course, is disappointed.  :)

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It wasn't long after bringing livestock to our farm that we realized we needed "something" to protect them.  Coyote are frequently heard around our farm and often take down new calves just across the street.  That and the occasional bear or other predator had us looking. 

 

Our first attempt to provide protection was with donkeys.  An intact Jack and a Jenny.  The Jack was super sweet to everything BUT the goats.  The Jenny was pregnant and was unble to deliver her very large colt.  On top of that, she wasn't friendly. 

 

So, we decided that, instead of trying more donkeys, we would try Anatolians.  This breed is just what we needed.  Our Anatolians guard our goats day in and day out.  They provide a deep intimidating bark to strangers and passersby but are gentle and friendly to our visitors when we are there.  Our six year old son plays with them in the pasture.  They are patient and gentle with him.

 

Mason, our first, is a 3 year old male.  When we bought him as a puppy we were told he was full Anatolian but he did not have papers.  Mason's ears had already been cropped.

 

Bella is our female.  She is a year old (as of 9/2014) and Registered.  We bought her from Shane Hesterman of Deep South Kikos in Brooklyn, MS.  If you are looking for an Anatolian right now, I would highly recommend Shane.

 

Our plan is to breed Mason and Bella once (because it just doesn't seem fair to not give him a shot!!).  Bella is having her first heat now, Dec 2014.  We will probably breed her at her second heat following her necessary screening.  After her first litter, we will be purchasing a registered male for Bella.  Our Anatolians will raise their pups with our goats and be well adapted to guarding livestock before they leave our farm.