Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs American Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Working Group
American Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog stands as a testament to ancient guardian breeding. With a muscular build, thick double coat, and imposing presence, these dogs command respect through their noble bearing. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pendant ears, and a curled tail, while their protective instincts and independent nature reflect centuries of livestock guardian heritage.
American Foxhound Overview
American Foxhounds showcase a lean, muscular build with long, straight legs and a broad chest. Their distinctive features include a domed skull, long ears, and gentle brown eyes that convey their sweet-tempered nature. Standing tall with an athletic frame, these hounds possess remarkable endurance and agility, complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in classic hound colors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than American Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require more grooming attention compared to American Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Foxhounds.
- Trainability: American Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Foxhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Anatolian Shepherd Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and American Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Turkey | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-29 inches 69-74 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 80-150 lbs 36-68 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Independent, Reserved | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is known for being loyal, independent, reserved, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is characterized by being independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and American Foxhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 2/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Foxhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
American Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thrombocytopathy
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Excellent guardian instincts
- Independent nature
- Weather-resistant coat
- Low grooming needs
- Loyal to family
Cons
- Strong-willed and challenging to train
- Requires extensive socialization
- Not suitable for small spaces
- Can be territorial
- Independent decision-making
American Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and American Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.