Working Kelpie vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Working Kelpies are more energetic than Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Working Kelpies require less grooming attention compared to Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Working Kelpies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.
- Trainability: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Anatolian Shepherd Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while Working Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Working Kelpie and Anatolian Shepherd Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Turkey |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm | 27-29 inches 69-74 cm |
| Weight | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg | 80-150 lbs 36-68 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Eager, Intelligent | Loyal, Independent, Reserved |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Anatolian Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is known for being alert, eager, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is characterized by being loyal, independent, reserved, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Working Kelpie and Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 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
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Working Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should 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 maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Working Kelpie and Anatolian Shepherd Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.