Anatolian Shepherd Dogs

Livestock Guardians

Protecting livestock in an extensive bushveld environment requires more than fencing alone. At Lekkerbreek Farming, our Anatolian Shepherd dogs play a vital role in safeguarding our Boer goats while they graze freely in the veld.

We welcomed our two Anatolian Shepherds - Bees (male) and Riekie (female) - in the winter of 2025. They come from different backgrounds and are two weeks apart in age. Livestock guardian dogs are introduced to their herds much earlier than most working or companion dogs, allowing them to bond with the animals they are meant to protect from a very young age.

From the beginning, Bees and Riekie were raised directly alongside the goats. As puppies, they lived in the kraal with the herd, with their own designated space for food, water, and rest. As they grew and became more confident, this separation naturally disappeared. Today, they eat just outside the kraal, drink from the troughs, and sleep wherever they choose - always close to the goats.

Training and Balance

The early bonding process is not without challenges. Initially, both the goats and the puppies were wary of one another. The goats occasionally tested boundaries, while the puppies had to learn confidence and calmness around much larger animals. Over time, familiarity replaced uncertainty, and a natural bond formed.

The dogs began accompanying the goats into the veld from a young age, even if only for short grazing periods of 30–40 minutes at first. Although Anatolian Shepherds are bred for this purpose, they are still puppies - curious, easily distracted, and learning to navigate their instincts. With time, patience, and consistency, their natural guardian behaviour has steadily emerged as they mature.

Basic obedience, such as sit and reliable recall, is essential for working livestock guardian dogs. Equally important - and often more difficult - is resisting the temptation to raise them as pets. Anatolian Shepherds must remain bonded primarily to their livestock rather than to people.

While Bees and Riekie receive care, respect, and calm handling, they are intentionally not treated as companion dogs. This balance allows them to remain attentive to the goats while still respecting human authority and guidance.

Purpose-Bred Protectors

Anatolian Shepherds originate from the rugged regions of Turkey, where they have been bred for thousands of years to guard livestock against predators such as wolves, jackals, and bears. Rather than herding animals, they live among them, forming strong social bonds and using presence, awareness, and assertiveness to deter threats.

These dogs are known for their independence, intelligence, and ability to assess situations without constant human direction - qualities that make them exceptionally well suited to extensive grazing systems. In the bushveld, potential dangers can include predators such as jackals and leopards, as well as other threats associated with remote farming environments.

At Lekkerbreek Farming, our Anatolian Shepherds allow us to farm responsibly and extensively, giving our goats the freedom to graze naturally while remaining protected. Bees and Riekie are not just dogs on the farm - they are working partners, shaped by instinct, environment and purpose.