Diana Martinez
Sonoma, CA ~ 707-996-4224
We have been involved in Future Farmers of America and 4-H, and we have bred horses for work and pleasure. Our introduction to Livestock Guardian dogs was out of necessity. We had stopped raising sheep due to predation. The dogs we already had were not up to the task of successfully guarding livestock. After carefully researching the many breeds of livestock guardian dogs that could assist us in our endeavors, we decided on the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Interestingly enough, we came across the breed through the American Kennel Club, through which we were able to contact the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America. Through the club, we were able to contact an experienced Anatolian Breeder.
We currently have three working livestock guardian dogs and two retired dogs enjoying their well deserved retirement . AKC CH Gerlach Babacan Kodaman Turk, a male born in 2000. He did spend the majority of his time with our sheep. Since his arrival we have resumed sheep breeding and selling, with no predation of any of our animals. We also continue to raise chickens, rabbits and the occasional pig and some morning doves and geese Turk was our first AKC show dog. He has many Best of Breed wins and was AKC’s #4 Anatolian in 2004. We bred him in 2003 and kept one of his daughters, AKC CH Basari’s Meziyet, who is also an excellent livestock guardian dog. Both dogs were also frequent visitors to senior convalescent care facilities. I found their attitudes with our children, grandchildren and children in school classrooms noteworthy. In early 2007, we acquired Harika, born 12-08-2006, sired by a Turkish import.Then Kadar came into our lives, born 12-25-2010 Last but not least Lela born 11-13-11.Their preferred activity is guarding our livestock, since this is foremost what they are all about. All of our dogs are also valued family members and pampered accordingly.
If you are considering a Livestock Guardian Dog, especially an Anatolian Shepherd Dog for work/service, you need to respect the fact that they are large, powerful, and exceedingly fast dogs when alerted. Testing and training is essential for proper results. Many excellent references are available in books and online. Experience with dogs, and guardian dog experience is a preferred plus.
About Breeding
When we do (and this will be limited), we will be very careful and deliberate in our consideration of many factors. We intend only to have the finest in physical and temperament characteristics. When we breed any of our dogs, we will pay careful attention to reduce potential genetic line breeding concerns. All breeding dogs will have been tested clear for hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and entropion. We have a great concern to enhance the dogs we breed, and will carefully work towards that goal. We want for our puppies what we have in our current dogs, Excellent Livestock Guardian Dogs and family members. We want all of our pups to be good representatives of the breed. We are mindful that we will eventually need replacements for our current guardians.
These dogs are up against formidable predators or packs of predators, and occasional poisonous snakes. All puppies will be AKC and ASDCA registered and will be sold with a written contract that spells out what you can expect of us and what we expect of you, Puppies will be temperament tested before placement. We want the new parents of our dogs to be as content as we are with ours. We are available to discuss any and all aspects of our experiences to help in your decision. We also provide lifetime Breeder support to assist you in the proper raising of an Anatolian.
We have a seasoned respect for the intelligent, loving and capable livestock guardian dogs we are fortunate to have in our lives. We will refer you to others if we do not have a breeding of our own. We have a great respect for the breeders we work with. We have benefited greatly from experiences they have shared with us. We wish you the best in whatever you decide. This is a great investment when carried out for the correct reason. “Choose Wisely”.
Meet Our Dogs!!
About Our Kennel Name
Amerikan Anatolians – “Amerikan” isn’t misspelled. Diana and I wanted a name for our livestock guardian ranch that would give respect to the Turkish breeders who have provided us with such great guardian dogs. We decided to adopt one of the Turkish spellings for American as we adopted their breed.
Diana and I thought long and hard to come up with an appropriate name. We researched the Anatolians’ origins in Turkey while looking for something that would reflect our dogs. Nothing seemed to fit. Around this same time we had begun showing our dogs. It was then we became acquainted with the term ‘American bred’ as a class in the dog show. When it was explained to us, a light went on (we had an idea), it made perfect sense to us. That was it. We, as breeders of Anatolians, would have American Bred Anatolians. We are very proud to be Americans and to raise our American Anatolians. Ergo ‘Amerikan Anatolian Shepherd Dog Ranch’ was named. We found a name that reflects our dogs and us.
| After thousands of years of development, through the efforts of Turkish breeders, we have the quintessential dog. We are ultimately the benefactors of this effort and, keeping with tradition, we work diligently to maintain careful watch on our breed. We have considered each and every day with our Anatolian Shepherd Dogs a gift to be cherished. |