I recently rescued a 3 1/2 year old Anatolian male. He was scheduled for euthanasia and a fabulous foster mom from a small rescue came to get him. she had him for almost 6 months. When I brought him home, he velcroed to me and my brother with DS who lives with me. I am in a residential area but live down the block from a small county park with trails. I always had labs and when my girl had to be put to rest, I looked for another lab. Found Jack instead. They preferred someone with experience with the breed or at least to study up on them which I did. I am a smallish 70 year old and have to say, he is phenomenal. He may have jumped the fence once at night probably to investigate a deer in the neighbors yard. I have a 5 foot fence. I try to walk him on the trails twice a day but it's usually once. He is so sweet and loving. When outside, he usually sits at gate and watches. I have to be firm with him when walking because his foster mom had 2 large dogs of her own and I know he misses them. He wants to go up to every dog that we meet on the trail. He listens to me well, I bend down to him, hold him by his vest and tell him "no" firmly. I know this is long but this is my experience with a purebred Anatolian so far. We will be going to obedience in September. Thus far he has been wonderful, yes stubbornness is a strong trait but can be worked with. I have a small yard. Was outside when a deer was in other neighbors yard and he just stared at it, didn't try to jump fence and go after it. He typically doesn't go out at night. He makes no wish to. He prefers I go out with him. May change in time but for now, he doesn't exhibit desire to jump, doesn't chew stuff. Side note. The mailman knew what kind of dog he was and told me another person on his route had one as well and it was the only large dog that he would actually pet and allowed him to pet. That was remarkable knowing that is not typical behavior of the breed. My boy is very wary of other people. He is starting to warm to friends that visit. Quite frankly, I love this as my last lab wouldn't leave friends alone and while it didn't bother me, I know its bothersome behavior to others. Our las 3 labs were rescues. Stopped using breeders as there are too many animals needing homes. Love my new boy. Hope this helps anyone considering adopting an Anatolian
