We are a small kennel based in South West Scotland, keeping the regal Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

Follow our journey as we strive to improve the breed, increase awareness and raise healthy, well socialized and fantastically well adjusted puppies and hopefully win a rosette or two on the way.

About Sunlions

I have kept and worked Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes for nearly ten years now.

However, my heart breed had always been Anatolian Shepherd's. Spending many of my summer months growing up in Turkey I was mesmerized by these huge, powerful yet extremely gentle dogs. I yearned for an Anatolian but the timing was never quite right and frankly my garden was just not big enough!

My first dogs were not KC registered so were never shown. I remember attending a dog show several years ago (2009) and up till then had never really considered showing or really even realized the importance of showing and what the reasoning behind shows were. To say it whet my appetite is an understatement.

In 2013, the first KC registered Anatolian joined my household.

I have big plans ahead; New blood is the key for the Anatolian's since the UK Kennel Club split the breed - Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Turkish Kangal (which, incidentally, I vehemently disagree with) the already small gene pool is now a mere puddle!

Since 2014, I have imported 4 completely unrelated dogs, 2 bitches and 2 dogs. These dogs are paramount for the continuation of the Anatolian within the UK. They are already making people's heads turn, people are noticing Anatolian's. Which is what we need, we need people to ask questions and an opportunity to educate. 

There is much to do and Sunlion's plans are big ones!

About Anatolian Shepherds

This is a tall dog of mastiff heritage and structure.

Very much a giant breed in all of it's connotations.The largest males can measure as much as 92cm (36") and weigh in excess of 160lbs (75kg). They should be broad and powerful.

Females are smaller, and should possess more feminine features, you can expect the tallest of females to stand at 84cm (33") and weighing in at 140lbs (65kg).

However, males are most commonly found to range between 29-33", 110-140lbs (50-65kg) and females at 28-31", 90-130lbs (41-59kg).

Prized by the shepherds of his native Turkey for his faithful devotion to his role as a flock-guard, he must present an awesome sight to marauders, whether wolves or men. Despite his purpose in life, he can be a remarkably gentle animal in firm hands.

The breed descends directly from the ancient mastiff and flock-guarding dogs of the Middle East and has a strong scenting power. Tough and long lived, he often works until well into old age.

His relatively short, thick coat is not difficult to keep clean, and in spite of his size he is remarkably agile.

A breed that requires sensible exercise and that stands up to variations of weather well.