The dog

There is a place, just a few kilometres from Wakkerstroom, where we start looking for the Reds every time we drive into town. On that spot the low hills are close to the road on either side and it is here where we usually find the herd of Kalahari Reds grazing. They are different from the other goats that we pass on the road. They tend to blend into the surroundings, but when the sunlight falls on them at a certain angle, they shine like copper kettles against the hill side.

Photograph by Tollie Jordaan

Initially we only saw them. Then, on a particular morning, we spotted the dog. Big, high on its legs, light of colour with a black muzzle. Somehow different from any other dog that we’ve seen in the vicinity of a herd of any kind. It wasn’t chasing or herding the goats. It was just there, amongst them, somehow part of them. It was the very first time that we’ve come across an Anatolian Shepherd, other than on the pages of a book. 

Photographs by Cheetah Outreach, South Africa

True to my nature, I did some digging when we got back home. I was familiar with the breed after reading articles on them years ago in an agricultural magazine. I did not know about their importance in general conservation though and in that of the cheetah in particular. The Anatolian Shepherd plays such an important role in the conservation of cheetahs that Cheetah Outreach in South Africa has a breeding program through which farmers are helped to place these guard dogs with their herds. I found the program and their description and respect for the Anatolian quite creative, informative and heart warming.

"Because a majority of cheetahs in southern Africa live outside protected areas on farmland, it is essential for the survival of the species to find non-lethal methods of protecting livestock from predators in order to reduce conflict between farmers and cheetahs.

The Turkish Anatolian shepherd, bred to protect livestock from bears and wolves, has a history of over 6,000 years in the arid Anatolian Plateau region of Turkey, an area of little rain, extreme heat in summer and cold in winter, much like parts of southern Africa.  Anatolian shepherds have a medium-length coat and coarse, light-coloured hair that allows for effective cooling of the body while maintaining an insulation factor.  These dogs are physically imposing; males are normally 60+ cm at the shoulder and weigh 70-75 kg.  They can reach a top speed of 75 km/h and go days with minimal food and water when necessary

The amazing ability of Anatolians to protect livestock stems not only from their physical attributes—size, strength, good eyesight, sharp hearing and excellent sense of smell—but from their familiarity with and dedication to their charges.  Puppies are raised with the herd from 6-8 weeks of age and instinctively bond with the sheep or goats they are kept with.  They are calm, confident dogs that continually stay with the herd and are very sensitive to changes in normal herd behaviour or routine.

Anatolians will investigate and aggressively confront any intruders or threats to the herd.  These dogs are not dependent on their masters for affection or direction, and are capable of making independent decisions. Anatolians possess the three main behaviour traits that an effective livestock guarding dog must have: trustworthiness, attentiveness and protectiveness."

(http://www.cheetah.co.za/an_description.html)

We find ourselves still driving slower when we get to the narrow stretch between the hills. It can’t be solely out of curiosity. The novelty of goats and dog has worn off by now, although it remains thrilling to find him there every time we spot the goats. In all probability it is our unspoken salute to a being we deeply admire.

 George