Anyone have experience with an Anatolian Sheperd?

I've never owned one, but a friend of mine who has always owned Great Pyrs knows people who have them because they're all into flock guarding dogs like Great Pyrs and Anatolians.  She says they are great for guarding flocks, but really prefer the flock over people.  I'm sure if you got one as a young pup and socialized it right it would be OK, but from what I understand their preference is working, not being a pet.

What types of things are you looking to do with your dog?

They're lovely dogs IF you want a LGD. If you want a large, hairy, relatively calm, independent large dog with a LGD temperament for a pet, I'd actually say look at Pyrs first, simply because they're easier to find- more breeders = more choice of good breeders, and easier to find in your area. That said, either CAN work as pets in the right situation. What's the right situation? A family who is VERY committed to socializing heavily and continuing to socialize the dog throughout their life, creative training ability and patience, immensely tolerant of hair and a certain amount of barking, with a securely fenced yard. While you CAN have a LGD-type dog without a yard, if you've got any osrt of yard at all, it really needs to be fenced, and securely so that the dog doesn't feel the need to protect it from people or animals who wander in.

There are great Pyr and AS rescue groups that work on a national basis- that'd be the first place I'd check. Remember these are BIG dogs, and that cute 25# puppy is going to be a 100+# monstercritter very quickly- training is NOT optional with these guys.

Pwca

My future in-laws have a 1/2 Anatolian-1/2 Pyrenees. It's just about the best dog a person could ask for. They live out in the country, no fence. He never wanders & keeps the migrant farm workers off the property. If he's not sure about you, you're not getting anywhere near the house. He's just as sweet as can be with the family & their guests, though. Not very demanding, very gentle, and definately treats the family like his flock. If my fiance is talking a walk, the dog goes along & holds his hand in his mouth the whole way. He's absolutely massive though, barks a fair amount at night, & is extremely independant (no fawning, eager to please, circus dog). I don't know how much of his personality is Anatolian vs. Pyr, but there's my meager amount of experience for what it's worth.

TexasDaisy, your inlaws dog sounds like a great one- that said, the not-wandering is REALLY unusual- it's not typical of either breed- he sounds like a real gem! 

I've had one before, and that was my LEAST favorite dog. I can't hate anydog, but I just didn't like it.

How about an akita?