Health and medical concerns
In Turkey, Anatolians have been selected and maintained solely for their working ability, rather than appearance. Therefore, they are generally hardy and healthy dogs. The average life expectancy is probably 10-15 years - longer than many other giant breeds - although some dogs live longer. However, dogs working on ranches with livestock usually die at much younger ages because of injuries and accidents.
By far, the most common - and most serious - health problem in this breed is hip dysplasia. In this disease, the dog's hip joints do not develop properly as it grows from puppyhood. The poor fit and resulting degeneration in the joint mean that the disease gets progressively worse as the dog gets older. At its worst, hip dysplasia can cripple a dog. Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease, and there is less chance that your puppy will be afflicted if its parents, and their parents, etc., have been x-rayed and found to be free of symptoms of the disease. The good news is that hip dysplasia is not nearly as prevalent among Anatolians as it is in many other breeds, and reputable breeders are working to produce dogs and bloodlines that are physically sound.
Entropion is also inherited. It is a condition in which the dog's lower eyelid turns inward and irritates the eye. Although entropion can be corrected surgically, affected dogs are more likely to produce affected offspring, and this condition occurs in some bloodlines of Anatolians.
A few Anatolian bloodlines (particularly some inbred ones) have problems with thyroid deficiency. This is a disease with multiple, wide-ranging effects on a dog's health. Individual dogs that are afflicted can be treated with thyroid medication, but the treatment is a lifelong proposition. Some breeders have started testing their breeding stock for normal thyroid function.
Finally, there is some evidence that Anatolians are slow to build up immunity to parvovirus. Some breeders use special vaccination schedules for their breeding stock and young puppies. It is also beneficial to restrict contact with strange dogs until after a puppy's initial vaccination series has been completed (about four months of age).
Reputable breeders guarantee their puppies against any inherited health defects.