Wanted to also let you know to look at the Anatolians too.
Yesterday we had a family come to the farm, I had talked with the gentleman several times during the week, he had noticed our "kangals" on the website. I mentioned we have Anatolians and not Kangals ( technically the same but Kangals are patented by name/region they came from in Turkey). Anyway he was so excited to see the dogs. The man is from Turkey and knows the breed well, his grandfather had Kangals for their 300 goats. Wehen he finally got to the farm we brought Callie up. Callie is our female Anatolian. A fierce guardian but a super gentle dog. The mans face lit up as he saw her. Callie came up, happy to meet the people, friendly loving and his 5 year old son gave Callie a kiss, Callie in kind gave one back. There were no issues no aggression, Callie is big so we told her to lay down, she did rolled on her back getting belly rubs from all.
The man knows these dogs well, he said THIS IS what the dogs are suppose to be like. He was in love. His wife reminded him they were here for chickens. LOL The conversation led to how wonderful and stable these Shepherd dogs are and how they really are a soft heart. Meantime 2 of my Pyrs wouldn't in a million years let them pet them. They are behind a 6 ft fence.
Our one male pyr is fine, and so are pups.
Truly pyrs can be extremely bondy with family only. If grandchildren are not around all the time thr dogs may or may not be ok with them.
I encourage you to look at the Anatolians too. FANTASTIC DOGS.
Out of all the farms I have been to, I have been able to go in with every Anatolian, cannot say that about the pyrs. Yet the pyr's really are my heart and my love.
Anatolians are far less roamy than pyrs. many will stay on property without fences everywhere. (NOT something I recommend)