Ridley - Anatolian Shepherd Dog for Adoption in Nashville, Tennessee

Ridley is an 11-month-old Anatolian Shepherd who came to us from a 40+ dog hoarding situation. The dogs were fed and cared for, but there were simply too many of them for the elderly owners to give them anything resembling normal socialization. Ridley is therefore still working out exactly what humans are doing out here in the wider world.

He is a very sweet dog, but he is shy. New people and unfamiliar situations take him a little time to process, and trying to rush him will get you absolutely nowhere. Give him some space, let him watch, and allow him to decide you are trustworthy. Once he does, you get an entirely different dog. Ridley is affectionate, playful, funny and very attached to his people.

He is fantastic with other dogs, and we would love to see him with a friendly, confident canine companion who can continue to show him that the world is mostly harmless.

Ridley is also going to be enormous. He is already very tall and still has a lot of filling out to do. If you have always wanted a dog roughly the dimensions of a small dining table, Ridley may be your guy.

A securely fenced yard is required. This is not negotiable. Because sudden noise and commotion can still overwhelm him, any children in the home need to be well past the screaming, running-at-the-dog stage of childhood.

Ridley does not need someone to "fix" him. He needs someone patient enough to let him get there in his own time and sensible enough to understand that confidence is built, not demanded. Patience and understanding win the day with this dog. Put those in, and what you get back is a truly wonderful, affectionate, deeply loyal dog who is very much worth the effort.


If you are interested in adopting this dog, please apply online, at https://bigfluffydogs.com/dog-adoption/. Our main website, www.bigfluffydogs.com has more information about us and the rescue process.

NOTE TO EMAILERS FROM PETFINDER: WE DO NOT RESPOND TO EMAIL INQUIRIES WITHOUT AN APPLICATION. WE REGRET WE CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY EMAIL, BUT UNLESS YOU FILL OUT AN APPLICATION, WE DO NOT KNOW YOU EXIST.

All known information about an individual dog is provided in its listing. We do our best to provide accurate information, but adopters should understand that each home is different and the dog may behave differently in a new home. Dogs are creatures of their environment and you help make the dog what it will be.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large and powerful ancient breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. Originating in Turkey, these dogs were bred to guard livestock from predators, showcasing their strong natural instincts. Anatolian Shepherds have a distinctive short double coat that comes in various colors, with a black mask common on their faces. They require early socialization and consistent training to manage their independent yet devoted temperament effectively.

Big Fluffy Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping giant breed mixed breed dogs in need. We value...