Kangal Dog: Breed Information with Pictures

Have you heard of Kangal? Although the breed is relatively rare in the United States, they have been regarded as prized sheepdogs in Turkey for centuries and are likely descendants of mastiff-type dogs that lived in the Assyrian Empire as early as 600 BC.

So, what is a Kangal dog and should you consider owning it? Let’s learn more about this ancient large dog.

Variety Overview

The Turkish Kangal is a large dog with short, bushy hair, a tan body and a dark face. Adult males can weigh up to 145 pounds and females can weigh 100 pounds or more. They are slightly longer than they are tall, and their tails curl up and cover their backs when they are held high.

For large breeds, they can live surprisingly long: 12-15 years!This is largely because they rarely have inherited diseases Except for hip dysplasia and lipoma. This may be the result of careful breeding in their native Turkey as they are such precious animals.

Kangal are bred to follow flocks or other livestock all day long and need a large fenced property to roam around to stay happy and healthy. Even on constant leash, Kangal can become depressed and lethargic in an apartment or home with a small yard.

What is the Difference Between Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

Kangals and Anatolian Shepherds are often confused with each other. Although they are closely related, they are two separate breeds.

Anatolian Shepherds are bred in the Anatolian Plateau of Turkey, while Kangal is bred exclusively in the Anatolian Plateau of Turkey. Sivas Province. Because Kangals are developed in a relatively small area, they have a more uniform appearance than Anatolians. Anatolian Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including markings, while Kangals are completely tan with a dark complexion.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can be found in American Kennel Club (AKC)And the Kangal dog is made by United Kennel Club (UKC).

Kangal’s history

Kangal dogs were developed in the Sivas province of Turkey at the beginning of 12th Century from the ancient mastiff to protect the flock.they are Molosser dog Gentle on children and livestock, but resistant to predators such as jackals, wolves and bears.In fact, they have Strongest bite force any dog ​​breed, in 743 psi. That’s more than triple the Bulldog’s 235 PSI!

The Aga of the Kangal family consists of chiefs and landowners who use Kangal to protect their flocks from predators. Soon, other villagers started raising kangaroo dogs to protect their livestock. Due to the relative isolation of this part of Turkey with few crossbreeds with other dog breeds, this means that the Kanal has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years.

On farms and ranches in Turkey and around the world, Kangal dogs spend time outdoors with their guarding flocks – for most people, they are not family pets, although if they have property they can be adapted to roam and protect family.

The first Kangal dogs were brought to England in 1965 and to the United States in 1985. About 6-10 Kangal dogs are imported from Turkey to the United States each year to maintain the purity of the breed and maintain a strong, diverse lineage.

To this day, the Kangal is still valued in Turkey and is recognized as the national dog. It can even be found on Turkish coins and stamps.

Breed Characteristics and Temperament

Kangal dogs are slightly longer than they are tall, with small black ears, curly tails, and a short, thick coat that sheds twice a year. They are always somewhat tan and have a black face, although white markings on their feet are permitted but discouraged.

Although Kangal ears are natural in most Western countries, they are crop often in their native Turkey. Some believe ear clipping helps dogs hear better, although many others consider the practice cruel and prohibited in the UKC’s ring for dogs raised in the US. Except for dogs raised in Turkey or other areas where ear cutting is common.

Kangals are very protective of their families, sheep or cattle. They won’t be happy to let strangers into your home, and you should always keep them on a leash when they’re walking around in public. Since kangaroos try to warn predators away before attacking, they are prone to barking, which can be a problem if you have close neighbors.

Interestingly, since kangaroos are bred to be livestock guardians, UKC breed standard Dogs on show grounds cannot be penalized for “honor scars or other evidence of injury from field work,” the statement said.

like many giant dog breed, Kangal takes a long time to mature, not fully grown and ready to protect the flock until around 2 years of age. Care should be taken to feed puppies properly as they grow, so that they do not grow too quickly and thus create conformational problems.

Kangal health problems

The longevity of this breed is incredible for such a large dog. They can live an average of 12-15 years! The main health problems they are prone to are hip dysplasia, entropion (where the eyelids curl and irritate the eyes), and lipomas.

Care and Grooming of the Kangal Sheepdog

cosmetic

Kangal dogs shed their undercoat twice a year and benefit from good brushing to help them get rid of excess fur. This is even more important for kangaroo dogs living at home, although brushing the teeth of kangaroos living outdoors can help them better control their body temperature. Kangal dogs should also be bathed several times a year and checked for parasites such as fleas and ticks.Check out our guide to the best tick repellents here.

diet

Like most large dogs, kangaroos need a healthy diet and plenty of protein to stay strong. If you choose kibble, look for a high-quality diet that lists whole protein (not meal or by-products) as the first ingredient and meets AAFCO guidelines.Check out our guide best food For larger dogs, talk to your veterinarian for their recommendations, especially for puppies as they grow so quickly.

Toy

Kangaroos who live indoors tend to get bored without a job, and toys are vital to keeping them entertained. Not sure what type of toy to buy for a dog this size?We talk about some of the most durable toys on the market here.

housing

Just because your Kangal stays outside with the livestock they guard, doesn’t mean they don’t need a sturdy dog ​​house to help protect them from bad weather. If you have several different ranches, consider placing a dog house on each so your Kangal can monitor the flock while being protected from the scorching sun or heavy rain.You can check out our preferred Finding the best dog house lets you start your search for the perfect dog house for your Kangal.

How Kangals Protect Livestock

Kangal does not immediately attack the threat. Instead, it prefers to bark first and try to warn predators to leave, while staying between the flock and the predator. If that’s not enough, the Kangal can let out a powerful growl, and if that still doesn’t scare off predators, they’ll attack by knocking the animal down and hunting down its throat or legs. Kangal can fend off predators as large as wolves and bears.

Kangals work best in pairs or groups, so one dog can climb a nearby hill to observe the entire flock and watch for danger from a vantage point, while another dog or dogs patrol the flock and look for it more recent threats. Kangal is also a very social dog and benefits from having other dogs around rather than being alone with herds or sheep.

Dog fighting

While pit bulls are the breed of choice for dog fighting in the United States, in Turkey the Kangal is often used for equally terrifying purposes.dog fighters will breed most aggressive dog And introduce other breeds into their Kangal lineage to win the melee. Sadly, drugs and steroids are also used to make kangaroos more aggressive in dogfights.

How much does a Kangal puppy cost?

Since kangaroos are fairly rare in the United States, puppies don’t come cheap. Their prices are usually between $2000-4000. It is important to find a reputable breeder for genetic testing to keep their strains as healthy as possible. A good breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask them, because they will want to make sure their puppy goes to the ideal home.

Since Kangal dogs are not for everyone, there are two famous places to find rescued Kangal dogs.this Kangal Kennel Club of America and Kangal Dogs International Both run well-known rescue groups for Kangal dogs.

Save a cheetah’s life?

To protect livestock and prevent farmers and ranchers from killing cheetahs, Cheetah Conservation Fund Since 1994, approximately 500 Kangal dogs have been provided to farmers in Namibia. Livestock losses in these areas have improved by 100 percent, meaning farmers no longer feel the need to kill cheetahs to protect their livestock.

Should you get a Kangal dog?

Since the Kangal is a large, strong dog who is used to guarding livestock all day with other dogs, they are not good pets for new dog owners. They need firm, continuous positive reinforcement training. They also do not perform well in homes that do not have substantial fenced property – preferably at least 5 acres surrounded by high, strong fences.

Kangal are naturally good at protecting livestock, but they may be raised to protect their families. They are friendly and gentle, but they require a lot of socialization to be polite family dogs, as their natural tendency is to tend the flock alone outside the home.

related: 8 Best Guard Dogs for Families

However, if you own livestock, Kangal dogs are one of the best breeds you can own, protecting your sheep, goats and even cattle from predators. Kangal dogs work in pairs or groups of three and can protect a flock of 150 to 250 sheep. If you’re grazing in an area that’s losing a lot of livestock to predators, a pair of Kangal dogs might be worth their golden weight.

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