Turkish Kangal Dog
With an ever-increasing predator threat (coyotes, bear, stray dogs) we wanted to ensure our herd of Nigerian Dwarf Goats had the greatest protection possible. After conducting a great deal of research into "livestock guardians," we selected the Kangal Dog as our breed of choice.
Recognized as the contemporary national treasure in its home district of Sivas, Turkey, the Kangal Dog is protected by the Turkish government. First introduced into the United States in 1985, it is now illegal to export Turkish Kangals to non-Turkish nationals. Current Kangal Dog pedigrees are carefully maintained in order to preserve the genetic purity of this awesome breed.
The Kangal Dog is a distinctive breed - - not to be confused with some of the more common livestock guardians such as the Anatolian Shepherd, the Akbash Dog, or the Karabash. While some authorities lumb together Kangal dogs and Anatolian shepherds, though they are simular breeds, each is distinct.
Typical of the breed, they are calm, controlled, independent - - and protective! Kangal dogs are loyal and affectionate to their families. They are extremely aware of their responsibilities. the animals they protect, their terrain - - and yes, their humans - - remain safe under their watchful eyes.
The Kangal Dog has an instinctive wariness of strange dogs - - which makes them an ideal choice for our specific predator threats. And while Kangal dogs prefer to intimidate predators - - they will without hesitation - - take a courageous stand, if necessary.
Recognized as the contemporary national treasure in its home district of Sivas, Turkey, the Kangal Dog is protected by the Turkish government. First introduced into the United States in 1985, it is now illegal to export Turkish Kangals to non-Turkish nationals. Current Kangal Dog pedigrees are carefully maintained in order to preserve the genetic purity of this awesome breed.
The Kangal Dog is a distinctive breed - - not to be confused with some of the more common livestock guardians such as the Anatolian Shepherd, the Akbash Dog, or the Karabash. While some authorities lumb together Kangal dogs and Anatolian shepherds, though they are simular breeds, each is distinct.
Typical of the breed, they are calm, controlled, independent - - and protective! Kangal dogs are loyal and affectionate to their families. They are extremely aware of their responsibilities. the animals they protect, their terrain - - and yes, their humans - - remain safe under their watchful eyes.
The Kangal Dog has an instinctive wariness of strange dogs - - which makes them an ideal choice for our specific predator threats. And while Kangal dogs prefer to intimidate predators - - they will without hesitation - - take a courageous stand, if necessary.
Lean and agile, the Kangal Dog can reach speeds up to 30 mph! Known in its native Turkey as the "only dog capable of killing wolves" - - the typical coyote or stray dog is no match for the Kangal dog.
Height: Males 30 - 32 inches Females 28 - 30 inches
Weight: Males 110 - 145 pounds Females 90 - 120 pounds
The Kangal Dog is a large, powerful, heavy-boned dog with a large, wide head and dark, drop ears. There size and and proportions have developed naturally over many years of continued use in Turkey as a guardian against predators. A properly proportioned Kangal Dog is slightly longer than tall and length of the front leg should equal slightly more than one-half of the dog's height. The tail, which is typically curled, completes the distinctive silhouette. The Kangal Dog has a double coat that is moderately short and quite dense and ranges in color from light dun to gray contrasted by their black mask and velvety black ears.
The Kangal Dog is an ancient flock-guarding breed primarily bred by villagers who take great pride their dogs' ability to guard their flocks of sheep and goats from traditional predators such as the wolf, bear and jackal. The relative isolation of the Sivas-Kangal region has kept the Kangal Dog free of cross-breeding and has resulted in a natural breed of remarkable uniformity in appearance, disposition and behavior. Despite its regional origin, many Turks consider the Kangal Dog as their national dog. Turkish government and academic institutions operate breeding kennels where Kangal Dogs are bred and pedigrees are carefully maintained.
Some people believe all Turkish shepherd dogs are one breed, the Anatolian Shepard. However, the true Turkish Kangal Dogs are said to be a separate breed from the generic Turkish shepherd's dog. The export of pure Kangal Dogs from Turkey has been controlled for many years and is now virtually forbidden. The isolated historical conditions of the Sivas-Kangal region have resulted in the development of the Kangal Dog as a distinct breed, which has been declared the National Dog of Turkey and it's national treasure. The true Turkish Kangal Dogs are first and foremost still primarily working shepherds. The Kangal Dog Club of America continues to work to ease import restrictions. Imported dogs are considered to be extremely valuable for their potential contribution to the genetic pool in the United States.