Kangal

The intriguing breed of Kangal is renowned for its remarkable strength and stature. This dog’s fearless and devoted nature are demonstrated by the fact that it originated in Turkey and was bred to defend livestock from predators. Kangals are known to be calm and gentle despite their intimidating appearance, especially when they are around their families.

This breed possesses exceptional intelligence in addition to strength. They pick things up quickly and have a strong territorial defense instinct. The Kangal could be your ideal friend if you’re searching for a calm, loyal guardian.

Kangals are physically strong animals that also develop close relationships with their owners through affection and loyalty. But in order to make sure they are well-adjusted and controllable in a variety of settings, they do need to be properly trained and socialized from an early age.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Kangal dogs come from Turkey, where they were bred to protect livestock from predators.
Size	Kangals are large dogs, typically weighing between 90 to 145 pounds.
Temperament	They are calm, loyal, and protective, making them excellent guard dogs.
Exercise Needs	Kangals need regular exercise and space to roam, as they are active and energetic.
Coat	They have a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain.
Lifespan	Kangals typically live between 12 to 15 years with proper care.

Breed characteristics

A strong bond with family

Stance toward minors

Stance toward outsiders

Trainability

Belonging to the family four

Kangal is an independent shepherd dog by nature, but it values communication with its family. The owner’s family members and other pets are regarded by the dogs as their herd, which needs to be safeguarded. And they continue to be vigilant while working around the clock. Dogs have a strong sense of loyalty to their family, form bonds with every member of the home, and never attempt to subjugate their owners. However, when you meet the owner, don’t expect a stormy display of happiness. Kangals are calm, tempered creatures that are incapable of feeling strong emotions.

Viewpoint regarding children 2

The Turkish Kangal does not feel the same way about the children of other people, but it does adore and perfectly protect the younger members of its own family. You cannot leave a child alone with a dog. The dog can get involved in kid-friendly games to keep its own kids safe from your visitors’ kids.

Stance toward outsiders 1.

For Kangals, a stranger can be dangerous. And the dog shields its owners from danger. When a stranger enters the house for the first time, the dog makes sure they are safe by giving them a thorough inspection and study. When there is a dog around, guests need to be advised to act appropriately, avoid making sudden movements, and keep their voices down.

Do not allow guests to pet the dog – only the owners are allowed to touch the dog with their hands. For guests, such an attempt can end badly. Puppies of this breed need early intensive socialization so that they can learn to calmly treat guests at home and distinguish imaginary danger from real.

Guard attributes number five

Kangal is a shepherd at heart. These enormous dogs protected sheep herds from raptors in the past. This breed of dog has an ingrained mentality to defend what they see as their own. The dog keeps a close eye on everything that goes on. The dog boldly leaps to the defense at the first sign of danger that could endanger the owner and his family. Any strangers, dogs, and other people’s animals are instantly viewed with suspicion. They could fall prey to a swift and powerful four-legged guard.

Guard attributes number five

For many centuries the Turkish Kangal has been responsible for both guarding and accompanying flocks of sheep. Dogs have strong territorial instincts. You will need a yard with a sturdy, dependable fence if you plan to keep them. The dogs will regard the entire immediate area as their property if there isn’t any. Additionally, everything that the dog regards as their territory is constantly under guard. As a result, dog owners may run afoul of their neighbors because the Kangal will not let anyone inside the patrolled area. You cannot even attempt to carry it out covertly.

3 hair loss

Breeders assert that the Kangal coat requires little maintenance and has a mild dog scent. However, you’ll need to comb through the double coat at least once every seven days. You will need to comb the dogs every day while they are shedding seasonally. Canines molt twice a year. Initially, in the spring, and again, in the fall.

Overall health 4

Turkish Kangals are thought to be extremely healthy and resilient dogs. It’s true what they say. Dogs have historically had to herd sheep in all weather conditions, including heat and cold. Additionally, travel great distances between pastures, sometimes going without food or water. However, Kangal Shepherds have certain genetic pathologies, just like any other purebred dog. We’ll go into further detail about them under the "Health" subsection.

Laughter 2

A serious working breed is the kangal. Dogs must work in order to avoid boredom. The Anatolian Shepherd is not about jokes and games. Kangals do not play like other puppies, even when they are very young.

Trainability No. 3

Purchasing a puppy from this breed will require ongoing training and ongoing socialization efforts on your part. Anatolian Shepherds are hard to manage if they are not given the right upbringing. Due to their intelligence, dogs will make their own decisions and disregard their owners’ orders if they are not properly trained. Although dogs comprehend and retain commands, they have a propensity to overthink them, which hinders their ability to learn. The dog claims that Petetians refuse to fulfill meaningless. For the dog to submit to its owner without question, he or she must establish themselves as the ultimate authority.

Who is the breed suitable for

1. Owners of country real estate. Dogs will become reliable guards and security guards of private houses and cottages. Kangals selflessly protect the owner"s property day and night.
2. Farmers. A farm is an ideal place to keep dogs of this breed. Here dogs can work as shepherds and guards.
3. Experienced dog breeders. For the correct upbringing of Turkish Kangals, extensive experience with large dog breeds is necessary. Beginners will not be able to cope with this breed.

Who is not suitable for the breed

1. City dwellers. The breed is not intended for apartment keeping. In an apartment building, the dog will suffer due to lack of living space, and its owners will have problems with neighbors.
2. Beginners in dog breeding. Kangal is a bad choice as a first dog. To cope with this dog, you need experience of training and education, as well as a solid character.

History of the breed"s origin

The history of the dog’s origins spans centuries, and it is impossible to pinpoint the exact century or even year that these enormous dogs first appeared. Since Babylonian times, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, also known as Kangals, have coexisted with people. Large dogs have defended livestock against wolves and cheetahs for thousands of years. To refer to the Kangals as shepherds would be inaccurate; rather than herding, they scared off predators and devotedly defended sheep herds day and night.

These dogs were used to hunt lions in the area that is now modern-day Turkey many centuries ago. The bas-reliefs discovered during archaeological digs that have endured to this day attest to this. Even though the breed has a long history, the International Cynological Organization (FCI) only adopted the modern breed standard in 2018. The name Kangal Shepherd was eventually approved by this standard.

Strong and devoted, the Turkish dog breed known as the Kangal is well-known for its outstanding guarding skills, particularly with regard to livestock. This large, muscular breed makes a loving companion as well as a dependable working dog thanks to its strong protective instincts and kind disposition toward its family. Though it may be large in stature, the Kangal is calm, intelligent, and simple to train, which makes it an excellent option for seasoned dog owners who can give it the routine and room it requires to flourish.

Description of the Kangal breed

A powerfully built dog that is big and reasonably tall. A dark mask on the muzzle contrasted with the coat’s predominantly light color is a distinguishing feature of the exterior. Described as a self-assured dog who knows how valuable they are, but who doesn’t exhibit any irrational or aggressive behavior. possesses outstanding security and guard qualities.

Breed standard

External characteristics in accordance with the FCI German Breed Standard

• Build. Compact, rectangular, strong.
• Back. Moderate length, muscular and strong.
• Loin. Slightly convex.
• Croup. Powerful, slightly above the withers.
• Limbs. Long. Forequarters – straight, with massive bone structure. Hindquarters – vertically positioned, powerful.
• Paws. Very strong. Pads – thick. Toes – black, well curved. Dextral toes on the hind legs are not considered a breed characteristic marriage.
• Gay. Sneaking – the head, neck and back are at the same level when moving. The amplitude of movement is wide. Elastic movements. Foreign goods are allowed.
• Breast. Deep, with a long chest. Ribs – curved well.
• Neck. Fat. The length is commensurate with the size of the head. Powerful, with developed muscles. An insignificant suspension is allowed.
• Head. Massive, commensurate with the body.
• Scull. Length size is larger than in width. Expanded between the ears, to the foot – narrow. Slightly convex.
• Muzzle. Short, with a dumb profile. Is 40-44% of the head length. From foot to nose – rolling.
• Nose. Black color.
• Teeth. Strong.
• Jaws. The bite is allowed straight, reverse scissors and scissors (preferable).
• Lips. With black edges, drop.
• Ears. Triangular with rounded tips, flat and hanging. In an excited state slightly rise.
• Eyes. Beautiful almond -shaped shape, well planted. Dense eyelids have black stroke.
• Tail. Drops below the hocks. In a calm state, it is lowered low with a slight curl at the tip. When excited, it curls into a ring on the back.
• Coat. Dense, dense with hard hair. Undercoat – thick. Coat length varies from 3 to 7 cm.
• Color. Solid-colored. Color varies from fawn to wolf. Dark mask is a mandatory feature. A slight presence of white on the paws and chest is allowed.
• Weight. Males – 48-60 kg. Females – 40-50 kg.
• Height at the withers. Males – 72-78 cm. Females – 65-73 cm.
• How long they live. Average life expectancy from 12 to 15 years.

Breed characteristics

A serious breed, unfit for living in an apartment. It is not appropriate for everyone; in order to obtain one, you must have prior experience with large dog ownership. Dogs are exceptionally gentle and devoted to their owners, willing to bravely and constantly protect them despite their outwardly severe appearance. However, these watchmen and guards are not inherently hostile.

Dogs belonging to this breed are fully defined by the traits of protection and territoriality. These canines constantly and everywhere patrol and defend their flock as well as their territory. In the absence of a flock of sheep, a dog will perceive its flock as its family members and pets, which need to be protected.

In Kangals, protection is an innate trait that is ingrained in their genetic makeup. This must be accepted by the owner, who should then educate the dog to defend only in an emergency. The pet’s socialization will need to be worked on for a very long time and meticulously.

Other than the fact that they make excellent protectors and guardians, what more is there to say about this breed? Kangals are intelligent, obstinate, set apart by a unique seriousness, and driven to work. Such a dog cannot be brought inside the house unless you intend to give it a lot of work. They should and want to work to protect, herd, and guard. Dogs who don’t work grow destructive and may start mischievous behavior.

A dog’s independence and decision-making skills are invaluable when searching for sheep, traveling with the herd, and defending it against predators in the wild. This is especially true of Kangals. These characteristics may make dog training more difficult in an urban setting. They are able to evaluate the need for commands. Dogs may refuse to obey commands if they don’t think they make sense.

Care and maintenance

Because they have historically experienced hard, long winters and scorching summers, Kangals are unassuming and have a high tolerance for both heat and cold. Let’s continue to discuss the aspects of this breed’s upkeep and care.

Features of maintenance

A domestic dog is not the Turkish Kangal. Purchasing it for apartment living is not a good idea. For such large, energetic dogs, an apartment is too small, and a heated room will be intolerable due to thick double-layered fur. A farm or country home is the best location for these dogs.

A Kangal can train to become a real working dog on a livestock farm. He will be able to use all of his breed skills there, where he will always be busy. Select this breed if you live in a country or rural home with a well-fenced yard but don’t own a farm.

A sturdy fence is essential to maintaining a Kangal. This is required to allow the dog to roam freely within its territory, recognize the boundaries of the area it is guarding, and prevent it from hurting outsiders. A warning sign ought to be placed outside the fence. Putting dogs on leashes is not advised.

If you want to, you can let the dog inside the house, but if you want to keep it permanently, you’ll need to construct a roomy enclosure with an insulated booth. Arrange a fenced walking area around the enclosure. You will need an insulated room with electric lighting and heating if you plan to keep a breeding bitch and her puppies.

It is necessary to walk dogs outside of the home. For animals to be properly socialized, this is essential. During the walk, they ought to run into new people and pets and experience new feelings and impressions. A single walk should last between forty and sixty minutes. Dogs love to swim, so summer walks near bodies of water are highly recommended. With their owners, they particularly voluntarily do this.

What does care consist of

For those who are unfamiliar with the Turkish Kangal breed, the dogs’ intense shedding may come as an unpleasant surprise. It takes at least thirty minutes of thorough combing once a week to achieve a double coat with a thick undercoat. Dogs are combed every day during the twice-yearly period of intense shedding. This is essential to ensure that the pet sheds dead hair as soon as possible.

Dogs only need to be bathed with detergents once every two to three months, or more frequently if absolutely necessary. After a walk, dogs who are permitted inside the house have their paws cleaned. Zoo shampoos are used to bathe kangals; human shampoos are not appropriate for this use. A good rubbing in the snow can take the place of bathing in the winter.

These large dogs’ ears need extra care and attention. Because they are hanging, they get bad ventilation and collect debris inside the ear. This leads to the development of bacterial, fungal, and infectious ear diseases. Every day the ears are checked, and once a week they are cleaned with a cotton pad soaked in warm, boiling water or ear lotion.

The dog’s claws will eventually wear down on their own if it is kept outside and walks frequently enough; trimming is not necessary. Kangals are fed big bones (oils) or fancy treats that are purchased from a pet store to remove tartar and plaque from their teeth. The pet must be seen by the veterinarian twice a year for preventative measures.

Crucial! In compliance with the schedule, make sure the dog has received all recommended vaccinations, and give antiparasitic medication on a regular basis.

Health

The Turkish Kangal is an extremely resilient breed that has adapted to difficult living circumstances. It can withstand extreme heat, cold, and lack of food or water. Even these powerful-looking dogs, though, may be prone to certain genetic disorders.

Genetic pathologies

1. Hip dysplasia. The most common pathology. Leads to gait disturbances, may be accompanied by pain syndrome.
2. Elbow dysplasia. Pathology of the development of the elbow joint, which leads to lameness in the forelimbs, arthrosis and degeneration.
3. Ankyloglossia. Pathology of the development of the tongue (shortened frenulum). Leads to abnormal development of the dentition.
4. Wrist weakness syndrome. Pathological condition in which the wrist is too strongly extended. This leads to incorrect positioning of the limbs.
5. Congenital deafness. A serious pathology in which it is impossible to properly train a dog.

Crucial! This breed of dog has a very high anesthesia sensitivity.

Training

The breed is known for its intelligence, composure, and willingness to assist its owner. You can get excellent results quickly if you start training a puppy at a very young age and demonstrate to him that he is in charge of this situation. It’s crucial to socialize the puppy with new people and his brothers, take him on walks outside of his territory, and avoid isolating him.

Motivation is the cornerstone of Turkish Kangal training. The dog’s owner needs to be composed, firm, and self-assured. Respect must be shown to your pet, and you must refrain from using physical punishment, rudeness, or humiliation. A puppy can only be trained to obey commands and complete tasks out of love and affection. Big, serious dogs literally "melted" from their owner’s praise. They are willing to follow instructions repeatedly in order to receive a fresh dose of affection.

Dogs breeze through the foundational training course. You can gradually increase the number of commands by adding more challenging tasks to the training regimen. Just fascinating! A dog is able to ignore tedious and confusing tasks. Make yourself an unwavering authority and a true pack leader for your dog to keep this from happening.

What and how to feed an Anatolian Shepherd

Every pet owner makes their own independent choice regarding the diet (prepared food or natural food).

Natural diet

If you decide to stick with natural food, remember that this is a big, active dog, so the majority of its diet should consist of protein foods:

• meat;
• offal;
• sea fish;
• quail eggs;
• fermented milk products.

The ideal option is to serve lean meat raw. It needs to be frozen for two to three days in the freezer to avoid worrying about potential parasitic infections. The meat is either thawed at room temperature or scalded in boiling water before serving.

Fish is served boiled only, without bones. Fish is meant to replace the meat portion two or three times per week, so it shouldn’t be served frequently. The same frequency applies to a raw quail egg given without its shell. Products made from fermented milk are selected to have a low fat level—ideally low fat.

Furthermore, the menu ought to consist of:

• vegetables and greens;
• a small amount of cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal);
• vegetable oil;
• vitamin and mineral complexes, brewer"s yeast and dried kelp.

2–3% of the dog’s weight is the daily portion volume. This volume is offered in the morning and the evening, divided into two equal portions.

Crucial! Kangals drink a lot of alcohol. The dog should have access to a large bowl of fresh water. The water is changed twice a day.

Industrial feeds

Selecting industrial feed should prioritize the premium, super-premium, and holistic quality classes. They are highly nutrient-rich and have a balanced composition. Large and giant dog breeds with a high protein content can feed well on kangal dogs.

The Greatest Kangal Cuisine

1. Acana Regionals Grasslands Dog Grain-Free – high-quality grain-free holistic;
2. AATU Adult Dog Free-Run Chicken Grain Free – dry grain-free formula (holistic);
3. Canagan Dog Large Breed Free-Run Chicken Grain Free – grain-free chicken-based formula for large and giant dogs;
4. Guabi Natural Adult Dog Large& Giant – complete brand for large dogs;
5. Bosch Soft Adult Maxi Wild Boar& Sweet Potato Grain Free – for dogs over 25 kg.

Crucial! This breed requires less food than other large dogs, so don’t feed it more than is recommended.

Photo

Fawn

Beige, also known as yellow-brown. The body is uniformly colored throughout. The muzzle has a dark mask that is distinctive. On the paws and chest, tiny white spots are acceptable.

Fawn-gray

Uniform color, beige to gray. The mask on the muzzle is dark brown. Only tiny dots of white on the chest and limbs are permitted.

Owner reviews

Anatoly: “When I bought my puppy, the breeder said that the name of the breed is Anatolian Karabash. Karabash is translated from Turkish as black head. And this is true. The dog is all fawn, but his head is dark. Later I learned that the correct name is Kangal. The breed is rare in our country. Few people know what purebred dogs should look like. Perhaps mine is not one of them. I don’t know. But we love him with all our hearts. He is a true devoted protector. He is ready to tear the throat of anyone who dares to raise his voice at me or my family. One careless movement in our direction – the dog is already next to the offender. We took special training courses at a canine club. Without this, you can’t cope with Kangals”.

Stanislav: “When my family and I moved to live in a country house, the issue of protecting the territory became acute. That"s when we were advised to get a Kangal. On our property we have a two-meter fence with a solid foundation – this is a mandatory condition for keeping dogs of this breed. There is a sign on the gate saying "Beware of the vicious dog"!. He is not aggressive, but he will not let strangers in. Grom lives in a spacious enclosure in the yard. But we do not keep him there all the time. He moves freely around the entire territory. When he rests, he lies on the porch or terrace. He does not chase our cats, he can sleep next to them. He can go into the summer kitchen. He does not try to go into the house, we have not trained him to do this".

Review of the video:

How much does a puppy cost

Because it is currently illegal to export puppies outside of Turkey, Kangal puppies are quite expensive.

Puppies can be purchased in Russia for between 60,000 and 100,000 rubles. Dogs that you see listed for less money on Avito and other message boards are most likely not purebred.

The situation regarding purchasing puppies is essentially the same for Kangal Shepherds in Ukraine. Puppies there range in price from 15,000 to 30,000 UAH.

The Kangal is a distinct and devoted breed distinguished by its intense protective instincts and close relationship with its family. They are excellent guardians because of their bravery and strength, especially in rural areas where they have historically kept livestock safe.

The Kangal, however, is a calm and gentle dog that adores its people and is not just about strength. This breed makes an excellent companion for individuals who are aware of its needs because it can flourish in a family setting when given the right upbringing and training.

Kangals require a lot of space to roam, proper socialization, and training, so owning one entails responsibility. The Kangal will be a faithful and steady friend for life if these needs are satisfied.

Video on the topic

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