Upon first meeting a Kangal dog, you will find his massive presence imposing. He is indeed a fiercely protective guard dog. Toward his family, however, this impressive and massive breed is an affectionate, loyal and gentle giant. The Kangal dog is an ancient breed that originated in the Kangal district of the Sivas Province, located in central Turkey. Throughout the ages, the Kangal dog’s primary role has been to guard flocks of sheep and goats, protecting them from wolves, jackals, bears and other predators. Today, the breed is also used in the military and as a guard dog. The highly valued Kangal dog is the national dog of Turkey. For many years, the breed exclusively inhabited the Sivas-Kangal region, and strictly monitored breeding programs managed to prevent crossbreeding and to maintain dogs that remained uniform in appearance and in disposition. When David and Judith Nelson returned from a visit in Turkey to America in 1985, they imported one of the Kangal dogs. From this dog and future imported specimens, the development of the breed within the United States ensued. The American Kennel Club has not yet recognized the Kangal dog, but the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1998.
The Kangal dog is a powerful, muscular dog that was built for the speed and strength needed to fulfill the work requirements of guard duty. His stature stands 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 90 to 145 pounds. He has a large head with ears that flip downward. His tail is curled. The Kangal dog wears a short, soft and dense double coat. The coat’s coloring ranges from light dun to gray, and markings include a black mask and black ears. Some Kangal dogs may also display white coloring on their paws, legs or on the chest.
Personality
The Kangal dog is an intelligent and independent thinker, which can present training challenges. This is not a breed for an inexperienced dog handler. He is smart, but he is also powerful and headstrong. Early obedience training with a firm, confident manner is essential for the owner to establish dominance over the dog in the family hierarchy. The Kangal dog is friendly, but he is reserved and aloof with strangers. Early socialization is crucial in teaching him to discern friend from foe. The Kangal dog is affectionate, and he bonds well with his family. He generally loves children, but children outside of his family circle may be intimidated by his imposing size. He gets along with other dogs and cats that he can dominate and protect. The Kangal dog is not an ideal housemate for another dominant dog in the home. Territorial, alert and fearless, the Kangal dog is a formidable watchdog and guard dog, protecting and defending his family and property with devotion and courage. His watchful eye is not restricted to his yard, however. Tall, secure fencing is vital, and he should never be walked without a strong leash. These dogs will take off after stray dogs in the neighborhood or deer on the hiking trails. Kangal dogs must also receive plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Turkish Kangal dog, Sivas Kangal dog, Karabash. |
Kangal Dog Build Information
The Kangal dog is a powerful, muscular dog that was built for the speed and strength needed to fulfill the work requirements of guard duty. His stature stands 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 90 to 145 pounds. He has a large head with ears that flip downward. His tail is curled. The Kangal dog wears a short, soft and dense double coat. The coat’s coloring ranges from light dun to gray, and markings include a black mask and black ears. Some Kangal dogs may also display white coloring on their paws, legs or on the chest.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
The Kangal dog is an intelligent and independent thinker, which can present training challenges. This is not a breed for an inexperienced dog handler. He is smart, but he is also powerful and headstrong. Early obedience training with a firm, confident manner is essential for the owner to establish dominance over the dog in the family hierarchy. The Kangal dog is friendly, but he is reserved and aloof with strangers. Early socialization is crucial in teaching him to discern friend from foe. The Kangal dog is affectionate, and he bonds well with his family. He generally loves children, but children outside of his family circle may be intimidated by his imposing size. He gets along with other dogs and cats that he can dominate and protect. The Kangal dog is not an ideal housemate for another dominant dog in the home. Territorial, alert and fearless, the Kangal dog is a formidable watchdog and guard dog, protecting and defending his family and property with devotion and courage. His watchful eye is not restricted to his yard, however. Tall, secure fencing is vital, and he should never be walked without a strong leash. These dogs will take off after stray dogs in the neighborhood or deer on the hiking trails. Kangal dogs must also receive plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
A Kangal dog’s coat requires minimal grooming. The coat sheds heavily twice each year. During this time, a daily brushing will remove the dead hairs and reduce the accumulation of hairs around the home. Throughout the remainder of the year, a weekly brushing will suffice. Inspect the ears each week and keep them clean to prevent ear infections. Brush the teeth several times each week to maintain oral and overall health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Kangal Dog Common Health Conditions
There are few genetic health conditions to which the Kangal dog is prone. One condition that has been noted is hip dysplasia. Another condition is a mild deformity in which the skin that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth grows further than normal. Owners of deep-chested large breeds should always be aware of the potential for gastric dilatation volvulus, which is life threatening and requires prompt emergency treatment. Kangal dogs live an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Kangal Dog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Kangal dog, originated in Turkey, is also called a Turkish Kangal dog, a Sivas Kangal dog and a Karabash. The Kangal dog is an alert and courageous guard dog and a loyal family member. The Kangal dog stands 28 to 32 inches tall and weighs 90 to 145 pounds. Kangal dogs have a moderate energy level. The Kangal dog requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Kangal dog is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Hard to train |