Kangal Shepherd Dog
The Kangal Shepherd Dog originated in Turkey, known for its protective nature. The Kangal Shepherd Dog comes from Turkey, typically weighs Males, and has a thick, dense, usually short double coat, 3–7 cm (1–3 in) long coat. Individual Kangal Shepherd Dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Turkey
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- thick, dense, usually short double coat, 3–7 cm (1–3 in) long
- Colour
- fawn to wolf sable, with black mask
About the Kangal Shepherd Dog
The Kangal Shepherd Dog originated in Turkey, known for its protective nature. Males typically weigh 110-145 pounds and stand 30-32 inches tall.
Use
The Kangal is a traditional flock guardian dog , kept with flocks of sheep to fend off wolves and other predators . Some have been exported to African countries such as Namibia , Kenya and Tanzania, where they successfully protect local flocks from cheetahs , thus contributing to the conservation of endangered cheetah populations.
Overview
The Kangal Shepherd Dog or Turkish Kangal ( Turkish : Kangal Çoban Köpeği ) is a traditional Turkish breed of large livestock guardian dog . The breed name derives from that of the town and district of Kangal in Sivas Province , the easternmost province of the Central Anatolia Region in central Turkey. The coat colour varies from pale fawn to wolf grey, always with a black mask . It is a traditional flock guardian dog, kept with flocks of sheep to fend off wolves and other predators . Some have been exported to African countries such as Namibia , Kenya and Tanzania , where they successfully protect local flocks from cheetahs , thus contributing to the conservation of endangered cheetah populations.
History
The Kangal is a traditional working breed of Central Anatolia . The name derives from that of the town and district of Kangal in Sivas Province , the easternmost province of the Central Anatolia Region. It has been used by shepherds for protection against wolves and other predators for centuries. It was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1989; the most recent breed standard was published in 2018. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognised the Turkish Kangal Dog with effect from April 2013, and a provisional breed standard was published early in that year; owners of dogs registered as Anatolian Shepherd Dogs could apply for them to be re-registered under the new name. Since 1994 around 300 Kangal dogs have been given to farmers in Namibia by the Cheetah Conservation Fund to help protect livestock from cheetah attacks, and that programme has been extended to Kenya. Since then, the number of cheetahs killed by farmers is calculated to have fallen from 19 annually, per farmer, to 2.4. At more than 80% of the farms where the dogs have been adopted livestock losses have been cut significantly. The great majority of cheetahs that are still killed by farmers are killed after specific attacks on livestock, whereas previously, any cat that approached a farm was tracked and killed.
Characteristics
Dogs usually stand between 72 and 78 cm at the withers , bitches between 65 and 73 cm , with a tolerance of 2 cm either way for both sexes. Body weights are usually in the range 40–50 kg for bitches and 48–60 kg for dogs. The dogs have a moderately short double-coat, with a dense under-layer and a waterproof outer layer.
Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherd Dog is the name used in the United States to describe dogs descended from regional Turkish livestock guardian dogs, particularly the Kangal but also the Akbash , from the late 1960s. In 1967 a US Navy Lieutenant who was stationed in Turkey, Robert Ballard, acquired two working livestock guardians Zorba and Peki, from breeders in the Ankara region; Zorba was a long-coated pinto-colored dog and Peki a short-coated buff-colored bitch. In the late 1960s Ballard returned to the United States and took his dogs with him and in 1970 the pair bred their first litter, becoming the foundation stock of the breed in the United States. A breed club was quickly formed and further examples were imported from Turkey. In developing the breed, the American enthusiasts acted without understanding of regional Turkish varieties of shepherd''s dogs, with the result that the American dogs could be bred with various coat lengths, colors and color patterns whilst in Turkey the different breeds breed more true to a set coat type. This was further exacerbated by most of these dogs being sourced in the intermediate zone between the main breeding centers of the Akbash and the Kangal, where examples of both types can be found. In subsequent years animosity developed between American breeders, who insisted their dogs were the true Turkish shepherd''s dog, and Turkish breeders who believed, and stated, they were an amalgam of various Turkish breeds. Insults and counter-insults were exchanged with American breeders accusing the Turks of marketing dogs of dubious ancestry as independent breeds and the Turks stating the Americans were breeding crossbred dogs . The name Anatolian Shepherd Dog is unknown in Turkey and the breed is sometimes described as having the Turkish name of Çoban Köpeği which means ''shepherd''s dog'', or livestock guardian dog . Since the 1980s Americans have almost exclusively imported Kangals and the Anatolian has increasingly conformed to that breed type. Despite this, pups of mixed appearance are still whelped and Turkish authorities still refuse to recognise Anatolians as a purebred Turkish breed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Kangal Shepherd Dog?
The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a large livestock guardian dog with a height range of 72-78 cm for males and 65-73 cm for females. They weigh between 40-60 kg. Their coat is a double-layered, waterproof coat with a pale fawn to wolf grey color and a black mask. They have a muscular build and a distinctive appearance.
Is the Kangal Shepherd Dog a good family dog?
Kangal Shepherd Dogs are generally protective of their family and territory, but they can be wary of strangers. With proper socialization, they can make good family pets, especially for experienced dog owners. However, they may not be suitable for very young children due to their large size and guarding instincts.
What health problems do Kangal Shepherd Dogs have?
Kangal Shepherd Dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Kangal Shepherd Dog puppy cost?
The cost of a Kangal Shepherd Dog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a dog, including food, veterinary care, and training.
Where do Kangal Shepherd Dogs come from?
The Kangal Shepherd Dog comes from Turkey. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Kangal Shepherd Dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.