Countless herds of goats and sheep have always been waiting in the vastness of Turkey to be looked after and protected.
Dog breeds from Turkey are very rare in this country.
In this article you will find out whether it is because there are only very few recognized breeds or what other reasons there could be.
1. Kangal Shepherd Dog
The Kangal is one of the best-known dog breeds from Turkey.
He is known as a typical Turkish livestock guardian and Turkish herding dog, and because of his black mask, he is also Karabas (Black Head) called.
The big and strong Dogs are traditionally kept with flocks of sheep. They are determined and defensive and thereby protect the sheep from predators and cattle rustlers.
Kangals are not suitable for city life or for beginners. You need a lot of freedom and an experienced hand.
Interesting
The Kangal has the strongest bite of any known dog breed. Its bite force reaches up to 743 psi. If his teeth were big enough, he could easily squeeze a small car with them.
2. Tarsus Catalburun
Catalburun can be as “fork nose» translate. In fact, the Tarsus Catalburun is one of the few gun dog breeds with one split nose.
He is extremely rare as a Turkish hound and will be hard to find outside of Turkey.
The Catalburun is one of the best hunting dogs ever. Its forked nose is exceptionally keen at picking up scents.
As a sniffer or pointing dog, it is perfectly able to remain still and show its hunting partner where the prey is hiding.
3. Akbash
The ancestors of Akbash probably came to Turkey with nomadic herdsmen.
The Great Turkish Shepherd Dog, whose name is “whitehead” means, has an immense protective instinct.
To his family he is loyal and devoted. However, he must be socialized very early and intensively so that there are no problems with strangers or other dogs.
The Akbash is a pretty lazy fellow. He would rather lounge around than run and play.
4. Kars Kopegi
The Kars Kopegi is also as karshund or Turkish Shepherd Dog and a variety of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
He’s a classic livestock guardian dogwhich is not suitable for life in the city, but needs tasks to be solved independently and a large territory.
Good to know:
The Karshund can go for days without food. Protecting his herd is more important to him than a full stomach.
If the Kars doesn’t have an object to protect, this can become a problem. So he needs one consistent upbringing and a fulfilling task right from the start.
5. Anadolu Sultan Tazisı
The translation of the name of turkish greyhound means roughly “Sultan’s Anatolian Greyhound”.
Its history dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Süleyman I is said to have hunted with this breed.
Externally, the relationship to African Saluki apparently. He is relatively small for a sighthound, but no less agile and manoeuvrable.
He needs a lot of exercise, but also likes to lounge around in between. The greyhound is considered intelligent and easy to train.
6. Malaklisi
The Aksaray Malaklisi or Malakli Karabas also carries the designation Turkish Mastiff.
These Molossians became less than shepherd dogs and more as fighting and guard dogs deployed.
The Malaklısı is significantly larger and more rowdy than its ancestor, the English Mastiff.
Nevertheless, he is considered zreliable, active, hardworking and adaptable. He has to be socialized at an early stage and in experienced hands he will develop into a loyal and reliable friend and companion.
7. Zerdava
Zerdavas are a very old Turkish hunting dog breed and are probably descended from Russian broadheads.
He is also as Turkish Laika known. The Slavic name Zerdawa means «marten», which could be due to its marten-like coat color or its use in marten hunting.
In addition to hunting, Zerdavas were also used as guard dogs. They are very lively, fearless and alive.
The dogs are very affectionate towards their people and wary of strangers. They should be socialized early to avoid overly shy or aggressive behavior.
8. Zagar
If he Zagar or Turk Kopolylari is now a real Turk or Greek, opinions differ.
This breed is named in Greece Hellenicus Ichnilatis recognized by the FCI, while Turkey sees itself as the country of origin of these dogs.
In fact, these dogs have a very large distribution area.
The Zagar is a swift hunter often used for pack hunting. He has a good nose, is brave and full of temper.
As family dog he needs a lot of exercise and the opportunity to let off steam.
9. Rize Koyun
The Rize Koyun is a Turkish livestock guardian dog named after the Rize Province in the north-eastern Black Sea region of Turkey.
He is very similar to that with his solid body and strong legs karshund and thus also the Anatolian shepherd dog.
These animals are not necessarily used as herding dogs, but rather to protect the herds of cattle from unwanted intruders and attacks.
The Rize Koyun is for his violent barking known, with which he warns his owner of lurking dangers.
This breed, like most Turkish dog breeds, does not belong in the city. He must be territorial behavior can live out and also requires a strict and consistent hand.
10. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
To the original origin of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog there are very different theories.
The breed, also known as the Turkish wolfhound, combines the different shepherd dog types Akba, Kangal, Karaba and Kars.
The Anatolian shepherd dog probably got the name “Turkish wolfhound” because to this day it lives almost exclusively outdoors with its herd of cattle and is left to its own devices and to make its own decisions.
The national dog, whose image is officially a Turkish postage stamp is protected in such a way that Turkish citizens are not forbidden to own it.
The burly dogs need Lots of exercise and permanent tasks. An attitude by inexperienced owners is not recommended under any circumstances.