The Kangalor also Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Kangal Shepherd Dog called, is a real XXL dog.
Although he in his Turkish homeland has a very long tradition, it has only been internationally recognized as a dog breed by the FCI since 1989.
But is this huge four-legged friend right for you or you for him? Find out in today’s post about the Kangal!
Kangal fact sheet
Size Male: 72 to 78 cm, Female: 65 to 73 cmWeightMale: 48 to 60 kg, female: 40 to 50 kgColorsGray, Wolf-Sable, Fawn, Light Golden, DunLife expectancy10 to 13 yearsOriginTürkiyecharacter/temperamentReliable, Intelligent, Fearless, Confident, Independent, ProudFCI groupGroup 2: Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoids, Swiss Mountain Dogs, Section 2.2: Molossoids, Mountain Dogs, without a working test
Look
The Kangal is a large one livestock guardian dog with strengthen and massive physique and one sturdy stature.
The body appears rectangular with a broad chest. He has medium-sized, triangular and rounded, drooping ears. According to the FCI standard, these can also be docked.
Good to know
Ear cropping is not allowed everywhere.
While it German breeders For example, it is forbidden to crop the ears, it is in the Hometown of the Kangal often standard.
He has one long rodthe hanging and at the top rolled up will be carried. Male dogs in particular carry these rolled up high over their backs.
In motion, the Kangal works despite its muscular and massive physique very harmonious and supplewhich gives him a lot powerful impression gives.
The basic color of the Kangal coat is White. Whereby here mostly more cream colors appear. colorings up wolf grey are possible and accepted.
Possible color variations are Blue Fawn, White with biscuit, red sand colour and liver brown. Not all coat colors are recognized by the FCI.
White or lighter markings on the paws and feet are allowed, on the chest these are not desired, but possible.
Oneblack mask is an absolute must. Dark lines on the tail and ears are also possible.
The Kangal has one double coat out of dense undercoat and top coatwhich may vary depending on the climate of the country of birth.
So the thick and rough coat of hair between 3 and 7 cm long.
The Eyes of the Kangal are almond shaped and proportionately well fitting to the head. The eye color is light to dark brownwhere the darker the better.
Kangals are among those molossoids, i.e. real XXL dogs. Males have one Height at the withers from 72 to 78 cmbitches measure between 65 and 73 cm. A tolerance of +/- 2 cm is allowed.
During male Kangals 48 to 60 kg put on the scales, the Kangal ladies are significantly lighter: 40 to 50 kg.
History & Origin of the Kangal
The origin of the Kangal is not clearly documented. However, it is still deeply embedded in Turkish culture to this day. That’s how he is National Dog of Türkiye.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is named after an influential one breeder family called Kangal from the province of Sivas in Anatolia.
The dog-loving family has the breeding and advancement of the shepherd dog especially accepted.
Essence & Character of the Kangal
The Kangal is a very autonomous and territorial dog. He is accustomed to it, self-employed Making decisions to best keep and protect his flock.
The bold four-legged friend is there, however without any aggressivenessalthough in some federal states it is known as a list dog to be led.
He is an independently acting guardian and protector of his owner affectionate and loyal is.
However, he reacts to strangers suspicious and reservedtowards other dogs he is rather dominant and incompatible.
Be temperament corresponds to its appearance and its task: Full of urge to move with a lot of stamina.
However, he is despite his agility rather less suitable for dog sports. Better to give him instead enough free space on the property to offer.
attitude & upbringing
The Kangal is not a city or apartment dog. An attitude here inevitably leads to problems with the territorial four-legged friend.
His job is to guard and protect herds of cattle, and you should be able to offer him this job if possible.
At least he should a house with a large, fenced plot find where he can do his rounds.
Then he needs little additional walks or other activities.
The enormous space requirement of this dog is probably one of the reasons why this breed is not very common in Germany.
Since the dog usually moves outdoors, it is not a problem to leave it alone for a long time.
The Kangal is a faithful and loyal dogwho likes to bond with his people.
However, you should add plenty of room for him as well sufficient experience in dog training bring along.
Health & Care
The Kangal puts in punct Care and Nourishment no special requirements. Despite its size, it is satisfied with relatively little food.
He doesn’t need any Heating and neither toy or a Dishes with leash.
He prefers to be outside day and night, of course not in a kennel. He wants to move freely. Therefore, a large area is again emphasized here for posture.
The falls accordingly grooming flat, because it regulates itself outside. Still, occasional brushing won’t hurt, especially if your Kangal sleeps indoors rather than outside.
The robust dog usually has no hereditary diseases and otherwise hardly prone to illnesses.
If kept in a way that is appropriate to the species and breed, the life expectancy of a Kangal is between 10 and 13 years.
Does the Kangal suit me?
As already described, the Kangal no city dog and also no service dog. As family dog it is conditionally suitable.
He sees you as his Leader and accepts other family members as members of the pack. Not more.
If you have a large farm or something similar, you will get a great friend with the Kangal who will give you loyal is.
The Kangal needs his territory, to be happy. If you can’t offer him that, keep your hands off this otherwise great dog.
Fun facts about the Kangal
You’d think so-called fighting dogs have them highest bite force among the dog breeds.
However, the Kangal is the record holder. With 743psi its biting power exceeds that of a lion.
So he is one of those strongest dog breeds in the world and can easily take on bears.
Although the Kangal is a real rarity in this country, Kangal puppies are almost a bargain. Between 700 to 1,200 euros you should calculate for a puppy.
Are you one of the lucky Kangal owners and want to share your experiences? We look forward to yours comment.