Big Dog Kangal Origin History and Characteristics

The Kangal is an ancient breed, originating from Turkey over 6,000 years ago.

They were bred to guard livestock from predators like wolves and bears.

Their early history is tied to the nomadic tribes of Anatolia, who valued their strength and protective instincts.

One of the most distinctive features of the Kangal is its large size, with males weighing up to 145 pounds and standing as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder.

Their broad chests and deep chests give them a sturdy appearance.

Their short, dense coats are usually white or fawn in color, with or without black markings.

The Kangal breed is named after its origins in the Central Anatolian town of Kangal, in Turkey. It's a molosser breed, part of the same family as the English Mastiff and Rottweiler.

The Kangal is an impressively large dog, with adult bitches reaching a height of 65-73 cm and males reaching 72-78 cm. Females weigh between 40 and 50 kg, while males weigh between 48 and 60 kg.

This breed is known for its muscular, agile, and enduring physique, despite its large size. Its coat is dense with undercoat, and can range in length from three to seven centimetres, depending on the season and keeping conditions.

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The Kangal shepherd dog has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to the nomads of Central Asia and Anatolia.

Originally called Karabash, the breed was used for guarding flocks of sheep from predators and has retained its independent character to this day.

The Kangal owes its name to an influential aristocratic family that began breeding the breed professionally at an early stage.

This independent behavior can become a problem if not trained sensitively and consistently.

The breed's name points to its origins in the Central Anatolian town of Kangal, in Turkey, where it was used to protect herds of sheep from wolves, bears, and other predators.

The Kangal is classified as a molosser breed, a family that includes the English Mastiff, Rottweiler, and Boxer, and was bred with indigenous Turkish dogs to produce the modern breed.

It is capable of holding its own against a wolf, with some strains of the breed being bred specifically for this purpose.

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Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction with their human family and other dogs.

They have a unique ability to form strong bonds with their owners, often becoming a beloved member of the family.

Dogs are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple obedience commands to complex tasks like search and rescue.

Their short attention span means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Some breeds are naturally more energetic and require more exercise than others, such as the high-energy breeds that require at least an hour of exercise per day.

Dogs have a strong sense of smell and can detect subtle changes in their environment, making them excellent watchdogs.

Their loyalty and protective instincts make them great companions for families and individuals alike.

Despite their small size, some breeds can be quite stubborn and require patient and consistent training to overcome their independent nature.

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The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a calm and even-tempered breed, but it was never intended for molly-coddling.

Its role as a guardian requires it to be gentle and difficult to irritate, and so it is usually good with children and other pets.

However, it has a strong independent streak, so owners must not be too lenient with such a large and powerful breed.

A well-adjusted Kangal is a calm and even-tempered dog, but if it senses a lack of confidence or assertiveness from the owner, it is likely to seek the role of alpha dog for itself.

Being firm and consistent, even from puppyhood, will let the dog know that it must abide by the owner’s rules.

The Kangal is a great guard dog, but socialisation is vital to avoid behavioural problems, such as territorial aggression.

Most Kangals will readily accept strangers once they are introduced, but socialisation from a young age is essential to prevent this.

It's normal for Kangals in adolescence to push boundaries through boisterous or mock-aggressive behaviour, and owners must be quick to assert themselves and correct their rebellious teenager.

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The Kangal is a very large dog with heavy muscling, though without the coarseness of a Mastiff breed. It's a sturdy build that's well proportioned, with a broad head and a flat area between the ears.

The front of the skull has a slight dome, and the stop at the front of the forehead is quite pronounced. The nose is black, and the facial hair presents a clearly defined black mask that covers the muzzle and both eyes.

The eyes are oval-shaped and coloured to reflect the coat, usually a shade of golden-brown. The ears are set quite high on the head, and usually carried flat to the cheeks, unless the dog is alerted to a threat.

The neck is thick and strong, with a slight dewlap that allows the dog an advantage in battle. The back is well muscled but not excessively broad, sloping to the croup and the base of the tail.

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The limbs are set wide apart due to the muscle mass in the thighs and upper forelimbs, with the lower limbs being straight and well boned. The chest is deep and has a good spring, reflecting the Kangal's ample lung capacity.

Here are the accepted colours for the Kangal breed:

Males stand an impressive 74–81 cm (29–32 in) tall at the withers, while bitches range from 71 to 79 cm (28–31 in).

The Kangal's coat is very easy to care for, although it does shed heavily, so twice weekly brushing is a good idea to prevent hairballs from forming on furniture and carpets.

Their thick nails need to be clipped regularly, ideally every eight weeks, depending on the surfaces they're exposed to.

Daily tooth brushing is a must, and introducing this routine from a young age will make it a breeze for both you and your Kangal.

Twice weekly brushing will also help prevent massive hairballs from being deposited on furniture and carpets.

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The Kangal Dog is a large and powerful breed, originally from Turkey. They are known for their distinctive appearance and impressive size, with males weighing up to 145 pounds.

These dogs have a thick, double coat that helps protect them from harsh weather conditions. Their coat is often white or fawn in color, with or without markings.

The Kangal Dog is a loyal and protective breed, often serving as a guardian for livestock and families. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and will defend their territory if necessary.

In terms of exercise, Kangal Dogs require regular activity to stay happy and healthy. They need daily walks and playtime, as well as opportunities to run and play off-leash.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for working roles, such as guarding and herding. With proper training and socialization, Kangal Dogs can thrive in a variety of environments.

The Kangal Shepherd Dog needs a lot of space to roam around, so a property with enough room for it to guard is ideal. If you don't have a property, a spacious yard is a good alternative.

The Kangal is not suited for cramped living conditions, so if you live in an apartment or small house, this breed might not be the best fit.

You'll need to invest in a sturdy collar and lead or harness that can handle the dog's strength. Leash control is crucial for dogs of this size, so make sure you're prepared to handle the Kangal's power.

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