Big Turkish Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

The Big Turkish Dog is a breed that's sure to make a statement. They're a large dog with a muscular build, weighing between 110 to 150 pounds.

Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, and white. These dogs are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them great family pets.

They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing to remove loose hair.

The big Turkish dog is a wonderful breed, and there are several options to consider.

The Kangal Dog is a popular choice, known for its protective instincts and loyalty. It's a large dog, weighing up to 145 pounds and standing up to 32 inches tall.

The Akbash Dog is another option, bred to guard livestock and property. It's a powerful dog, with a muscular build and a strong instinct to defend.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a great choice for active families, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation.

The Rize Koyun is a Turkish variant of the Molosser dog, used primarily as guardians for livestock.

They're a large and powerful breed, known for their fierce barks that warn their owners of danger.

Rize Koyun dogs serve primarily as protectors for their flocks in the event of attacks, rather than being used for herding.

Their powerful build and protective instincts make them a reliable choice for safeguarding livestock.

The Kangal is a breed that's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a loyal companion. They're known for their intelligence, which is at an intermediate-high level.

One thing to keep in mind is that Kangals have a strong bite, with a recorded 743 psi - that's one of the strongest bites in the world. This can be an issue if they feel threatened, so it's essential to socialize them as soon as possible.

In terms of their temperament, Kangals are gentle with their owners and children, often taking on a sweet and adoring nanny role. However, they can be wary of other pets, so it's probably best to have them as the only pet in your life.

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Here are some key characteristics of a good Kangal dog:

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large and loyal breed that's steeped in history. They're direct descendants of one of the oldest dog breeds on earth, and they've remained largely unchanged over the centuries.

These dogs are known for their calm and level-headed nature, showing patience and caution until provoked. They're incredibly loyal to their families and will guard them to the bitter end, even the family cat.

Anatolian Shepherds are often confused with Kangal dogs, but they're actually a distinct breed. In fact, the name "Anatolian Shepherd" is unknown in Turkey, where they're referred to as "Çoban Köpeği" or "shepherd's dog".

Here are some key characteristics of the Anatolian Shepherd breed:

Overall, the Anatolian Shepherd is a loyal and protective breed that makes a great companion for active families.

Dogs of this breed usually stand between 65 and 78 cm at the withers, with a 2-centimetre tolerance either way for both sexes.

The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a relatively agile breed, capable of reaching speeds of up to 56 km/h, making it well-suited for herding and guarding tasks.

They have a unique coat that provides insulation against extreme temperatures, while also repelling water and snow, allowing them to regulate their core temperature efficiently.

A good Kangal dog should possess the following characteristics:

The Catalburun is a very rare breed.

They are seldom found outside of their native Turkey.

Their split noses are exceptionally keen at picking up smells.

Like any greater Pointer breed, they can remain perfectly still while showing their hunting partner where prey is hiding.

Kangal Shepherd dogs are very brave, quick and agile. They are quite good to women and children and quite a dissuasive weapon against bad people as they are intelligent and strong.

They are faithful to their owners. When they are scolded by their owners they are ashamed like a child, look so sad and innocent for begging their owners to forgive their mistake.

Their loyalty to their duties is impressive, waiting for days to keep the sheep leaving the herd without having food and water. They have not lost anything from their blood qualifications or high spirit, despite lasting for centuries.

Kangal dogs are highly blood noble and never mate with any other dog species even when they are free. They were started to be trained for military and law enforcement use in 1975 and it has been proven that they have better and more skills than other dog species being trained for military missions for centuries.

The Anatolian is a massive dog, weighing between 110 to 150 pounds, with most of it being muscle.

They stand tall, with typical males reaching 29 inches in height.

Their coat is short-haired, covering a lush undercoat that gives them an even thicker appearance.

You'll often see them with a buff coat, topped by a black mask and black ears.

Females can weigh up to 120 pounds, making them just as impressive as their male counterparts.

The largest Anatolian on record was a staggering 40 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed that's not for the faint of heart. They're a large, independent dog that requires an experienced owner.

Their temperament is shaped by their history of guarding flocks and nomadic tribes. They're smart and can pick up instructions quickly, but they may choose not to obey if they're in a particular mood.

Anatolians form strong bonds with their owners, but they view them as their flock rather than pack members. This means they'll look after you, but they may not always listen to you.

Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for Anatolians. They can be slow to warm up to strangers, even close friends and family members.

Here are some key takeaways for Anatolian owners:

If you're a rancher or farmer, an Anatolian might be a great fit. They can be left to their own devices and still do their job. But for families in the suburbs, they might not be the most playful or affectionate breed.