Turkish Kangal Dog

History

Originating from Mastiff bloodlines in the early 1800s around Turkey, the Turkish Kangal is an extremely large and unique breed. The Turkish Kangal was used as a flock guardian, guarding flocks of sheep and goats against wolves and other vicious predators. Their technique is to visually intimidate their predators however when all else fails, they will physically attack.

Appearance

Appearing very strong and intimidating, the Turkish Kangal breed is by far a large breed dog. Built solid and muscular, both males and females measure 29-32 inches in height while males weigh in between 110-145 pounds and females weigh in between 90-120 pounds. A broad skull fades into a rectangular shaped muzzle, as two short triangular ears are folded down along side of their face. A short length tail is thick and curled up against their body. The Turkish Kangal should demonstrate taller hind legs than front legs. A short, double layer coat is available only in shade variations of fawn, as most Turkish Kangal's have a black mask on their face or at least on their muzzle.

Temperament

The Turkish Kangal is not meant for everyone. Protective, strong willed and determined, and selective when it comes to humans and strangers, the Turkish Kangal will only bond to the few family members raising him or her and living under the same roof. This breed is a working breed and is only recommended for farm living conditions. Loyal and obeying to its closest family members, the Turkish Kangal will love and honor you. This is not to be expected towards strangers or people not around often enough. This breed requires a long daily walk as well as other outdoor activity to remain healthy and happy both physically and mentally. Not recommended for elderly, young children or house holds with other pets and dogs.

Grooming

Daily brushing is required and bathing when needed. This breed is an average shedder.

Special Notes

Please fully educate yourself of the breed prior to adding one to your family. This breed is not meant for everyone. Do not add a Turkish Kangal to your family unless you are able to make a life long commitment to the life of your new addition. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders. Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2017. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.