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Height:
28–32 inches
Weight:
90–145 pounds
Lifespan:
10–12 years
Colors:
Tan or gray with black ears and muzzle
Suitable for:
Experienced individuals or families with older children looking for a loyal working dog, ideally in a farming settings
Temperament:
Loyal, alert, protective, intelligent
When a Kangal enters a room, you know it. Their confident gait embodies strength and athleticism. This ancient breed hails from Turkey, where their job was—and still is—to guard the flocks. They are not a herding dog, per se. Their role is to fend off predators like wolves that may prey on the livestock. They’re not hunters but prefer to use intimidation as their weapon.
That’s one tough canine! If you think the Kangal resembles a Mastiff, you’d be right. The two breeds share a common ancestry. This pup is the more agile of the two with a leaner body, albeit still a massive dog. They are quite popular in their native land, but not as well-known in the United States.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize this breed. However, the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Great Britain’s The Kennel Club do. They are also on the roster with the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The classification of this pup is somewhat controversial in some organizations because of their similarity to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
Kangal Puppies
It’s wisest to research a breed thoroughly before you commit to getting a Kangal puppy, especially with a dog that isn’t well-known in the United States. Size, of course, is the biggest consideration, as well as their working group and requirements. This breed requires a very active lifestyle and is not for a sedentary life. They also benefit from having an owner experienced in keeping large working breeds. You must be able to handle a pup this large for everyday things like walking and exercise. Early and consistent training and socialisation are imperative to make sure they grow up to be a stable and obedient working dog.
The Kangal can be somewhat reserved. That’s due in part because of their background. They lived a nomadic lifestyle with little contact with other people and pets. That makes socialization also critical. The other thing to bear in mind is their job. They bring that same protective nature to your household as they did with the herds. They may become territorial as a result.
On the positive side, the Kangal is a loyal pup that is affectionate with their family. They are also generally a healthy pooches. They have a moderately high prey drive with a strong wanderlust potential. This dog will do best in a home with a large fenced-in yard. They are energetic and will need daily exercise along with mental stimulation to keep them happy.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Kangal
1. People sometimes mistake the Kangal for the AKC-recognized Anatolian Shepherd.
Some people may think that the Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd are the same breed because of their similar markings. The former is the more ancient of the two. The latter often has a thicker coat with a narrower muzzle and head.
2. The Kangal is the national dog of Turkey.
The Kangal is so beloved in its native country that the people made it their national dog as their first indigenous breed. There’s even an annual festival celebrating this pup.
3. Color is an excellent way to identify a purebred Kangal.
The UKC breed standard is particular about the accepted colors of the Kangal. Tan to gray are the only permitted variations, with a distinctive black mask on the muzzle and ears. A liver, black, or all white dog is a red flag that the pup is not a purebred.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Kangal
The Kangal dog is confident yet reserved. They are calm yet protective. This pup requires a good deal of daily exercise and work, and simple walks may not be sufficient to fulfill all of their daily needs. This pooch is also intelligent and independent, which comes from doing the kind of work they have done. Therefore, they need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and the development of bad habits like digging or destroying.
This breed’s independent lifestyle means that the Kangal may show a stubborn streak, especially when they’re young. That makes training crucial to encourage good canine manners. Early socialization will also help them accept visitors to your home better. We don’t recommend the Kangal for the first-time or inexperienced pet owner because of their size, energy requirements, and temperament. They are ideal for a rural or farming setting where they have a job to do.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The loyalty and affectionate nature of the Kangal make them a good choice for the family pet in a rural or farming setting, as they will ultimately need a job. Otherwise, being only a pet, they may easily become frustrated and bored. They will protect the home and the people with whom they share it. While properly socialised dogs are kid-friendly, it’s important that all interactions are supervised or avoided in case of smaller children, as they may become territorial with their food or toys. Therefore, we suggest that parents teach their children to respect the pup’s space and their things.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The Kangal will fare best in a home where they are the top—and only—dog. That comes from their history, but also their size factors into the equation once again. Smaller pups are at a keen disadvantage with this one. The same precaution applies to other pets, like cats. If there are other pets in the home, the Kangal should be socialized with them from an early age and supervised during all interactions. Instinct may drive them to attack anything that they may perceive as a threat to the family or property when encountering an unfamiliar dog.
Things to Know When Owning a Kangal
By now, you probably have a good idea about the personality of the Kangal. They are gentle giants but have the strength and power to back up any confrontations when protecting their herd or property. It’s essential to understand that this pup isn’t a vicious dog, nor are they timid. Both are faults, according to the UKC breed standard. Instead, they are a fearless pooch that is alert to what’s going on at their home and property. That makes them an excellent watchdog, but also means they are a working breed and ultimately need to have a job to feel fulfilled.
Food & Diet Requirements
You can easily expect to pay $150 a month or more just for food with an adult Kangal. Like other giant dog breeds, they mature slowly and won’t finish growing up until 16-24 months. The most important consideration with choosing a dog food is that it’s formulated for a pup of their size.
We suggest feeding them three or four times a day with equal-sized meals as a puppy, while avoiding any exercise at least 1 hour before and after feeding for both puppies and particularly adult dogs. Speak to your vet about the appropriate amount of food and recommended number of meals for your dog, depending on their age, activity levels, and health.
Monitor their body condition to make sure they don’t become overweight. You can adjust their intake accordingly. Cut back to no less than two times a day when they become an adult. It’s advisable to break up their daily food allowance into several meals, slow down their eating using slow feeders and interactive feeders, using elevated bowls, and avoid any exercise one hour before and after feeding.
Exercise
The Kangal has a moderate energy level, but they require a consistent and purposeful activity. To keep them trim and mentally stimulated, we recommend keeping this breed as a working dog in a rural or farming setting on a large property, with additional walks and exercise as needed. You may find it helpful to mix things up once in a while by taking them to new areas to explore, but make sure they are leashed, as they can be territorial towards other dogs. Two hours of extra activity a day are more than sufficient to keep them healthy, alongside guarding the property or a herd of farm animals, which gives them a full-time job. Training and other activities, such as scent work, can also help keep them mentally stimulated.
Training
Early start of training and its continuation throughout their lifetime is a must-do with the Kangal. It will help them become a balanced working dog that you can manage better. It’s also an excellent way to build trust and connection, which is a vital consideration for any dog. Positive reinforcement is the best approach. Treats as training aids won’t hurt, either. Consistency is key with a canine of their intelligence and working requirements.
Grooming ✂️
The Kangal has a dense coat with a thick seasonal undercoat. This pup grew up spending time outdoors year-round, which encouraged this condition. Even though their fur isn’t that long, they may shed throughout the year with seasonal spikes. Plan on brushing them at least a couple of times a week to keep them looking their best. It’s also an excellent time to check their ears for signs of infection and skin for any lumps or changes.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Kangals are generally healthy dogs with a few potential medical concerns, some of which may be inherited. Screenings for joint and skeletal conditions are a wise precaution for any canine of their size. Their sensitivity to anesthesia is worth mentioning. You should discuss the available options with your veterinarian before any surgery.
- Entropion
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus
Male vs Female
The difference between male and female Kangals is evident in the size disparity between the sexes. An extra 20–40 pounds will make a significant impact to the owner at the end of the leash. If you don’t want to breed your pup, discuss the benefits and risks of spaying or neutering your dog with your vet as well as the recommended timing for the procedure.
Your vet will help you make an informed decision and balance the pros and cons associated with your dog’s reproductive capacity. You also have to consider the Kangal’s sensitivity to anesthesia that we discussed earlier. All of these factors play a role in opting for surgery or keeping your pup intact.
Final Thoughts
The Kangal is a handsome pup that is worthy of their status as the national dog of Turkey. They are a proud yet reserved animal with the brawn fitting for their role as a flock guardian. They are a working dog and are not suitable to be only a pet. They need to have a consistent and purposeful job and will bring loyalty and protectiveness to you and your family. This breed is generally considered fairly healthy, but they may suffer from certain health issues. They may make an excellent addition to your rural farming home with an owner who is experienced and can understand them and earn their trust.
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Featured Image Credit: Natalliaskn, Shutterstock
