Kangal
also known as Kangal Çoban Köpegi, Turkish Kangal, Sivas Kangal, Kangal Shepherd Dog
History
The Kangal dog is a breed of large livestock guardian dog that originated in the Sivas province of Turkey. These dogs have a long and rich history, having been bred for centuries to protect sheep and goats from predators such as wolves, bears, and jackals.
The breed is believed to have descended from ancient Mastiff-type dogs that were brought to Anatolia by the Assyrians more than 4,000 years ago. The Kangal was developed over the centuries through selective breeding by the people of the region, who valued the dogs for their strength, intelligence, and fierce loyalty.
During the Ottoman Empire, Kangal dogs were highly prized by the ruling elite, who used them as guard dogs for their palaces and estates. The breed was also used by shepherds to protect their flocks from predators, and it became known for its courage and ability to defend against even the most formidable foes.
In the early 20th century, the Kangal was recognized as a distinct breed by the Turkish government and was designated as the national dog of Turkey. In the years that followed, the breed gained popularity around the world, with exports to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Despite its popularity, the Kangal has remained a rare breed and is not widely known outside of its native Turkey. One of the most notable characteristics of the Kangal is its size, with males reaching heights of up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 140 pounds. The breed has a dense, short-haired coat that is typically fawn, brindle, or grey in color, with a black mask and ears.
Today, the Kangal is still valued as a livestock guardian in its native Turkey, and it is also popular as a companion and guard dog in other parts of the world. It is recognized by various kennel clubs and breed registries, including the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
Breed Information
Is Kangal a purebred?
Purebred
What were Kangals originally used for?
Livestock Guardian Dog
How Long Do Kangals Live? What is average life expectancy for a Kangal? How long can Kangals live?
12-15 years
The average Kangal lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Kangal Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Kangal?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 30-34 inches (76.2 - 86.4 cm) | 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) | 28.0 inches (71.1 cm) | 32.0 inches (81.3 cm) |
| Female | 28-30 inches (71.1 - 76.2 cm) | 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) | 26.0 inches (66 cm) | 29.0 inches (73.7 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 110-150 pounds (50 - 68 kg) | 57.5 pounds (26 kg) | 95.0 pounds (43 kg) | 130.0 pounds (59 kg) |
| Female | 90-120 pounds (41 - 54 kg) | 50.0 pounds (23 kg) | 87.5 pounds (40 kg) | 105.0 pounds (48 kg) |
Do Kangals get fat easily?
The Kangal is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.
Are Kangals Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the Kangal is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
What is a Kangal personality? What are Kangal dogs best known for?
Alert
Independent
Selfish
Controlled
Calm
Protective
Sensitive
Are Kangals heavy shedders? How Much Does a Kangal Shed?
Kangal dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Kangal.
What is the watchdog ability of a Kangal dog?
The Kangal dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.
Breed History
Where do Kangals come from?
Turkey
What are Kangals descended from?
Mastiff-type
What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Kangal breed?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.
When were Kangals first bred? How old is the Kangal breed?
Ancient Times
Kangal Appearance
What color are Kangal eyes?
Brown
Amber
What color can Kangal nose be naturally?
Black
What color can Kangal coat be naturally?
Gray
Fawn
Sable
How long is a Kangals coat?
The coat of a Kangal falls in the medium length category.
How Dense Is The Kangal Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Kangal?
Straight
How many puppies can a Kangal have in a litter? How many puppies can a Kangal have in her first litter?
12-15 puppies per pregnancy
A Kangal can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Kangal dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.
Kangal Health Issues
Do Kangals have a lot of health problems?
The Kangal is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Kangal?
Usually A Very Healthy Breed
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Kangals?
Entropion
Hip Dysplasia
Tumors
What are the occasional tests recommended for Kangal breed?
OFA
CERF
Yearly Physical Examination
Kangal Needs and Activities
Do Kangals have a lot of energy?
For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Kangals may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.
Do Kangals need socialization? How social are Kangals?
The Kangal is a breed known for its tendency towards being antisocial. These dogs typically prefer solitude and may not enjoy constant interaction with people. They may not be suitable for households with a lot of social activity or for people who are looking for a dog that enjoys the company of others.
How much exercise should Kangals get?
The Kangal dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.
How much sleep should a Kangal have? Do Kangals sleep a lot?
The Kangal breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.
Does a Kangal drool a lot?
The Kangal is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Kangal is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.
How much does it bark?
Kangal dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.
Do Kangals exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.
Are Kangals mouthy?
What is the likelihood of a Kangal running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Do Kangal dogs have a high prey drive?
What do Kangals enjoy doing? How do I keep my Kangal busy?
Walk
What is the energy level of a Kangal? How much energy does a Kangal have?
Medium
Kangals are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
How far should a Kangal walk each week? How many miles should a Kangal walk every week?
10 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Kangal, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Kangal should exercise a day? How much activity does a Kangal need?
45 minutes
In general most Kangals usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Kangal?
The Kangal is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.
How often should you brush a Kangal?
Weekly
Kangal should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Kangals?
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Kangal eat?
4 cups
For an average 110-150 pound (50 - 68 kg) Kangal feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Kangal Cost Daily?
$3.90 - $4.20 / day
The average cost of a Kangal is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.
How Much Does a Kangal Cost Per Month?
$112 - $126 / month
The average per month expenses of a Kangal is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Kangal Characteristic
How intelligent is a Kangal?
Kangals has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Kangal is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.
How sensitive is a Kangal dog?
This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Are Kangal dogs affectionate?
Do Kangal do well in apartments? Are Kangals good indoor dogs?
The Kangal is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.
Are Kangals good with kids? Are Kangals good around children?
Kangals are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Are Kangals good for elderly?
Are Kangals good with cats? How friendly Kangals are toward cats?
Kangals are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,
Do Kangal dogs get along with other dogs? Are Kangals OK with other dogs?
Kangals are below average dog friendly dogs. Kangal dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,
How do Kangal dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Are Kangals friendly with strangers?
Kangals are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.
Do Kangals like to play? Are Kangals playful?
Kangals have an average level of playfulness. The Kangals, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.
Are Kangal easily trained?
Kangal dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.