Kangal dog

The Kangal Shepherd Dog, also known as Turkish Kangal or Anatolian Kangal, is a guardian dog breed that originated in Sivas, Turkey.

The Kangal Dog is a large, powerful, heavy-boned dog whose size and proportions have evolved naturally as a result of its prolonged usage as a predator preventive in Turkey.

Over hundreds of years, this dog has been selectively developed primarily as a Turkish shepherd, a guardian dog based on its size, strength, temperament, and appearance.

History of Kangal Shepherd

The breed gets its name from the advanced Central Anatolian Region of Kangal in Turkey’s Sivas Province. Shepherds have used the Kangal for years to protect them from wolves and other predators.

The Kangal Dog originates in the central Turkish region of Sivas. This ancient breed is supposed to be related to the Mastiff-type dogs that existed around 600 B.C. in the Assyrian Empire.

Though the Kangal Dog was originally a nobility dog, it is now appreciated by those who admire its working ability.

The Kangal Dog is still popular in Turkey, where it is regarded as a national treasure, and may be found in Europe and the United States.

Kangal Shepherd Personality

Many of the Kangal Dog’s personality traits are described by this fact. While it is a loving and loyal pet to its owners, it is not very friendly to strangers.

Kangals are loyal, well-adjusted, and even-tempered animals who are also incredibly protective. Their protective attitude makes them great security dogs, K9s, and livestock guard dogs.

It is essential to socialize dogs with humans and animals from a young age in order for them to accept visitors and be around strangers.

The Kangal Dog is also not a good choice for new pet owners. It usually works with experienced people who understand its unique needs and personality.

Kangal Shepherd Temperament

The Kangal Dog is essentially and foremost a stock guardian dog, with a demeanor that is typical of such dogs: vigilant, protective, and defensive of the domestic animals or human family to whom it has attached.

Kangal Dog holds the power, speed, and bravery to intercept and face threats to the flocks of sheep and goats that it protects in both Turkey and the New World.

Kangal Dogs like to scare predators, but if needed, they will take a physical stance and even attack. They are generally wary of strange dogs but are not typically violent toward people.

They are cautious about strangers yet devoted and loving around family. The goal of training this dog is to make him the pack leader. A dog’s basic instinct is to keep order in its pack.

Size and Appearance of Kangal Shepherd

How Big is a Kangal?

The Kangal is a huge dog related to the Mastiff in appearance. Males can grow to be 32 inches tall, while females can grow to be 30 inches tall. Males may reach up to 145 pounds when fully grown, while females can weigh up to 120 pounds.

Female Kangals are often smaller than male Kangals. However, they’re huge! Despite their massive size, Kangals are more agile and athletic than other big breeds.

Appearance of Kangal Shepherd

The Kangal is a huge dog with powerful muscling but not the coarseness of a Mastiff. It is nicely proportioned and resembles a powerful Collie in shape, however, males and females differ significantly in size.

The ears are set quite high on the head and frequently carried flat to the cheeks. The nose is black, and the facial hair forms a distinct black mask that conceals the muzzle and both eyes.

The eyes are oval-shaped and colored to suit the coat, which is usually golden-brown. The coat is extremely dense, with both primary and secondary hairs being closely packed and short.

Kangal Shepherd Health & Problems

The Kangal Dog is a generally healthy breed with few genetic anomalies as long as they are responsibly bred.

Kangals are not only among the strongest dogs, but they are also one of the healthiest breeds. There are just a few known health issues with these dogs:

• Hip dysplasia, which is common in large to giant breeds, is the first health issue to watch out for in a Kangal dog. This is a congenital disease in which the hip bones do not form properly, leading to later arthritic problems.
• Tiny lumps and tumors might form in their abdomen and chest. These benign tumors may cause discomfort and prevent them from enjoying their usual activities.
• Hereditary disease is a disease in which the eyelids fold inwards due to a deformity. Eyelashes and hair would brush against the eye region after the eyelids were folded in, causing irritation and pain.

These health issues may be easily controlled with regular vet visits, as well as early diagnosis and treatment.

Kangal Lifespan

The Kangal Canine has an average lifetime of 12 to 15 years, which is very excellent for a dog of this size. Kangals may live to be 15 years old, which is one of the longest lifespan, thus they are not only tough but also great companions.

If you’re looking for a dog to share your life with, a Kangal could be the best choice. They also have a close link with their owner, so you’ll be looking for a long-term friendship.

How To Take Care of Kangal Shepherd

Exercise Requirements

Kangals are huge breeds of dogs. This requires taking them outside and allowing them to stretch their legs. Daily walks are vital for providing your dog with both physical and mental stimulation.

Owners must exercise their pets for two hours every day, giving them enough space to break into full stride and play at peak speed. The breed is also a great running or hiking companion.

This breed needs both physical and mental exercise. Working dogs with land will get their exercise by patrolling the farm and guarding the cattle.

This exercise will assist in bonding with your pet. It will also expose it to unique ideas, which can help avoid fear in adults.

A Visit to the Vet

It is an important and valuable way to taking care of your Kangal Shepherd Dog. Like all dog breeds, This breed needs to go to the vet once per year for a checkup.

Generally, a complete physical examination of a particular dog is needed at least once a year. It involves getting your dog’s temperature, checking heart, lungs, weighing, stomach, eyes, teeth, ears, skin, and coat.

Vaccinating your pet has long been regarded as one of the most straightforward approaches to assist him to live a long, healthy life. Puppies are typically vaccinated at 8 and 10 weeks; your young kangal should then be given a booster 12 months after their first vaccination because it’s beneficial to take care of any pets.

Grooming & Bruising

Kangals don’t require much grooming. Only twice a year, in the spring and winter, will their thick and short double coat shed. Daily brushing with a metal comb and de-shedding tools should be done at the start of two seasons.

They will not need regular bathing; a bath once a month should do to keep this dog clean. Bathing your Kangal often may create skin issues by stripping its coat of natural oils. You should clip its nails often, especially if don’t walk it on the street.

Depending on the surfaces the dog is exposed to, the breed’s thick nails may need to be cut as often as every eight weeks, and this regimen, along with regular dental cleaning, should be started on Kangal at a young age.

Providing a High-quality dog food

Each dog is individual and, therefore, will need a particular diet.  Since the Kangal Shepherd dog is inclined to hip and elbow dysplasia, provide him food enriched with fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin.  It is necessary to evade over feeding your dog as it can only exasperate health obstacles such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Your most essential purpose should be to provide your pet companion properly.

The kangal is a big dog, so going for the best big breed dry dog food may be the correct choice. If, upon all benefits, your dog turned out small, search for one of the greatest dry dog food for small dogs and see if they like it!

Here we list out some of the best good dog food for kangal.

Best dog food for Kangal Shepherd 2021

• Orijen Original Formula Dry Dog Food.
• Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Fish.
• Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food.
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free.
• Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food (Small Bites)

Avoid unhealthy and digestive system-damaging foods similar to soy, wheat, and corns.

Remember that some of the smallest breeds have the most refined taste. Even though your Kangal Shepherd is big, we’re sure your puppy won’t mind taking a bite of these best dry dog food brands for Pugs!

How To Train Kangal

The Kangal Dog is known for being clever and independent. Because the breed is smart, they learn quickly. However, owners or other trainers must act as the pack leader in the dog’s eyes, with no servile behavior.

Because of the breed’s innate defensiveness, owners must work hard to properly teach their dogs. This training should begin during the dog’s first weeks and continue until the puppy reaches maturity.

Potty Training

It’s a fantastic time when you buy a new puppy in your home, but a new puppy also comes with many challenges. The first and most significant challenge that you may face is that of potty training.

If your dog decides to go with an indoor potty, so placement is essential. Find a space in your home where messes won’t interfere with your life.

Potty training your Kangal Shepherd puppy can take a lot of time, patience, and attention, but luckily, one tool can make a huge difference: a potty training pad.

Some dog experts recommend that you begin house training your puppy when they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. At that time, they have ample control of their bladder and bowel movements to learn to hold them.

Crate Training

If you’re planning on crate training, your puppy should be placed to bed every night in its crate. However, you may require thinking of the best place for that crate at the beginning.

Correctly done crate training is also a highly effective management technique that dog owners can be a lifesaver.

Using a crate is essential to keep your dog from getting into a riot when you can’t supervise them directly.

Crate training is suitable for hunting dogs because it keeps them comfortable during hunts and on the road.

Socialization

Kangal Shepherd puppy might produce aggressive behaviors and severe anxiety if you do not enforce the early socialization. In the method of early socialization, you will present the puppy to different objects, people, and areas as advanced as possible.

There are two stages of this process. The first one initiates as early as 2 and 1/2 weeks. From this period of time up to four weeks of age, the buyers will hold the dog in a listed amount of time. The second stage of socialization begins from four weeks of age to 16 weeks of age. You will let the dog become familiar with neighboring formations and smells.

This training activity aims to form the puppy into a fearless and incredible adult dog. The dog will appear at ease with interacting with people and different dogs, providing to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders.

How Much Do Kangal Cost?

Outside of its fan club, the Kangal Dog is a little-known breed. A pet-quality puppy will easily cost you at least $1,000. If you want a show-quality puppy from a good bloodline, you may have to pay up to $5,000.

The average yearly expense of having a dog is around $1,200. Food is usually at the top of the list of costs. Another crucial cost that you should not overlook is routine vet care. However, prevention is the most effective strategy to avoid unavoidable issues.

Kangal Shepherd puppies for sale

The Turkish Kangal is a gorgeous dog that has long been treasured by shepherds in its native Turkey, where it is the national dog.

The breed is not as widely recognized in the UK as other breeds, but they are getting popular due to their proud look and loyal, kind attitude.

Those who want to share their home with a Kangal, on the other hand, will need to register their interest with breeders, as just a few puppies are bred in the UK each year.

Kangal Shepherd breeders

The Kangal Dog Club of America ensures that these magnificent canines are bred ethically. High regard for purebred Kangals is vital for the breed’s good retention.

Breeders identify genuine Kangals from crossbreeds by observing certain disqualifications in the dog’s physical features and temperament.

Kangal breeders from many countries have long argued about who genuinely has pure-bred lines.

Much of the in-fighting is caused by Americans breeding the dogs without a thorough awareness of the dog’s glorious history or regional Turkish shepherd dog varieties.

Advantage and Disadvantages of Kangal Shepherd

Pros of Kangal

• Excellent guard dog
• Extremely large and powerful
• Affectionate and loyal to their family
• Known to be gentle with children
• Intelligent and courageous.

Cons of Kangal

• Their extra-large size makes them unsuitable for homes and properties
• Loud barking
• They May be aggressive towards other dogs
• Can be independent and difficult to train

May Also Read: German Shepherd

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