The Kangal Dog is a large and powerful breed, often used in Turkey to guard livestock against predators. This dog is easily recognized by its massive head, dark muzzle, and curled tail carried up and over the back. When viewed from the side, the Kangal has a distinctive silhouette. It’s no challenge to pick this dog from a lineup; no pups are quite like it.
But don’t let the Kangal Dog’s imposing physique intimidate you. Appearances can be deceiving, and this majestic breed is the true definition of a gentle giant. While they are alert and make ideal watchdogs or guard dogs, there’s not an ounce of aggressiveness or viciousness in the Kangal Dog. These fierce guardians have a peaceful nature and serene demeanor. They would rather block the intruder than attack them when push comes to shove, like some other guard dog breeds. This isn’t a dog for anyone simply seeking protection. Nope, despite what you might think at first glance, the Kangal dog is more about love and protection than fear and intimidation.
You should only get a Kangal Dog if you have a space for one. These dogs need a lot of space, and a house with a big, securely fenced yard is the ideal setting for them. Owners need to be experienced dog owners who understand clearly the proper ways to manage and correct bad behaviour in a Kangal. Suppose this dog is subject to negative corrections (spanking or other poor training methods). In that case, a typical Kangal will not tolerate being treated this way, leading to a total failure for the dog and family.
So, is The Kangal Dog the big, burly boy you must bring home to your family? You’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. We are about to reveal everything that there is to know about this beautiful breed. By the end, you’ll know whether or not you need one of these big boys in your life.
The Kangal Dog is a large and powerful breed, often used in Turkey to guard livestock against predators.
Origin:
Though there is some debate regarding this breed’s origins, the Kangal Dog is known to come from Turkey, where it was used as an ancient flock-guarding breed. The Kangal is thought to have descended from various mastiff-type dogs, such as those depicted in ancient Assyrian art. This breed gets its name from the Kangal District of Sivas Province in Turkey, and this location is also likely where it originated. The Kangal has been associated with the Aga of Kangal, a large family of landholders and chieftains using dogs to guard flocks against large predators such as bears, jackals and wolves. This breed’s history as protectors is legendary.
The first mention of the Kangal Dog in European literature was during the late 1900s. In 1985, David and Judith Nelson brought their Kangal to the United States, where it, along with other imports, served as the foundation stock for the Kangal Dog in the U.S. There continues to be some debate regarding whether the Kangal Dog is a separate breed from the Anatolian Shepherd, another Turkish breed. It is commonly accepted. However, true Kangal Dogs are separate from generic Turkish shepherd dogs. So, at least that statement carries no controversy.
Food/Diet:
The Kangal is a very large dog breed, so you must provide a diet formulated for large-breed dogs. Kangal Dogs have an efficient metabolism, so the max for working males is 5-1/2 to 6 cups of quality kibble daily; females eat 3-1/2 to 5 cups. Also, the maximum protein is 23%. Otherwise, they develop health issues. In Turkey, this breed was fed a high-grain/starch diet and scavenged for their protein on carcasses, wild rodents, and small prairie birds. The Kangal Dogs in North America are only a couple of generations from their homeland – not enough to have changed the 1,000 years of genetics. Puppies move to adult dog food at 5-6 months old. They must grow slowly to prevent crippling leg pain from bone plate issues.
Naturally, while protein should make up for the better part of the formula, the Kangal will also need essential fatty acids, often introduced through flaxseed or fish oil in the kibble, plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin (interestingly, it often comes through bone meal) to support their joint health, fibre and carbs to give them energy and promote good digestion, as well as all the vitamins and minerals they need to support their overall health.
Alternatively, some Kangal Dog owners choose to cook balanced meals tailored to their unique needs or prepare (or buy) raw dog food. While both can be a good choice for your dog, they shouldn’t be your primary choice unless you’ve talked to a professional and established your dog’s exact dietary needs. Otherwise, you risk nutritional deficiencies and endangering your pet’s health. Canine nutrition might seem simple at first, but it requires a lot of knowledge and research to provide a wholesome, healthy diet to your pet truly.
As always, if you are concerned about altering or establishing your Kangal Dog’s diet, it’s wise to consult with a veterinarian before making any major decisions. While most dog food manufacturers and pet blogs provide useful feeding guidelines, they should still be treated as guidelines, not gospel. All dogs are different, and only your vet is qualified to determine the specific dietary needs of your puppy. So, always rely on your vet’s expertise before making major decisions regarding your puppy’s diet.
The Kangal Dog is smart and can be trained to guard livestock and property.
Training:
The imposing and majestic Kangal dog would be very difficult to deal with if they weren’t easily trainable – imagine a rowdy 130 lbs dog that ignores your commands. Yikes!
Kangal Dogs start as independent thinkers, even stubborn, and need little training to become fantastic livestock guardians. But it is extremely challenging to train them to do anything else. Even when “trained”, these dogs will always be independent thinkers and make their own decisions. They never reliably recall and can never be trusted outside their fence off-leash. They will travel miles and willingly miss dinner to explore the territory.
This breed is more loyal to their territory and livestock than their people. They do not like leaving their territory (which is different from exploring and expanding territory); if you take them for a jog, they assume you are doing a perimeter check and giving them ownership of that territory. They will expect to pause and pee-mark every shrub, post and object.
Kangal Dogs, and all livestock guardians in general, are nocturnal and prefer to sleep outside. They bark in the night. An owner can expect their Kangal Dog to bark at night every night of their life, even in the house (even more in the house because they are frustrated at not checking on what they hear). This equates to interrupted sleep every night.
However, because these dogs can become independent and stubborn, it is important to start training from a young age. This would mean that you need to housebreak your pet too. It might take some effort, but positive reinforcement methods yield great results (always focus on rewards and encouragement in your training, as anything less is closer to abuse than training).
Of course, since the Kangal Dog is a working breed, don’t neglect their need for a task – they need something to occupy them; otherwise, they can become bored and destructive. Fail to give your Kangal something to do and something to watch or shepherd, and you’ll see chewed-up shoes, digging holes in the garden, and other unwelcome sights.
Kangal Dogs are not food-motivated, so they cannot be trained using treats. They will walk away even from their food dish if it is held hostage for some trick other than a respectful sit.
Weight:
The average weight for a male Kangal Dog is between 110 and 145 pounds, while females weigh between 90 and 120 pounds. In other words, he’s a big boy! These dogs can often feel like they are closer to roommates than pets. Across the world, Kangal Dogs are known for being burly, tall, and powerfully built, giving them that iconic look of gentle giants. All big dogs require plenty of balanced food to fuel their energy levels and muscles. Be ready to invest in quality dog food. And it shouldn’t come as a surprise if your Kangal needs a bit more food every month than some other breed of medium size. Luckily, Kangals are difficult to become obese, especially if they are given a chance to exercise and walk.
Temperament/Behavior:
Despite its size, the Kangal Dog is a controlled breed. When their owners work with them on time, they become docile and even-tempered dogs. However, these dogs tend to develop an independent streak if proper training and socialization are not achieved from a young age. So, anyone owning these remarkable animals must treat their training and socialization relationship very seriously.
Kangal Dogs are generally friendly with visitors and often get along well with children. These dogs should never be shy or vicious, but they tend to protect their families. This breed was bred to guard livestock, so you shouldn’t be surprised if you find your dog watching over your children or other pets. Because these dogs can be a handful sometimes, they are generally not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. It takes an experienced dog owner who takes their responsibilities seriously to raise these big and beautiful dogs right.
Kangal Dogs are both apex guardians and expect to be alpha in any dog-dog encounter. They feel justified in disciplining disrespectful behaviour on the part of another dog. On a leash, these dogs are very polite; they rarely initiate aggression towards another dog. But they also do not expect another dog to trespass within their space without permission. Don’t take your Kangal Dog to an off-leash park because many other badly behaved dogs are out there.
More than anything, Kangal Dogs love belly rubs and chest scratches.
Common Health Problems:
The Kangal Dog is typically a healthy breed, and as long as they have been bred responsibly, they do not have many congenital conditions. However, the Kangal Dog breed is prone to minor conditions, including benign tumours, entropion and hip dysplasia. That’s as far as genetic predispositions go, but there’s always the possibility of various acquired diseases if you neglect your pet’s health and needs. Large dogs such as the Kangal tend to have issues with the bone system as they age, whether it’s chronic joint pain or impaired mobility in their golden years, so it’s a good idea to introduce joint supplements on time.
As always, it’s important to maintain regular checkups (especially as your dog enters their senior years) to identify and treat potential health issues as early as possible. Noticing symptoms on time and catching certain conditions early can make a world of difference, both when it comes to treatment success and your pet’s quality of life!
Life Expectancy:
The average lifespan for the Kangal Dog is between 12 and 15 years, which is quite impressive for a dog of this size. It is common for Kangals to reach 15 years of age, amongst the highest in the dog world – so they are hardy and make great companions. A Kangal could be the ideal choice if you were looking for a doggo to share your life with. They also tend to bond fiercely with their owner, so you’ll be looking at a strong friendship for many years.
Exercise Requirements:
The Kangal Dog is large and needs plenty of time to stretch its legs and work off its energy during the day. This breed was created to be a working dog, and they need to occupy themselves with something to be content (ideally, they can occupy themselves with watching over their family). So, if you want a Kangal Dog, be prepared to provide the mental and physical stimulation they crave. Working dogs of this breed usually meet all their needs through their jobs, but companions and pets must be deliberately exercised. While these dogs are not overly active, they will require outdoor space to roam about and guard. They’ll also benefit from circa 60 minutes of daily walks or playtime with the owner.
The Kangal Dog is a fairly calm and controlled breed despite its size.
Coat:
The Kangal Dog has a short, dense coat that does not require much grooming. The coat is generally fawn or tan with a black facial mask and black ear shading. Some white markings may be allowed on the chest, chin or toes, but the coat should not be spotted, brindled or broken. Remember that Kangal dogs will likely shed heavily twice yearly for a short period. This is a natural occurrence and a time when they shed their undercoat. You must do heavy brushing and grooming during this time to eliminate all that excess hair. Still, the job is not too demanding, and the rest of the year, you’ll have your hands free since Kangal dogs don’t shed all that much throughout the year.
Puppies:
It is very important to start socialization and training right away with Kangal Dog puppies. These dogs require firm leadership and consistent training, along with adequate socialization. Kangal Dog puppies tend to grow very quickly, and they often develop a tendency to chew, so keep an eye on them. Taking your puppy’s parenting responsibilities seriously is important so your Kangal Dog can grow into his best self. Granted, Kangal dogs have a set of inherent abilities and tendencies very early on. They tend to watch and learn from the habits of older, seasoned dogs. In their natural setting – guarding flocks – this is a great advantage. But around the house, they’d do better learning from you rather than another dog. Luckily, this also means that Kangal puppies will be quick to learn and rather smart. All they need is a nudge in the right direction and some early socialization!
