Turkish Kangal Dog
History
The Kangal Dog is regarded as Turkey's national treasure. It is depicted on postage stamps, coins, sculptures in abundance, and is protected by Turkish law. It is a flock guardian, not, as is often suggested, a shepherding dog. Careful breeding over the centuries has developed a working dog to meet the specific needs of guarding the Kangal Akkaraman sheep of the Sivas-Kangal region in the central Anatolian steppes.
With the formation of the Turkish Kennel Club and Turkish Kangal breed standard, the Kennel Club in the UK has acknowledged the breed in its entirety. As from July 2013, Kangal enthusiasts have been able to re-register eligible dogs on the Anatolian Shepherd Dog register as Turkish Kangal Dogs and exhibit as such, should they so wish.
The Turkish government does not permit the export of Kangal dogs, as in the past, they have been misused and crossed with other breeds with no appreciation or understanding of the historical background behind such a unique breed. The Turkish Kangal, after all, is an important component in Turkey's Natural Heritage.
There are, however, careful breeding programmes in other countries with new lines being brought in to the UK, which has a relatively small gene pool, and very few reputable breeders of this worthy breed.
Characteristics
Traditional shepherding over the vast expanse of the central Anatolian plateau requires vigilance to keep predators at bay. The shepherds' dogs - �oban k�pekleri - are therefore essential as flock guardians and work as a team to keep the wolves at bay. Their job: keeping a watchful eye out for danger, whilst escorting the shepherd and the flock to pasture and water.
Kangals are incredibly intelligent, with the youngsters learning from the older dogs, rather than specific training programmes, but they do need a job. Whether it's watching over flocks, the home, the family, Kangals will guard and protect what they perceive to be theirs. They will also be the 'alpha' dog, especially the females, but only if there is a threat to their 'pack' harmony.
Kangal Dogs are capable of withstanding the extremes of temperature experienced in the Sivas-Kangal region, with an easily maintained weatherproof, short double coat - dense, soft undercoat, slightly longer and coarser on the top layer - with pale colouring and black mask to blend in with the sheep.
Health
Kangals are a slow to mature, large breed with overall good health and an anticipated lifespan of 12 to 14 years.