Kennel.com – Complete Guide to Dogs The Dog Lovers Guide
Description: The Kangal, formerly known as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, is a powerful and impressive guardian breed which originated in Anatolia, Turkey likely 6,000 years ago. It has the most powerful bite of all dogs at an astounding 743 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch).
This highly intelligent, hardworking and fiercely protective large dog was bred to guard livestock from predators such as wolves, jackals and bears. Kangal Shepherd Dogs make a good companion and does well with children, but this depends on socialization and training beginning at an early age. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is suspicious of strangers, therefore a proper introduction is needed.
The Kangal Shepherd Dog did not arrive into the United States until the 1950s. Throughout the years, this ancient breed’s most favored traits remain the same – hardiness, loyalty, and independence.
Height: The height of an Kangal Shepherd Dog is between 29-30 inches (74-76 cm). Dogs are taller than females.
Weight: The weight for the Kangaln Shepherd Dog is between 110-150 pounds (50-68 kg.) Dogs weigh more than bitches.
Coat Type: The Kangal Shepherd Dog has two basic coat types: medium length and medium long (from one inch to 4 inches). Short or rough double coat; outer coat is smooth. The length varies and depends on the season and the dog’s lineage. The coat is thicker and longer at the neck and mane. Grooming maintenance is minimal and only requires weekly brushing to keep the coat in good shape. Thorough brushings are necessary during heavy shedding seasons twice a year.
Color: The coat of the Kangal Shepherd Dog can be any color or length. All patterns / markings are acceptable.
Temperament: The Kangal Dog is intelligent and extremely protective. It is a leader, loyal and easy to train. This breed is not best suited for a first time dog owner or one who is shy. Training should be done in a consistent, confident and fair manner and it is very important to start as early as possible. Kangal Shepherd Dogs learns quickly, but can be stubborn and choose not to obey. The owner should be firm, consistent, and a patient leader – Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are sensitive to reprimands. The Kangal Shepherd Dog is patient and protective of children; it is also protective of other animals in the house. His protective instinct grows stronger as it matures. Despite being called a shepherd, these dogs were never used as herders, but always as protector of livestock against predators. Kangal Shepherd Dogs needs daily exercise and a large backyard is desirable while apartment living is not recommended.
Health Problems: A health survey completed in 2004 by the UK Kennel Club revealed the median life span of the Kangal Shepherd Dog is 10.75 years. The survey also indicated the leading causes of death were cancer (22%), “combinations” (17%), cardiac (13%), and old age (13%).
Special Interests:
• Kangal Shepherd Dogs were once used as combat dogs in war and for hunting big game.
• Kangal Shepherd Dogs are capable of enduring extremes of heat and cold.
• There are over 3000 Kangal Shepherd Dogs registered in the United States.
Classifications:
AKC: Working Dog Group
ANKC: Utility Group 6
CKC: Flock Guard
FCI: Group 2 Section 2 Molossoid breeds
KC: Pastoral Group
UKC: Guardian Dog Group
