Kangal Dog

Kangal Dog

A kangal dog with spikey collar, Turkey. 2005
Traits
Classification and standards ANKC Group 6 (Utility) standard UKC Guardian Dogs standard
Notes	Primarily found in the Sivas Province of the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, with some enthusiasts in Europe, Africa and North America.
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Kangal Dog is regarded as the national breed from the Kangal region of Turkey. The Kangal, which weighs 100–165 lbs (45–80 kg) fully grown, was originally used as a livestock guardian dog. It is of an early mastiff type with a solid, pale tan or sabled coat, and with a black mask.

The breed is often referred to as a sheep dog, but distinction has to be made in regards to its function not as a herding dog, but as a flock guardian that lives with the flock to actively fend off wolves, bears and jackals. The Sivas Kangal Dog's protectiveness, loyalty and gentleness with small children and animals has led to its growing popularity as a guardian for families as well, as it regards people as its "flock" and guards them with extreme devotion.

Description

Appearance

At maturity, at least two years old, Kangals measure at the withers, from 30-32 inches for males and 28-30 inches for females. A male Kangal Dog in good condition should weigh between 125 and 165 pounds. A female should weigh between 90 and 120 pounds. The Kangal Dog is not as heavy as some other mastiff breeds, allowing it greater speed and agility than larger dogs. Kangal dogs can reach speeds of up to 30 miles (50 km) per hour.

The under-layer provides insulation against both severe Anatolian winters and the fierce summer sun, while the outer-layer repels water and snow. This combination of coat allows it to regulate its core temperature more efficiently, while the coat is dense enough to repel rupture from wolf bites. The color and coat are perhaps the most visible traits that distinguish the Kangal from the Akbash and Anatolian. The coat must be short and dense, not long or feathery, and of a pale fawn or tan color with varying amounts of sable guard hairs. All Kangal Dogs have a black facial mask, and black or shaded ears. White at certain points (chest, chin, toes) may or may not be allowed, depending on the standard. Some heavily sabled Kangals also have darker legs and chests. Most importantly, the coat should not be broken, brindled, or spotted.

This is done for appearance and for protection, as long ears can be vulnerable in a physical confrontation with a predator. It is also believed that cropping improves the dog's hearing because sound can travel into ear easier.

Temperament

The ideal Kangal dogs should be calm, controlled, independent, and protective. They may be aloof towards strangers, but a well-socialized Kangal Dog is friendly with visitors and especially children. They must never be shy or vicious. A well-trained Kangal is sensitive and alert to changing situations, responding to threats with judicious warnings and courageous action if necessary. They make good guardians of livestock and humans alike, but they may not be suitable for inexperienced dog owners, as the independent intelligence of the Kangal makes for a difficult pupil. Due to their overwhelming strength, size and obedient temperament, Kangal dogs are now becoming popular in underground-illegal dog fights. In such circumstances, violent characteristics observed are brought out due to the dog's treatment by its owner; in most cases, these are quite degrading.

Protective behavior

A working Kangal on duty will station itself on a high vantage point overlooking its flock. On hot days, the dog will dig itself a hollow in the ground to keep cool. Novices learn by staying close to older dogs. The dogs will work in pairs or teams depending on the size of the flock, taking up positions around the sheep and changing their positions as needed. The intensity of their patrols around the sheep increases at nightfall.

When suspicious, a Kangal will stand with its tail and ears erect and give an alarm call, inciting the sheep to gather around it for protection. The Kangal’s first instinct is to place itself between the perceived threat and the sheep or master. Once the sheep are safely behind it, the Kangal confronts the intruder. When faced with a wolf, the Kangal sometimes is successful in intimidating the enemy, but it will resort to a physical confrontation if the predator stands its ground. Specialized wolf killers are known as "kurtçul kangal" in their homeland.

Origins

The earliest reliable account of Turkey shepherd dogs comes from Evliya Çelebi. In his Seyahatname (Book of Travels) he describes the ceremonial parades of the Janissaries, an elite Ottoman force, in which guarding-dogs were displayed in full regalia by their keepers.

Because Kangal name and breed has not been thoroughly defined and documented until recently, because of the slightly similar appearance and desire to capitalize on unique qualities of the breed, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs in general are sometimes labeled Kangals. Kangal is a distinct breed from Karabash, Akbash and the generic Anatolian Shepherd Dog. See Mountain dog breeds.

The Kangal in Turanian countries

Kangal dogs accompanying a flock of sheep in Turkey.

A contemporary national treasure in Turkey, the Kangal dog is one of over 30 livestock guardian breeds from various countries in Europe and Asia. Each is considered an important part of the culture and history of its region. To protect and conserve the genetic purity of the Kangal Dog, the government of Turkey has established several state-sponsored breeding centers.

In its home district of Kangal in the Sivas Province, the Kangal Dog is still primarily used as a livestock guardian and is highly prized. As the sheep industry continues to decline in eastern , Turkey's purebred Kangals of the classic type are becoming increasingly prized, and sell for high prices. Many animals are brought from the villages to compete for prizes during the annual Kangal Festival. In their homeland, kangals are considered the only dogs capable of killing wolves.

Today, the kangal is protected by the Turkey government as part of Turkish national heritage, making it now illegal to export Kangals to non-Turkey nationals. Government sponsored breeding centers have been established at Kangal town and Ulas, where the breeding, development and health records of every dog are charted, regardless of location. Pedigrees are recorded, and certificates of origin are issued to owners of genuine Kangal Dogs.

The Kangal internationally

Britain’s first kangal litter was produced in 1967 by Gazi of Bakirtollo köyü and his mate Sabahat of Hayıroğlu köyü. Dogs from this original line formed the foundation of the so-called "Seacop" stock.[?]

In the US, the first purebred breeding programs for Kangal Dogs began in the early 1980s. The Kangal Dog is recognized by the United Kennel Club in the US, and by the national kennel clubs of South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Many Kangal Dogs are being bred in Germany as well, mostly by immigrant workers. Some are registered as Anatolians, that being the only registration option open to them in Germany; most are unregistered.

Role in Cheetah conservancy

In Namibia the dogs are being used to help protect livestock from cheetah attacks. Almost 300 Kangals have been given to farmers in Namibia since 1994 by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and the scheme has proved so successful that it has been extended to Kenya. During the past 14 years the number of cheetahs killed by farmers is calculated to have fallen from 19 per farmer annually to 2.4. Livestock losses have been cut significantly at more than 80 per cent of the farms where the dogs have been adopted. Of the cats that are still killed by farmers the great majority are attributed to specific attacks on livestock instead, as was the case previously, of being tracked and slaughtered whenever they came close to a farm.

See also

• Akbash Dog
• Anatolian Shepherd
• Herding dog
• Livestock guardian dog

External links

• The Kangal Dog Club of Turkey
• Kangal Dogs International
• The Kangal Dog Club of America
• The Kangal Dog of Turkey - breed information in English
• The Kangal Dog Reference
• The Kangal Dog in the United States
• An Article on Galatian Origins of Kangal Dogs
• Dutch Kangal Fansite - www.kangalmania.nl
• Sivas Kangalsite of Croatia/Information about history
• Veiwpoint on the Anatolian, Kangal and Akbash breed debate
• Kangal Dogs in Canada