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    Size
    Large to Giant (27Kg +)
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    No daily exercise
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    Puppy school only
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    Large property & outdoor
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    Often alone
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Breeder List

Dr Murat Ogut2

History

The name derives from the town Kangal which is connected to the Central Anatolian city of Sivas. Colloquially, the Turkish people refer to these dogs as Sivas Kangal or more officially Kangal Coban Kopegi (Kangal Shepherd Dog).

Kangal Shepherd Dog is considered to be an ancient or primitive breed. For centuries it has successfully protected herds of sheep in the Sivas region, against jackals, wolves and bears. Almost exclusively found in Sivas region until the 80s, Kangal dogs can now be found all over Turkey. It is not possible to conclusively determine the exact origins of the Kangal Shepherd Dog. One common theory is that these dogs have come to Anatolia with the migrating Turkic tribes from Asia in the 11th century.

Kangal Shepherd Dog’s existence outside of Turkey is nascent. Their rapidly increasing popularity overseas can be attributed to their gentle character combined with their unrivalled ability to protect livestock against all kinds of predators.

Structure

Large, muscular and rectangular from the side profile, the Kangal dog possesses speed like a cheetah, agility like a leopard and strength like a lion. The tail is characterised by a curl that becomes tighter and held above the back line when fully alert. The most important and distinguishing feature of the Kangal dog is its head shape. From the side, Kangal dog displays a rather flat skull, and a strong muzzle. Combined with almond shaped eyes that are positioned slightly to sides, a strong neck and a thick double layered coat in winter, the Kangal dog manifests a regal appearance like a wolf. 

Dr Murat Ogut3
Dr Murat Ogut4
Takas Gungadin. Jaimee Richens

Coat & Colour

3-7cm long, in winter Kangal possesses a double coat structure - a thick and harsh guard coat with a dense undercoat. The coat is slightly longer around the neck, shoulder and thighs. Shedding occurs once a year in Spring time. This coat structure makes Kangal adaptable and resilient to cold and hot climates.

Body colour ranges from fawn to wolf sable. White socks is common and white on chest is acceptable. White on neck is not preferred. The head is characterised with a black mask and ears darker than general coat colour. All puppies are born with a strong black mask, which can become less pronounced as they mature.

Character

Kangal is intelligent, independent, and courageous. Calm and vigilant, the Kangal dog can quickly switch to high alert by the slightest sounds and scents. With a strong intuition he is an expert at accurately identifying threats. They are affectionate, loyal and gentle. Their gentleness with small children, the fragile and elderly, as well as their gentleness towards all creatures large and small, is leading to it’s popularity as guardians. Regarding their human family as “flock”, they guard them as well as their animals with extreme devotion and loyalty.

Note: Kangal dog does not need training to protect. Just letting the puppy free amongst the herd of sheep is all one needs to do. Even a full grown Kangal that has never seen livestock can naturally bond and start working as a livestock guardian very quickly.

Health & Diet

As they are a large breed, a rapidly growing Kangal can develop hip dysplasia. Thus, it is paramount that while they are growing they are put on a low protein diet to sustain a slow and steady growth. In their homeland Turkey, the shepherds feed them exclusively with barley mixed in water. On the odd occasion they are treated with meat from livestock. Kangals have been feeding in this style for centuries and should continue to do so even in the western world. They are not big eaters and so a cup of oats and a handful of low protein kibble mixed in water makes an ideal feed.

On average they live between 12-15 years.

In Conclusion

Speed, agility and strength combined with unyielding courage and loyalty - the Kangal Shepherd Dog has successfully protected flocks of sheep in the open harsh wild central tablelands of Turkey against jackals, wolves and bears for centuries. With the ever-growing wild dog problem in Australia, Kangals are quickly proving to be the most reliable, cost efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Similarly they are also becoming increasingly popular as gentle affectionate guardians in family homes.

Note: A pair is sufficient for large herds of sheep even in the heavily populated wild dog regions.

Now you know a little more about the Kangal Shepherd Dog you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. in this way you will gain a beter perspective of the Kangal Shepherd Dog and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Words: Dr Murat Ogut 

Image: supplied by Dr Murat Ogut

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 25 Jun 2018)

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Breed Standard - Kangal Shepherd Dog

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Large, upstanding, powerfully built, livestock guarding dog with dark mask. Not aggressive but good guardian. Capable of great speed. The Kangal is a molossus type dog. Its constitution is robust. Compact body is covered with thick and medium length of hair. Body is of rectangular shape.IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:Profile lines of the muzzle and the skull are divergent.Body length is 10-12% longer than height at the withers.Depth of chest is approximately 50% of height at the withers.

Temperament

Steady and bold without aggression, naturally independent, very intelligent and tractable.  Proud and confident. Loyal and affectionate to owners, but wary of strangers when on duty.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull CRANIAL REGION: Large, but in proportion to the body.Skull: Broad between ears, slightly narrowing toward the stop.  Slightly rounded. Length of the skull is greater than width of the skull.Stop: Slight.FACIAL REGION:Nose: Black.Muzzle: Shorter than the skull. Muzzle length is 40-44% of head length. Profile blunt, tapering slightly to the end. Muzzle line from stop towards the nose is gently sloped.
Eyes Almond shaped medium to large, size in proportion to size of skull, set well apart, showing no haw. Dark brown to light brown,the darker, the better. Eye rims black.
Ears Medium sized, triangular in shape, rounded at tip, pendant with front edge close to cheek, higher when alert. Cropped ears (where allowed) are evaluated as the non-cropped ones.
Mouth Lips: Very slightly pendulous, black-edged. Edge of upper lip not lower than the profile of the underjaw. Corner of mouth tight.Jaws/Teeth: Teeth strong, scissor bite is prefered, level or reverse scissor bite accepted, lack of P1 and M3 not to be penalized.
Neck Slightly arched, powerful, muscular, length is almost equal to length of head, rather thick. Can have very slight dewlap. Neck isnot carried in upright position.
Forequarters General appearance: Set well apart, straight and well boned; of good length.Shoulder: Well muscled, oblique.Upper arm: Must be muscular and strong. Close to the body.Elbow: Close to the sides but allowing free movement.Forearm: Harmonic length with body, strong boned, straight.Carpus (Wrist): Strong.Metacarpus (Pastern): Strong, slightly sloping when viewed from the side.
Body Powerful, well muscled, never flat in the sides.Top line: Slightly arched over loins. Croup a bit higher than height at the withers.Withers: Powerful, slightly prominent.Back: Medium length, strong, well muscled.Loin: Slightly arched.Croup: Of medium length. Muscular, well connected to the loins.  Sloping at almost 30 degrees.Chest: Deep, reaching the point of the elbows, ribs well sprung, ribcage sufficiently long.Underline and belly: Belly slightly tucked up.
Hindquarters General appearance: Powerful, not overloaded with muscles. Hind legs vertical when seen from behind.Thigh: Long.Stifle (Knee): Well angulated.Lower thigh: Muscular, strong.Hock joint: Firm, wide. Moderate angulation.Metatarsus (Rear pastern): Well developed, moderate length and stands vertical to the ground. Parallel to each other.
Feet Forefeet: Strong, with thick pads and well arched toes. Nails short and preferably black.Hind feet: Strong, with thick pads and well arched toes. Nails short and preferably black. Presence of dewclaws is accepted.
Tail Long, reaching a bit under the hock, Upper line of the tail forms a continuous line with the croup line when relaxed carried lowwith close curl at the tip; when alert carried high and curled over the back, specially on males.
Gait/Movement Very noticeable, line of head, neck and body at the same level when walking, movement even, supple and long reaching, giving impression of stalking, with great power.  Pacing acceptable at slow speed.
Coat SKIN: Of medium thickness, well adhering to the head and body. Slight dewlap is tolerated. Skin colour depends on hair colour, but skin must be pigmented.Hair: 3 to 7 cm, thick and harsh guard coat, dense undercoat. Length variations in coat may be possible according to weather conditions. Longer and thicker on neck, shoulders and thighs.
Colour Whole body should be one colour. Can be from fawn to wolf sable. White or lighter colour on chest is not considered as afault if is not larger than 10 cm of width. White colour on throat is not preferred. White colour on paws and feet can be seen. Less white is preferred. Must have black mask. Mask covers the muzzle and it is lighter on the skull. Ears are dark. It can be a dark line on half or one third of tail from tip to base. White tip on tail is accepted.
Size Height at the withers:Males: 72 to 78 cm. with + /- 2 cm of toleranceFemales: 65 to 73 cm. with +/-2 cm of toleranceWeight:Males: 48 to 60 kgFemales: 40 to 50 kg

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.SEVERE FAULTS:· Skull wider than its length from occiput to stop.· Lower croup height than height at the withers.· Too light or too heavy construction for working condition.· Untypical tail shape.· White patch on the neck.· White line on the muzzle and mask.DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:· Aggressive or overly shy dogs.· Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.· Untypical specimen.· Overshot bite.· Undershot exceeding reverse scissors bite.· Muzzle too short (one third of the total length of the head).· Coat very short and smooth, devoid of undercoat.· No mask on muzzle.· Brown nose and pigmentation.· Different coloured eyes.

· Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.· Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation, should be used for breeding.

History

Although each nation eagerly designates a breed history for their national breeds, rarely is it possible to come up with an accurate one, especially when it comes to livestock protection dogs. The Kangal Dog’s history is also one of them. However, it is a breed deeply imbedded in today’s Turkish culture. It is Turkey’s highly praised National Dog.It wouldn’t be too unrealistic to say that the Turkish people migrating from Central Asia whose livelihood primarily relied onnomadic animal husbandry brought their strong livestock protection dogs along with them. It is a well-known fact that the dogs protecting sheep and goats in Central Asia are of various colours.The question regarding the origins of the Kangal Dog we know today should be about what caused them to have a more unifying standard in terms of type and especially colour in Turkey.  It is believed that lies with the area they are highly populated in Eastern Turkey and the kind of sheep breed they are known to protect: Akkaraman Sheep.They both seem to share the same black mask on a dun coloured coat across the vast steppes of Eastern Turkey surrounded by high mountains, creating relatively an isolated population. This suggests a perfect camouflage and adaptation for both. The breed name, Kangal seems to come from the town of Kangal off Sivas where the breed attracted worldwide attention with exceptionally high quality and uniform specimens.

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