It is very difficult to say exactly when the Anatolian Shepherd Dog was formed in Asia Minor, but any Turk not from a resort town will tell you that such a dog has been in the family since time immemorial.
Although in fact, the Turkish Kangal dog breed is not entirely Turkish, since genetically the roots of the breed pack come from Turkestan.
History of the breed
Did you know that there is such a Turkish dog breed as the Turkish Kangal? These dogs are guard dogs. There is a town called Kanval, which is located in the Turkish province of Sivas. Some call this breed Anatolian Shepherd or Kangal Karabash. Externally, the dogs resemble mastiffs. Their fur is yellow and brown, and they have a black mask on their face. In Turkey, there are clubs that unite Kangal lovers, for example, ANKADER or Ankara Kangal Derneği, KIF or Cynology Federation Of Turkey. Some dogs have white markings, others do not have a mask.
Kangals are excellent protectors, they are loyal to the family, and behave gently with children and other animals. Their popularity is gradually increasing. There is a version that the Kanls are a tribe that migrated from Turkestan to Anatolia, and there a village called Kangal arose. It still stands today. According to this version, the birthplace of the breed is not Türkiye, but Turkestan.
Hypotheses were put forward about the Abyssinian or Babylonian origin of dogs, but scientists conducted genetic studies and such versions were not confirmed. There was a hypothesis that these dogs are descendants of a couple from India, but scientists consider this version to be frivolous. One thing is clear: the breed is ancient and these dogs have been serving people for centuries. Many countries want the homeland of these wonderful dogs to be theirs.
Some believe that Turkish Shepherds cannot be exported from the country, since this is prohibited by law, others say that vaccinated ones with documents are officially allowed. In the 20th century in the 80s representatives of the breed were taken to America. Dogs are bred there even now. They sell to those who want to buy. If you like dog fights, you can watch them with Kangals on the Internet. Often the rivals of these large dogs are the equally large Alabais.
Health and illness
The Anatolian Shepherd is a strong, hardy animal. Adapted to life in harsh climates and has good health. The Shepherd is resistant to diseases, has a strong nervous system and easily tolerates changes in environment.
Due to its large size, the dog is prone to hip dysplasia and volvulus. However, with proper care and a well-designed diet with sufficient calcium content, the percentage of cases is small.
Another disease that breed owners face is a decrease in the pet’s immunity. This happens due to the late development of the immune system. Subsequently, a disease develops - hypothyroidism. The disease manifests itself as profuse hair loss and a lethargic state.
Also, shepherd dogs can develop pathologies of the visual organs - eversion and entropion of the eyelids. If this disease is detected, you must contact a veterinarian and undergo a course of treatment, otherwise there is a risk of getting a corneal disease and losing your vision.
Skin diseases. Insufficient or improper care can lead to skin diseases caused by parasites (fleas, lice, ticks). To prevent this disease, regularly treat the wool with special preparations. Also, skin diseases can be caused by bacteria, fungus, and pathology of the endocrine system. In any case, if you notice deviations from the norm in the appearance or character of your pet, you should contact your veterinarian.
To protect your dog from infectious diseases, you need to get vaccinated in a timely manner. The rabies vaccine is given at 6 months of age.
Lifespan
Research on life expectancy was carried out in 2004. The results revealed that the average life expectancy is 11-12 years. Most often, Kangals die from cancer, due to diseases of the cardiovascular system, upon reaching age.
Description
The Kangal Karabash looks very representative and inspires respect. This is a tall and harmoniously built dog with a strong build, with a powerful body, muscular neck and strong slender limbs. He has a large head, hanging triangular ears, rounded at the ends (when the dog is on alert, the ears are raised), a long and high-set tail, which in a resting state is lowered down and slightly curved, and in an excited state the dog carries it high and curled. back.
The height at the withers of the Kangal Karabash is 71 – 89 cm, weight 34 – 69 kg. The coat of this Turkish shepherd is thick, short, hard and tight to the body, with a thick undercoat. The fur on the neck, shoulders and tail is longer than on the rest of the body. The color of the kangal can be gray-brown, gray-yellow or brown-yellow; there must be a black mask on the face. White coloring is not acceptable for representatives of this breed.
Kangal gives the impression of strength and impressiveness, but at the same time harmony and calm. Its movements are free, energetic and dexterous: when walking, the Kangal Karabash keeps its head and neck in line with its back, which gives the impression that the dog is not walking, but sneaking.
How much do Kangal puppies cost?
Anatolian Shepherds are still not very common in Russia. The price of puppies with a pedigree ranges from 30 to 60 thousand rubles. There are not many nurseries specializing in breeding only this breed. Therefore, it is better to book children in advance.
Nurseries
The most famous and largest single-breed kangal nursery “Antalkaya” (https://mirkangalov.ru) is located 80 km from Moscow. All dogs here have a T-1 (highest) certificate. They most accurately meet the requirements of the standard for natural behavioral reactions.
There are several more nurseries in the Moscow region:
- in the Podolsk region - “Kangal-Lenoks” https://www.kangal-lenoks.ru/;
- in Zvenigorod - “My Kangal” https://mykangal.ru.
Proper care of the Anatolian Shepherd guarantees the health, endurance and high performance of the animal. Reviews from owners confirm that Kangals are unsurpassed watchmen. They are loyal to their owner and are always ready to protect him.
Character
Agile, energetic, and extremely obedient, the Kangal has earned the most praise from Turkish cattle breeders. Kangal dogs have gained particular fame for their unpretentiousness and efficiency. They are able to carry out their service in the most difficult climatic conditions and even at the cost of their lives. Moreover, compared to many other breeds, Kangals require virtually no care.
Shepherds say that if one sheep is lost from the flock, the kangal can guard the lost sheep for days without food or water. Farmers also appreciate the fearlessness and strength of this dog. It is known that this is the only representative of domestic dogs that can easily strangle a wolf. For such a feat, the owner of the flock always slaughters a personal ram for the dog.
From the point of view of home breeding of Kangal, this is not a suitable breed. This is not just a working dog, it loves its work and needs very heavy loads. Therefore, lying on the rug for days, she will become sad and become aggressive and restless. As a last resort, such a dog can be kept on the territory of a country house, where he can run around and protect “his” large territory. But with all due respect to the owner, this dog is very independent and independent. And even as a puppy, when training, he should be very firmly shown who is in charge.
Historical reference
The Anatolian Shepherd is the oldest dog in Asia Minor. Her ancestors lived here during the Babylonian kingdom. At that time, Kangals were used to hunt lions and selection was carefully carried out, crossing only the strongest and largest individuals.
The name "kangal" goes back to the name of the ancient Turkish city.
Then the dog began to help the shepherds, but was never a shepherd in itself. She did not drive the herds, but protected them from wild animals or the greed of others. She could cope with a wolf alone, and, when catching up with him, she was able to develop very high speed. It is still used as a sentry in Turkey.
Kangal has always been a guard, not a shepherd
The breed received FCI recognition only in 1989. This was influenced by both its comparative small number and limited breeding (allowed only in Turkey).
The dog was named Karabash because of the dark color of its muzzle and ears.
Another name for the breed - Karabash - translated means “black head”, which accurately describes the peculiarity of the color of this dog.
Disadvantages of the breed
Karabash is not a dog for everyone. The dog owner himself must be a dominant person in order to gain the dog's acceptance. In addition, he requires competent and consistent education, otherwise he will become an uncontrollable beast, which even the owner will be afraid of. These dogs are sensitive to anesthesia! Since the Karabash is a large, tall-legged and heavy dog, over time it may develop problems with the joints, even dysplasia. The characteristics listed above apply to the breed as a whole, but this does not mean at all that your dog will be exactly like that.
Care and maintenance
Kangal is a rather whimsical dog. Certain rules must be followed in order for the pet to live well. It is recommended to walk your dog approximately 3-4 times a day, and these should be very long walks. So if an Anatolian lives in an apartment, it will be quite expensive, since you will have to devote a lot of time to him. That is why it is best to get such a dog if the family lives in a private house. The Anatolian Shepherd can adapt to different outdoor weather conditions. It tolerates both heat and cold snap well. But it would be best to build him an enclosure with an insulated booth.
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This dog should not be tied up. She is very smart, so such a gesture from the owner can embitter her. It is necessary to allocate a certain territory for the kangal, where he can run freely. By the way, this dog will perfectly guard a country house.
The Kangal dog breed sheds, like other dogs, in spring and autumn. At this time, you need to try to comb your pet as often as possible to remove the undercoat, which is dying off. The rest of the time, a couple of sessions a week will be enough, but if desired, this can be done more often.
Reproduction and lifespan
Dogs are ready to breed at about two years of age. It is advisable to carry out mating on the territory of the male, where he will feel more confident. Both applicants must be pure breed, healthy and vaccinated. A dog does not have any difficulties during pregnancy; nature has perfected this process over the centuries.
There are 4-5 babies in a litter. Anatolian Shepherd puppies have a black “mask” on their face since childhood, like all babies, they are curious and playful. In fairness, it must be said that there are practically no problems from babies, they are confidently controlled by their mother. She also teaches them the first basics of social adaptation. With fairly good care, they live 13-15 years.
Feeding
The nutrition of any dog should be complete and balanced. The diet must include natural meat, meat by-products, cereals, cereals and vegetables, with the exception of rice and potatoes, these products should be excluded. You should also not give confectionery and rich products.
Natural food can be replaced with dry food, but only if you prefer premium and super-premium food.
Please note that you must choose only one type of food; you cannot combine natural food with dry food, otherwise it may negatively affect the dog’s health.
The breed is prone to overeating and obesity, so it is important to feed the dog at certain hours; the daily food intake should be approximately 20% of the Kangal's weight. For more detailed information on feeding the Anatolian breed, we recommend that you contact specialized pet stores or veterinary clinics.
The best nicknames for Kangal
Kangals fully deserve proud and beautiful names. Therefore, the choice of nickname should be approached with the utmost seriousness. There is no need to call your pet funny names that degrade its dignity. The name should be as majestic as the breed itself. You can pay attention to Turkic names. So, Kangal boys can be called:
- Adalat - justice;
- Agalak - power;
- Batyr - hero;
- Demir - iron;
- Kamal - fortress;
- Sultan is a ruler.
Suitable names for Kangal girls:
- Akhtar - comet;
- Gaya - rock;
- Danara - talisman;
- Jita - song;
- Oisha - lunar;
- Uni is a spring.
Dog training
Kangals are intelligent and obedient animals whose purpose in life is to serve their humans. You can expect brilliant results in training from dogs of this breed.
You can start training from the first months of life; early socialization of the animal will also benefit it. They remember commands well, but to successfully carry them out, training must be interesting, strict, but not cruel for them. Dogs of this breed are well-mannered and neat, they do not raise their voices without a reason, but in serious circumstances you can hear their truly menacing bark. The authority of the owner for the Kangals is undeniable, there is respect, love, and friendship.
Caring for puppies
Like most large dogs, Kangal Karabash puppies mature late. The Turkish Shepherd's immunity is fully developed by the age of two. In order for your puppy to grow up healthy and obedient, you should follow simple rules:
- Prepare a place for your pet to rest and sleep. A large enclosure is ideal for this, since Kangals need space.
- From the first days, accustom your dog to order. The puppy must immediately be given a place to eat and always have a bowl of food there.
- Walk your small pet at the same time every day. This also disciplines the dog.
- Feed puppies frequently, up to 6 times a day. However, under no circumstances should you overfeed. Your diet should include foods rich in vitamins and microelements. This is necessary for the full development of the pet.
If you follow these simple tips, you will grow up to be a healthy and obedient dog.
Hygiene
To keep your dog looking neat, you need to provide proper grooming. It is necessary to periodically examine and brush your four-legged friend's teeth. If you notice a problem, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
Turkish Shepherds have short hair, but you still need to monitor its condition. It is enough to thoroughly comb your dog several times a month. During the molting period this is done regularly. The Kangal should be bathed as needed. From May to October, the dog must be treated with anti-tick medications.
Diet
Proper nutrition will improve your dog's stamina and performance. It is enough to feed an adult Kangal twice a day. You should include more protein in your diet, as it promotes muscle growth. It is also recommended to feed your dog foods containing calcium. This is necessary for the animal’s musculoskeletal system. You should not give your dog baked goods or sweets, as Kangals are prone to obesity.
Walk
Turkish Kangals are large dogs that require a lot of space and movement. It is difficult for them to provide such conditions in the city. A suitable place to keep this breed is a private home. You need to walk your dog at least three times a day. If the dog does not receive the necessary physical activity, it will become depressed and stop obeying its owner.
Education and training
Turkish Shepherds are quite intelligent dogs that are capable of training. This process must begin at an early age. Since the dog is not a service breed, it is enough to teach it basic commands. The remaining skills of Kangals are genetically determined.
Important! The Turkish Kangal is a very capricious dog, prone to dominance, so the owner should immediately indicate leadership. At the same time, you should not shout or physically punish the dog.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
Praise and encouragement will help more in training and raising your pet.
Purchase
Buying a Kangal is not easy, since this breed is a national treasure of Turkey and is prohibited from being exported outside the country. However, you can try to find this breed in nurseries in Russia and Europe. You can find a puppy at a bird market or through an ad on the Internet. Owners sometimes post, in addition to photographs, videos of puppies and their parents. But in the case of such a purchase, there is no special guarantee that the animal is a real Kangal. Therefore, it is better to look for a puppy in specialized nurseries, where they will provide a pedigree and detailed information about the maintenance and living conditions of animals of this breed, and also give them the necessary vaccinations.
The price of puppies is quite high - from 60 thousand rubles per puppy. It all depends on the availability of documents, the color of the puppy, and its purebred. But the high cost is compensated by the fact that this breed is an excellent watchdog and working dog, which will provide significant support and assistance to the owner.
Pros and cons of the breed
Before purchasing a Turkish Kangal dog, you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of this breed.
Pros:
- Balanced psyche.
- Friendly character.
- Courage and bravery.
- Good guard qualities.
- Beautiful and impressive appearance.
- Endurance and easy adaptation to harsh climates.
- Loyalty and devotion to the owner.
- High intelligence.
Minuses:
- Wariness towards strangers.
- For keeping you need a spacious room, an aviary or a yard.
- Provide your dog with constant physical activity.
- Long walk.
- High price of purebred breed.
- Lots of food.
- Difficult training.
How to choose a puppy?
Anatolian Karabash puppies begin to be disassembled when they reach the age of 2-2.5 months. When deciding to start breeding Kangals, you need to familiarize yourself with the documents of the puppies’ parents. When considering a litter, choose a puppy: the one you like; tall, well built; with sparkling eyes and a wet nose; actively eating and playing with brothers and sisters.
