The Kangal Dog is proclaimed as the National Dog of Turkey and a protected species. It is one of the ‘old world’ breeds of guardian dogs that has served man as protector of his flocks since the first domesticated flocks of Asia minor to the present day. The history of the Kangal Dog is long and distinguished, its name is derived from the town of Kangal, which is in the Sivas Region of east-central Turkey. The town in turn derived its name from the Kangal family, who to this day are involved with the breeding of the Kangal Dog. Large mastiff-type dogs existed in Mesopotamia three thousand years ago. Depictions of large, strong dogs can be seen on the bas relief’s in the British museum, these date back to 2000 BC We can only speculate on the origin of the Kangal Dog and there are various theories on their ancient history and migration into Turkey.
In the 1997 tourist information booklet produced by the Ministry of Tourism Republic of Turkey, there is mention of the Kangal Dog: "Kangal, 68km south of Sivas, is the home of Turkey’s most famous breed of dog – the Kangal (dog of the Galatians, with whom they came in the 3rd cent. BC). Used as sheep dogs, these golden-haired animals have proven themselves in police and security work". The Galatians were a Celtic people who invaded and then settled in the central Anatolian region. The basic economy of the Celts was mixed farming, wool from their sheep was well known throughout Europe. History tells us that these people and their animals inhabited the area known as Galatia from 279 BC. and large dogs are known to have existed with these first domesticated flocks. To travel in Turkey to-day is to walk through living history. In the Sivas Region (Galatia of the 3rd century BC.) the shepherd still walks with his flocks, while his Kangal Dogs keep watch from the edge.
TURKEY HOME OF THE KANGAL DOG
Turkey is a large and diverse country that extends from the south eastern tip of Europe to South west Asia. It is the land bridge between East and West with a long history that spans almost 10,000 years. There are a wide range of different types of large, strong dogs used by the Turkish shepherds to protect their flocks. These dogs are all known by the term "Coban Kopegi" or shepherds dog. There are some distinct regional types, one of these is the Kangal Dog from the Sivas Region of Central Turkey. The Kangal is recognised throughout Turkey, is proclaimed as the National Dog and a protected species that is held in the highest esteem.
In October 1996 the Veterinary Faculty of Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey, hosted a Symposium on Turkish Shepherd Dogs. The symposium was a truly international event with speakers from England, Sweden, USA and Turkey. The Symposium was organized when Turkish Officials realized that their native dog breeds were misclassified in countries outside of Turkey. The objective was to clarify the different breeds and in the words of Prof. Dr. O. Cenap Tekinsen, Dean of Faculty of Veterinary Science: "We recognised the Kangal Dog breed many years ago - long before foreign dog breeders knew about them. They are a unique, regional Turkish dog breed whose purity must be protected. They occupy a special cultural and historical status in Turkish society". He asked that kennel clubs and private dog clubs, accept the finding of the Symposium regarding the native dog breeds of Turkey.
RECOGNITION OF THE KANGAL DOG IN AUSTRALIA
In December 1996, the Kangal Dog Association was formed, incorporation followed on the 9th of January 1997. The express purpose of the association was to seek recognition for the Kangal Dog in Australia. A submission was made to the Australian National Kennel Council in May 1997. The submission included documentation from many sources around the world to substantiate our claim that the Kangal Dog should be recognised as a pure breed, as it is in Turkey its country of origin.
The following A.N.K.C. Conference, held 16th to 19th October, 1997. put forward the motion for recognition of the Kangal Dog. The majority decision of the delegates was that the Kangal Dog be recognised as a purebred and as from the 1st July, 1998 be eligible for showing and exhibition within Group 6. The Standard for the Kangal Dog is developed from the Turkish description of the breed, that was prepared and signed by Turhan Kangal, a prominent historical breeder. Australia holds the distinction of being the first National Kennel Club to recognise the Kangal Dog.
On a worldwide level this unique breed has also made an impact in America. The Kangal Dog Club of America, who were the first western club to acknowledge the Kangal Dog by its Turkish name, have been rewarded for all their years of hard work and determination with the recognition by the United Kennel Club, of both the Kangal Dog and the Akbash Dog.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Kangal Dog is imposing both in size and stature, the adult males standing from 30 to 32 inches at the shoulder and the female from 28 to 31 inches. The conformation is of correct proportions, a large dog with a straight strong back, deep broad chest and powerful hindquarters. Although, this is a large breed it is also very agile and can run at great speed. It is a whole-coloured dog with a short dense double coat, the colour ranges from all shades of fawn to a steel grey, depending on the amount of black guard hairs in the outer coat. The soft undercoat is shed twice a year and is often a light smokey grey colour. The heavier winter coat on the neck and shoulders can give the impression of a slight mane, especially in males. The large broad head is complimented by a black mask and ears. Some dogs have a black tip to the tail, which is quite distinctive and carried in an open curl over the back when the dog is alert. The eyes are rather small in proportion to the skull which is broad with a wide muzzle and powerful jaws.
TEMPERAMENT
The Kangal Dog possesses the classic livestock guardian dog temperament; a temperament characterized by a calm, alert and independent demeanour. Possessing a natural protective instinct, is loyal, bold and courageous without showing undue aggression. Moreover, the Kangal Dog is sensitive and his responses to individual situations clearly demonstrate intelligence, sensitivity, watchfulness and a readiness to investigate anything unusual. The natural instinct is to protect its own, whether it be the sheep on the steppe, the hens in the henhouse, or its human family. The Kangal has a dominant nature and likes to be "top dog’. This may lead to conflict with adult dogs of the same sex, with the same dominant instinct.
HEALTH
The Kangal Dog is on the whole a very sound breed. Hip dysplasia is present in most large breeds but is not a serious problem in the Kangal. However it is advisable to have all breeding stock x-rayed and prospective owners should check that the puppies sire and dam have been hip scored. Entropion (inverted eyelids) has been reported in a few dogs but is not widespread. The Kangal is highly sensitive to anesthesia.
THE WORKING DOG
The Kangal Dog is primarily a sheep-guard. There are many predators in Turkey the wolf being the biggest threat to the flocks, for hundreds of years the Kangal Dog has successfully defended the flock’s from attack. The shepherds crop their dogs ears and give them large iron spiked collars as an added protection against predators, they take great pride in the size and bravery of their dogs. For the most part, the Kangal works independently of man and makes its own decision when there is a threat to its charges.
Several factors will help determine the effectiveness of a livestock guarding dog, the initial bonding with stock and early supervision of the young dog. The Puppy should spend the majority of its time in the company of the animals he is intended to protect, starting as soon as possible. The Kangal Dog works equally well with all types of livestock, from the impressive Alpaca to the humble chicken and all those between. The Kangal patrols the perimeter of the paddock at regular intervals to ensure that nothing that does not belong has entered. The presence of the dog is sometimes enough to deter a would be predator.
THE COMPANION DOG
The Kangal Dog makes an excellent companion but is by no means a lap dog. Its independent nature is not akin to sitting at his masters feet, except when it suits the dog to do so. The Kangal is not suited to suburbia and small back gardens, they need space to work off their energy. It is vitally important that the Kangal is socialised, regardless of whether it is to be a companion or working dog. In its native land the Kangal is a working dog, but it works with its master the shepherd and it spends time in the village with the shepherds family. Basic obedience training is a necessity, this is a large breed with protective instincts and the owner must establish that he is in control, not the dog. It is NOT recommended to train them for protection work or Schutzhund training. For many breeds protection training is fun and games, but for the Kangal it is serious business. The Kangal resents anyone who shows aggression to it or its owners. The Kangal should be familiarised with stock and other household pets at an early age, it will then live happily and reliably with them.
