Kangal Shepherd Dog

The Kangal is a livestock guardian dog from the Sivas region of central Turkey, where it has protected sheep from wolves and jackals for centuries. It is regarded as a national breed in Turkey.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognises it as the Kangal Shepherd Dog.

Calm, observant and independent, the Kangal makes its own decisions to protect its territory and family. It is gentle with household members but wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs.

It is not an obedience dog: it needs early socialisation, a calm, experienced owner and clear structure.

This is a hardy breed. As with other giant dogs, hip dysplasia, eyelid problems and bloat can occur.

Puppy growth should be slow and supervised by a veterinarian.

Despite its size, it often eats less than you might expect for its weight. Good-quality large-breed food in two meals suits it.

Avoid excess weight during growth.

It does not need intense sport, but daily walks and above all a large area to watch over. It is often more active in the evening and at night.

Fencing must be high and solid: it covers long distances while patrolling.

It is also comfortable in the cold of the high plateaus. It is an excellent guardian for farms, large plots and flocks, but completely unsuited to apartment life. Its size and protective instinct call for responsible owners and solid fencing.

Its short, dense coat with undercoat needs weekly brushing, more often during the spring and autumn moults.

Check ears regularly and look for ticks if it lives in the countryside.