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Sivas Kangal Dogs: Guardians of the Flock
The Sivas Kangal Dog is a large and powerful ancient breed of livestock guardian dog. They are not herding dogs, Kangals have been bred to protect sheep and other livestock from predators such as bears, wolves and jackals for hundreds of years. Kangals are not known by any other name and have a unique DNA. Being from such a remote and isolated area in Turkey, the Kangal breed has been kept very pure, with records dating back to the 14th century.
Kangals were first introduced in the U.S. and Europe in the 1980’s. However, as breeders began to cross breed the Kangals to other dogs, the Turkish government issued a ban on the export of these dogs in order to protect the bloodlines of their national treasure.
Standard size is 100 – 140lbs. With long bodies and long legs, Kangals have been known to achieve speeds of up 35 mph and have a bite force 743 Ibs, compared to a wolf with 408 Ibs and a Rottweiler of 328 lbs.
Kangal dogs are fiercely protective of their flock or herds and have a special affinity for women and children.
Kangal’s color is always solid and ranges from a light dun or pale, dull gold to a steel gray, depending on the amount of black or gray in the outer guard hairs and in the soft, cashmere-like undercoat. This basic color is set off by a black mask, which may completely cover the muzzle and even extend over the top of the head. Ears are always black. Their double coat allows them to tolerate extreme heat and extreme cold naturally and is so dense it can protect the dogs from puncture wounds.
Interestingly, Kangals are nocturnal, patrolling through the night and sleeping through the day. They also use their massive front paws to swing at their challengers like cats, which may be the root of early references to the dogs as the “Turkish Lions”.
There are several ethical Kangal Dog breeders in the U.S. and Europe with these very special dogs. We have searched the world over to find several dogs with a good confirmation and a verifiable pedigree. All of our dogs are well socialized with children and adults. However, we are committed to preserving not only the genetics, but the heritage of this ancient breed by raising working dogs, in a pack environment where younger dogs learn their trade from older dogs.
Learn More About Kangal Dogs
For more information and to start your journey with a Kangal Dog, please fill out our Kangal Ownership Questionnaire and Application.