kangal

With the busy holiday season, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a Meet the Giants post! Time to get back in the swing of things and get posting again. Without further introduction, the Kangal!

(Images and information provided by Emily Musgrove)

If you have/had a Kangal, please list their name, age, and gender.
Indy, pure breed female, 7 mix puppies

Are there any other names/nicknames for the Kangal? If yes, list here.
No.

What are three words you would use to describe the Kangal?
Independent, Aloof, Watchful.

What is the Kangal’s average size?
Most are between 100-150 males can be up to 200. Most of mine were 120.

What are the acceptable colors of the Kangal?
Variation of blond with black mask. Can have a saddle.

What is the average lifespan?
10-12 years

What was the Kangal bred to do?
Guard livestock in Turkey

How much exercise does the Kangal need?
1-2 mile walks are plenty

What are some common health problems?
Heart disease, joint problems, eye problems.

How much grooming does the Kangal require?
They do shed a lot of short hairs but no hair cuts or anything extra.

What do you wish people knew about the Kangal before bringing one home?
Research!!!!!! Kangals are meant to work; they are a rare breed but not for everyone. They need a job and someone to help them decide between friend or foe.

They tend to bark and not like new people in their home. Indy would bark her head off but because she trusted me to keep the family safe, I could tell her to stand down and she would sit back and watch or decide she liked the person and play like a puppy.

Why do you love the Kangal?
They are a hoot. They tend to be very watchful with strangers but silly butts with their family. You can’t get anything past them. If they want to work they will, if not they won’t. They are very loyal and once they have a good relationship they will do everything for their family.

Anything else you’d like to say?
Kangals are one of the rarest breeds in the US. They are not allowed legally out of Turkey. Almost all of the ones found in the US trace back to a few dogs there were smuggled here in the 70’s.

Be careful when looking for one, many are inbreed or are mixes. Kangals are the original or motherland of the LGD’s. The Anatolian came from the Kangal, the Akbash indirectly too.

What a stunning, stunning breed! I had no idea that they aren’t legally allowed out of Turkey. Definitely something to be aware of if you are interested in the breed and living outside of Turkey. Thanks again to Emily!

Did you learn anything new about the Kangal?

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