Kangal Shepherd Dog - Profile | Traits | Care

The Kangal Shepherd dog is a local of Turkey, the place they had been bred as a shepherd’s companion and livestock guardian. They had been created with particular traits to resemble the size and shade of livestock they defended so predators wouldn’t detect them among the many flocks.

Kangal Shepherd Dog Profile

Sometimes known as the Anatolian Karabash Dog or Kangal (which is taken into account as a separate breed by many kennel golf equipment), they’re a fiercely loyal guard dog and a big, spectacular dog breed, incessantly weighing 120 to 150 pounds at maturity.

Novice pet parents beware. Not solely are dogs of this breed large; they’re usually recognized to be cussed. Kangal Shepherd dogs require firm, constant trainers with experience dealing with dogs. Also, be prepared to wash up all of the furs they shed all through the year.

A skilled and well-socialized Kangal Shepherd dog is a pal and guardian for anybody they think about to be their “flock,” which incorporates the human members of their family.

They’re even pleasant with their human kids; though, their size makes it straightforward for them to knock over a child throughout the vigorous play. They can also chase different pets or animals if their people don’t practice them correctly.

Therefore, socialization and behavior coaching ought to start early on, ideally in puppyhood. If you’re prepared to remain agency with coaching, you’ve got the energy to deal with a big pooch, and also you’re prepared to place within the time and dedication, then a Kangal Shepherd dog will likely be your pal and guardian for all times.

The Kangal Shepherd dog is a thought-about a livestock protector or guardian dog. As such, they had been developed to dwell with the flock and undertake it as their very own. They are rugged, self-confident guardians who know the way a lot of safety or intimidation is necessary for any scenario.

The Anatolian has been working independently for hundreds of years, making selections concerning threats to their property.

As a pet, they undertake whomever they dwell with, be it a family or a herd of sheep; as they develop, they tackle the protector gig. It does not matter to the Anatolian whether or not their “flock” is human or animal. They are extraordinarily protecting and possessive.

And they back up their guardian nature with presence. The Anatolian is a big dog, weighing as a lot as 150 pounds. They have a brief, fawn coat and a black mask. They seem intimidating, and if necessary they’re—although they’re calm and pleasant with their family.

Not surprisingly for a guard dog, the Kangal Shepherd dog is suspicious of strangers and reserved with these outdoors their “flock.”

They take their job severely—this dog isn’t any clown—and when their owner is not home, they’re unlikely to permit even associates or prolonged family members whom they’ve met before to return onto their property.

At the identical time, the Anatolian is a really intelligent, loyal, regular working dog. They’re extremely trainable, although they’re more likely to think about whether or not or not they are going to select to obey a command, resulting from their impartial nature. They need an owner who is robust, type, and constant as a pack leader.

This breed might be not a good selection as a family pet in case you have very younger kids. Because they’re so massive, they might unintentionally injure a small baby, particularly after they’re a careless, rising pet (the phrase “bull in a china shop” applies).

Additionally, the Anatolian usually doesn’t respect kids as pack leaders, and so they may resolve to guard their kids against visiting playmates in the event that they’re roughhousing and the dog misinterprets the exercise.

Generally, the Anatolian is tolerant of older kids and is nice to them. To them, kids are, in fact, a part of the flock that wants guarding, together with the remainder of the family.

The Kangal Shepherd dog is just not the proper breed for everybody. It is usually a positive and dependable companion for those who and your family perceive their distinctive qualities and necessities and are able to tackle the duty of proudly owning a really massive and protecting dog.

If you are seeking to undertake a Kangal Shepherd dog, meet them first and seek the advice of a breed skilled to be sure to are prepared for the problem and duty.

Kangal Shepherd Dog Highlights

It is vital that the Kangal Shepherd dog obtain correct socialization and coaching in order that they’ll study what’s regular and what’s a risk. Untrained and un-socialized Kangal Shepherd dogs can turn into overprotective, aggressive, and uncontrollable.
Kangal Shepherd dogs are impartial and less desperate to please than different breeds. They will not essentially anticipate directions however will act in the event that they suppose their “flock” is threatened.
Secure fencing is an absolute should.
Some Anatolians are champion diggers.
As guardians of their territory, some will be barkers, particularly at night.
Some Anatolians will be dog-aggressive.
They shed profusely, particularly within the spring.
Expect a problem for leadership sooner or later with the Kangal Shepherd dog. Owners should be prepared to train pack authority constantly and kindly.
Because they’re so massive, count on high prices for boarding, medicines, and meal purchases; you will additionally need a big car for them.

Kangal Shepherd dogs are delicate to anesthesia. Discuss this together with your veterinarian before any surgical procedures.

To get a wholesome dog, by no means purchase a pet from an irresponsible breeder, pet mill, or pet store. Look for a superb shelter or rescue that may vaccinate, present veterinary care, and require candidates to fulfill with dogs beforehand to ensure they’re a superb match.

History

The Kangal Shepherd dog breed is called for his or her homeland of Anatolia within the central part of Turkey, the place they’re nonetheless a degree of pleasure (and have even been honored on a national postage stamp).

It’s thought that the working ancestors of the breed date back 6,000 years. Wandering tribes from central Asia most likely introduced the first mastiff-type dogs into the realm that’s now Turkey, and sighthound breeds from southern areas contributed to the Anatolian’s agility, long legs, and aloof character.

Due to the local weather and terrain of the realm, the native inhabitants developed a nomadic lifestyle, depending on flocks of sheep and goats. The safety of these flocks, and of the shepherds themselves, was the job of the massive dogs who traveled with them.

The dogs turned often called coban kopegi, Turkish for “shepherd dog.” The dogs stayed with the animals night and day, and so they needed to be swift sufficient to maneuver shortly from one end of an extensively scattered flock to the opposite. They additionally needed to be massive and powerful sufficient to face as much as predators.

Severe culling and breeding of solely one of the best employees resulted in a dog with a uniform kind, stable temperament, and glorious working potential. Dogs had been typically not fed as soon as they had been previous puppyhood.

They lived by killing gophers and different small animals, although by no means injuring their flock. They had been fitted with iron collars with long spikes to guard their throats against assailants. You can nonetheless discover working dogs sporting these collars in Turkey at present.

Kangal Shepherd dogs obtained their most enthusiastic introduction within the U.S. within the 1970s, though previous to that the Turkish authorities had given Anatolians to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a present, for experimental work as guardians of flocks.

But in 1970, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America was shaped on the urging of Robert Ballard, a U.S. naval officer who had turned into fascinated by the dogs whereas in Turkey, and who started to breed them as soon as back in California.

The breed entered the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1996. It moved to the Working Group in August 1998.

Size

Males stand 29 inches tall and weigh 110 to 150 pounds. Females stand 27 inches tall and weigh 80 to 120 pounds.

Kangal Shepherd Dog Personality

The Kangal Shepherd dog is very intelligent, impartial, and dominant. They suppose for themselves—a necessary attribute for a livestock guardian. They’re very protective of their family and flock, and so they think about themselves to be continually on obligation.

Though protecting, the Kangal Shepherd dog is calm, pleasant, and affectionate with their instant family. They are usually not friendly with strangers and are very reserved with these outdoors their family, even when they’re associates or family of yours.

Temperament is affected by a variety of components, together with heredity, coaching, and socialization. Puppies with good temperaments are curious and playful, prepared to method people and be held by them.

If you wish to undertake, you could choose to decide on the middle-of-the-road pet, not the one who’s beating up their littermates or the one who’s hiding within the nook.

Meeting siblings or different families of the parents can be useful for evaluating what a pet will likely be like after they develop up, although that will not be possible if you’re adopting from a shelter or rescue.

Like each dog, the Kangal Shepherd dog wants early socialization—publicity to many alternative people, sights, sounds, and experiences—after they’re younger. Socialization helps be sure that your Kangal Shepherd dog grows as much as to be a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling them in a pet kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over often and taking your dog to busy parks, shops that enable dogs, and on leisurely strolls to fulfill neighbors may also assist them to polish their social skills.

Health

Kangal Shepherd dogs are usually wholesome, however, like all breeds, they’re liable to sure health situations. Not all Kangal Shepherd dogs will get all or any of those ailments, however, it’s essential to pay attention to them for those who’re contemplating this breed.

Coat Color And Grooming

The Kangal Shepherd dog’s coat is brief (about an inch long) with a thick undercoat. Sometimes there’s feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. Their coat is available in many colors, together with pinto, white, and brindle, however, fawn with a black mask is frequent.

The Kangal Shepherd dog is of course clear so that they’re no large handful within the grooming division. The breed’s quick coat requires minimal brushing, however, you possibly can count on profuse shedding a number of instances year.

Extra brushing throughout these instances helps take away lifeless hair. Minimal bathing, three to 4 instances a year, is all that is wanted.

Brush your Kangal Shepherd dog’s teeth at the very least two or thrice every week to take away tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even higher if you wish to forestall gum illness and dangerous breath.

Trim his nails a couple of times a month in case your dog does not put on them down naturally to forestall painful tears and different issues. If you possibly can hear them clicking on the ground, they’re too long.

Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and for those who minimize too far you possibly can trigger bleeding, and your dog could not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. So, for those who’re not skilled at trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.

Their ears ought to be checked weekly for redness or a foul odor, which may point out an infection. When you verify your dog’s ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with mild, pH-balanced ear cleaner to assist forestall infections. Don’t insert something into the ear canal; simply clear the outer ear.

Begin accustoming your Kangal Shepherd dog to being brushed and examined after they’re a pet. Handle their paws incessantly—dogs are sensitive about their feet—and look inside their mouth.

Make grooming a positive experience full of reward and rewards, and you will lay the groundwork for simple veterinary exams and different dealing with after they’re an adult.

As you groom, verify for sores, rashes, or indicators of an infection reminiscent of redness, tenderness, or irritation on the skin, within the nostril, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet.

Eyes ought to be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your cautious weekly examination will provide help to spot potential health issues early.

Kangal Shepherd Dog Care

The Kangal Shepherd dog is a hardy dog and might adapt to dwelling outdoor, indoors, or each. They don’t do properly dwelling in a kennel or on the end of a sequence, nevertheless.

They ought to be saved in a securely fenced yard—a fence at the very least six feet tall is required for this large breed—not just for their safety, but additionally for the safety of dogs or people who would possibly inadvertently enter their turf, which they are going to defend with all there would possibly.

Because they’re naturally cautious of the latest people, animals, and conditions, the Kangal Shepherd dog should be socialized right from puppyhood.

Obedience coaching and constant leadership are additionally important, as a result of the Anatolians are so strong-willed. This dog has their very own concepts, and so it will not cater to its owner’s every whim.

The Kangal Shepherd dog will guard and shield with no safety coaching; in truth, assault coaching is just not really helpful for this breed. Their protecting nature grows as they mature; by the point, they’re about 18 months old, they normally voluntarily tackle the position of the guardian.

Feeding

A Kangal Shepherd dog diet ought to be formulated for a large- to giant-sized breed with average energy and train wants.

You ought to seek the advice of your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Kangal Shepherd dog and the right portion sizes.

Their dietary wants will change as they develop from puppyhood to maturity and senior age. Stay on top of those dietary necessities.

Children And Other Pets

The Kangal Shepherd dog is loving with family, together with the kids, with whom they’re calm and protecting. But due to their massive size, they’re most likely higher suited to households with older kids.

They’re unlikely to respect younger kids as leaders, so all interactions between the Anatolian and youngsters ought to be supervised by accountable adults.

As with each breed, it’s best to all the time train kids to find out how to method and contact dogs to forestall any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of both social gatherings.

Teach your baby by no means to method any dog where they’re consuming or sleeping or to attempt to take the dog’s meals away. No dog, regardless of how pleasant, ought to ever be left unsupervised with a toddler.

The finest probability of the Kangal Shepherd dog accepting different dogs and pets is to boost them with them from puppyhood. As they develop, they’re going to naturally settle for them as a part of their “flock.”

Kangal Shepherd Dog – Profile | Traits | Care | Behavior