Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2022 22:11:32 GMT
Height: 26-32''
Weight: 110-200lbs
Country of Origin: Turkey
Family: Livestock Guardian Dog
Type: Archaic
The Kangal is an LGD used to guard sheep. They are Turkey's national dog and they treasure the Kangal. If you go to Turkey they're nice people and they may offer you a Kangal pup.
These dogs guard from wolves, bears, cougars and even leopards in Africa with great reviews. The Anatolian Shepherd is a line of Kangal from Anatolia which was imported to Africa. Some died, some were incompatible and were shot, others killed leopards and jackals in defense of livestock. Kangal dogs under the Anatolian Shepherd moniker are lighter and faster weighing around 110-140lbs.
The Kangal may be used in groups to help cover a larger area. They are good socially but may fight with neighboring LGDs over territory. This is a rare occurrence but it does happen with free ranging LGDs. They work largely independently with the flock, scent marking to avoid wild predators and other LGDs and catching their own food. In Africa they've been known to prey on kudu, but also live off of rabbits. They don't need much food to sustain themselves as they are fairly lethargic as opposed to a high octane machine such as a pitbull or greyhound which needs a lot of food.
Unlike fluffy whites such as the Great Pyrenees, the Kangal is more combative and has more drive. This makes them a bit worse at tending to livestock but better in combat with predators. They sometimes require training to be truly effective. Kangal x Great Pyrenees hybrids tend to produce the best results, according to North American farmers.
Retired Kangal dogs may live in villages protecting people, or some will just live in villages from birth guarding the village. Turkish people are very protective of the Kangal, and if the dogs are endangered by man or beast, Turkish villagers will angrily defend their dogs due to the strong bond they develop with them.