Turkish Kangal Dog
Group: Pastoral
Size: Large
Coat length: Short
Grooming required: Once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
They are a large, powerful, heavy-boned dog with a broad head and a tail that curls up and over the back. Their short, thick, double coat is fawn to grey with a black muzzle and often black ears.
They are named after the Kangal district in Turkey from where they originate and have always been used as a flock guard. The Kangal Dog will bond closely with their family and be loyal and affectionate but their primary instinct is to guard. They will confront anything they perceive to be a threat but will only attack if necessary. They are a little more people-friendly than most flock guarding dogs and generally like children but they are naturally wary of strange dogs and strangers. They have great strength and speed and need a good deal of physical and mental exercise.
They do not need a lot of grooming but will shed heavily at certain times of the year. There are no known health problems.