Kangal Characteristics: The defensive and loyal Kangal is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Working Dog. The Kangal, is characterized by its strong, powerful, dignified appearance with a muscular body and distinct black mask and a protective and devoted expression. Other characteristics include deep brown to amber, round, medium sized, wide set eyes; medium sized, pendant, triangular shaped ears; a dark muzzle, a thick, tapering tail and a firm, fluid, purposeful gait. The temperament of the Kangal can be described as alert, protective, territorial. The coat type of the Kangal is described as short, dense, double coat in dull greyish-brown . Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Kangal demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Fighter and Farm guard dog and is known by its nick name the "Karabash". The origin of the Kangal breed was in Turkey where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Kangal : The following facts provide fast information about the Kangal breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Working Dog *** Nick name: "Karabash" *** Origin: Turkey *** Male Height: 30 - 32 inches (77 - 86 cm) *** Female Height: 28 - 30 inches (72 - 77 cm) *** Male Weight: 110 - 145 pounds (50 - 66 kg) *** Female Weight: 90 - 120 pounds (41 - 54 kg) *** Coat Type: short, dense, double coat *** Coat Colors: dull greyish-brown *** Litter Size: 5 - 10 puppies *** Health Problems: None *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Kangal Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog: The Kangal is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog. Other names for the Kangal: The Kangal is known by the nickname of the "Karabash". Other names for this breed of dog include the Sivas Kangal, Turkish Kangal, Karabas, and Karabash. The correct, traditional name for the breed in Turkey is Kangal Kopegi or Sivas Kangal Köpegi, the Turkish word "kopek" means dog in English. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Kangal" derives from a district called Kangal of the Sivas Province in Turkey Kangal History and Origin: The country of origin of the Kangal breed was in Turkey during the Ancient Times where is was utilized as a livestock guard dog and powerful War dog of the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922). The Kangal was reputed to originate from the Akbash dog of Africa, then a part of the Ottoman Empire, that was also known as the Turkish Empire. The Kangal was used by the ancient nomadic people to guard their sheep, who roamed the rolling plains and plateau regions of rural Turkey with the changing seasons. The resilience, endurance and stamina of the Kangal allowed them to undertake their duties under the harshest climatic and working conditions Later, when the nomadic lifestyles changed, the Kangal was used as village guard dogs. Due to its power and strength the Kangal was also used as a War Dog, and was described as "the size of asses, and fierce as lions". The Kangal war dogs were trained in combat and wore special armor that included spiked, metal collars to protect their neck from injuries. These great Kangal war dogs were led by chains in processions before the Ottoman Sultans. On such important occasions, the Kangal dogs were decked in exquisite satin covers and wore silver collars with iron points. Kangal Modern History: The modern history of the Kangal moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog and Farm worker. The Turkish Kennel Club was formed in 2001 and published a detailed breed standard for the Kangal Dog and is recognized by the United Kennel Club in the United States. The Kangal takes pride of place as the National Dog of Turkey conveying power and strength. The export of Kangal Dogs from Turkey is controlled and is now virtually forbidden. Kangal Height: The Kangal breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 30 - 32 inches (77 - 86 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 28 - 30 inches (72 - 77 cm). Kangal Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 110 - 145 pounds (50 - 66 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 90 - 120 pounds (41 - 54 kg). Kangal Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, dense, double coat. Kangal Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include Light Golden, Gray, Dun and Fawn Sable. N.B. The term 'Dun' refers to a dull or drab gray-gold or tan color. Kangal Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Kangal are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Kangal are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Kangal Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 5 - 10 puppies. Kangal puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Kangal puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Kangal Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Defensive, alert, protective, territorial and Loyal. Kangal Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Kangal requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a firm, fluid, purposeful gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Kangal Diet: A fully grown Kangal should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Kangal Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Kangal breed have shown no recurring problems. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Kangal breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Kangal Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Kangal breed is 12-15 years. Kangal Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Turkish names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Burak *** Mehmet *** Kaan *** Deniz *** Hakan *** Kadir *** Kerem *** Sefa *** Bora *** Zafer. Kangal Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female names are Beyza *** Merve *** Sena *** Busra *** Melis *** Zehra *** Selen *** Nisa *** Sibel *** Kubra. Fast Facts about the Kangal : The following facts provide fast information about the Kangal breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Turkey *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Height: 30 - 32 inches (77 - 86 cm) *** Male Weight: 110 - 145 pounds (50 - 66 kg) *** Coat Type: short, dense, double coat *** Litter Size: 5 - 10 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 