Kangal Shepherd Dog
Also known as Chien de berger kangal, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Anatolian Shepherd
- Height at the withers
- 71 to 81 cm
- Weight
- 40 to 65 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Sivas, Turkey
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A large, powerful, heavy-boned livestock guardian dog with a distinctive fawn coat, a black mask and ears and a curled tail, bred to protect flocks from predators.
History and origins
An ancient livestock guardian breed from the Kangal district in Sivas province, Turkey. Used for centuries by shepherds to protect flocks against wolves, bears and jackals, it is considered a Turkish national treasure.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Entropion
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Kangal Shepherd Dog FAQ
How big does the Kangal Shepherd Dog get?
The Kangal Shepherd Dog stands 71 to 81 cm at the withers and weighs 40 to 65 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Kangal Shepherd Dog shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Kangal Shepherd Dog live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Kangal Shepherd Dog need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Kangal Shepherd Dog good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Kangal Shepherd Dog live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as entropion.
