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Kangal Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Kangal Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank492
Reviews13
User Ratings
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Kangal Dog dog profile picture
OriginTurkey flagTurkey
Other Names
What other names does the Kangal Dog have?
Kangal Shepherd DogSivas KangalTurkish KangalKangal Coban Kopegi
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Overview

Some fun facts about the Kangal Dog include:

- They are one of the largest breeds in the world and one of the heaviest in terms of weight.

- They are very strong dogs with powerful jaws, which is why they make an excellent guard dogs when trained properly.

- Their life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years on average.

These dogs can be aggressive towards other animals but not humans if socialized from a young age.

 

They are excellent with children and make great family pets. If you're interested in owning a Kangal Dog, be prepared to provide them with plenty of exercises as they need a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Thanks for reading!

Kangal Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Kangal Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Kangal Dog get?

What is the average size of a Kangal Dog?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Kangal Dog weigh? How much should a Kangal Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Kangal Dog? How much does a full-grown Kangal Dog weight?
Male: 110-145 pounds (50-66 kg), Female: 90-120 pounds (41-54 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Kangal Dog?
Male: 127.5 pounds (58 kg), Female: 105 pounds (47.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Kangal Dog? Kangal Dog height:
Male: 30-32 inches (77-86 cm), Female: 28-30 inches (72-77 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Kangal Dog?
Male: 31 inches (81.5 cm), Female: 29 inches (74.5 cm)

Kangal Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Kangal Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Kangal Dog in the United States? How much money is a Kangal Dog?

Where to buy a Kangal Dog with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Kangal Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Kangal Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Kangal Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Kangal Dog? How many Kangal Dog are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Kangal Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Kangal Dog? Is the Kangal Dog breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Kangal Dog ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Kangal Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Kangal Dog?
Kangal Dog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Kangal Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Kangal Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Kangal Dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Kangal Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Kangal Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Kangal Dog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Kangal Dog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Kangal Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Kangal Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentProtectiveAlertSensitiveSelfishCalmControlled
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Kangal Dog sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Kangal Dog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Kangal Dog a good family dog?
High: Kangal Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Kangal Shepherd Dog need? Kangal Dog social needs:
Kangal Dog dogs are known to be antisocial. They prefer being left alone. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Kangal Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Kangal Dog roam?
Kangal Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Kangal Dog have high prey drive?
Kangal Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Kangal Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Kangal Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Kangal Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Kangal Shepherd Dog bark?
Low to Average: The Kangal Dog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Kangal Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Kangal Dog in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Kangal Dog breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Kangal Dog indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Kangal Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Kangal Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Kangal Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Kangal Dog alone?
Kangal Dog dogs love being alone, they need their own free time. You don't have to worry about leaving them for a few hours alone at home.

Kangal Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Kangal Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Kangal Dog? How much bite force does a Kangal Dog have? How strong is a Kangal Dog bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Kangal Dog bite force: The Strongest. The Kangal Dog bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Kangal Dog measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Kangal Dog dogs is impressive, and their Kangal Dog bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Kangal Dog PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Kangal Dog bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Kangal Dog puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Kangal Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Kangal Shepherd Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Kangal Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Kangal Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Kangal Dog do?
Kangal Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Kangal Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Kangal Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Kangal Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Kangal Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Kangal Dog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Kangal Dog breed? Most common health risks of Kangal Dog:
Fatty Tumors
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Kangal Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Kangal Dog see the vet?
Average
The Kangal Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Kangal Dog dogs live? How old can a Kangal Dog be? What is the age limit of the Kangal Dog? How many years can the oldest Kangal Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Kangal Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Kangal Dog?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Kangal Dog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Kangal Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Kangal Dog have? What is the activity level of the Kangal Dog?
Kangal Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Kangal Dog need? How much exercise do Kangal Dog dogs require per day?

Do Kangal Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Kangal Dog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Kangal Dog breed need?
Kangal Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Kangal Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Kangal Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Kangal Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Kangal Dog? How much food should I feed my Kangal Dog?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Kangal Dog risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Kangal Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Kangal Dog weight regularly.

Kangal Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Kangal Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Kangal Dog coats?
BlackGray Cream
Grooming
How to groom the Kangal Dog and how often? How often should I take my Kangal Dog to the groomer?
Average: The Kangal Dog requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Kangal Dog, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Kangal Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Kangal Shepherd Dog? Do Kangal Dog dogs shed a lot?
Kangal Dog dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Kangal Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Kangal Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Kangal Dog every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Kangal Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Kangal Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Kangal Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Kangal Dog drool?
The Kangal Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Kangal Dog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Kangal Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Kangal Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Kangal Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Kangal Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Kangal Dog temperament with other people:
Kangal Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Kangal Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Kangal Dog temperament with children:
Kangal Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Kangal Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Kangal Dog breed live with a cat?
Kangal Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Kangal Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Kangal Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Kangal Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Kangal Dog is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Kangal Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Kangal Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Kangal Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Kangal Dog dogs good office canines? Do Kangal Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Kangal Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Kangal Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Kangal Shepherd Dog temperament with senior people? Are Kangal Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Kangal Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Kangal Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Kangal Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Kangal Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Kangal Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Kangal Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Kangal Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Kangal Dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Kangal Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Kangal Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Kangal Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Kangal Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Kangal Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Kangal Dog be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Kangal Dog breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Kangal Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

Kangal Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Kangal Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Kangal Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Kangal Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Kangal Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Kangal Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Kangal Dog have? How many puppies can a Kangal Dog give birth to?
5-10 puppies

Kangal Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Kangal Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Kangal Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Kangal Dog breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Kangal Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Watchdog Ability: Kangal Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Kangal Dog dogs love being alone, they need their own free time.
  • Child Friendly: Kangal Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Kangal Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Kangal Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Kangal Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Kangal Dog breed.
  • Shedding Level: Kangal Dog dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Kangal Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Kangal Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Dog Friendly: Kangal Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Kangal Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Kangal Dog History

The Kangal Dog breed is a Turkish dog that has been around for centuries. They were used as working dogs to protect flocks of sheep from predators.

The origin of this breed is not 100% known but it's believed that they are descendants of dogs brought by the Mongols in the 12th century during their invasions. They were used as herding and working dogs for centuries, even though there isn't any official mention about them until the 18th century.

The Kangal Dog became an official breed in Turkey in the 1970s and started to be exported to other countries a few years later. They are now considered a rare breed and are popular among dog enthusiasts for their gentle nature and strong protective instincts.

Rate The Kangal Dog Breed

Kangal Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Israel

    Dec 28, 2021, 12:44:34 PM:

    Really like the dog basically because of its ferociousness

  • Kangal

    Dec 14, 2021, 5:35:55 AM:

  • Ron Palmer

    Aug 17, 2021, 11:42:17 AM:

    I own 2 Kangal half Presa Canarios . They are the best guard dogs I’ve ever owned. Anything hostile or protecting wise need no training . Curto Presa and sivas kangal

  • David

    Aug 3, 2021, 1:52:14 AM:

    Many facts inaccurate. Highly intelligent, very independent, and need a pack or family. Incredibly loving. Excel as service dogs with Special Operations community with whom they share many characteristics.

  • emenuele

    Jun 2, 2021, 10:17:20 AM:

  • tingo

    Jun 1, 2021, 8:37:39 AM:

  • samba

    Jun 1, 2021, 8:36:14 AM:

  • max

    Jun 1, 2021, 8:32:37 AM:

    I like your interesting fact but my kangal doesn't want to be alone at anywhere

  • chris

    Aug 24, 2020, 6:47:41 PM:

    Alot of the things on this page are inaccurate. Mine does not like to be alone at any time, trying to sleep in our rooms every day, even getting sad being alone for any longer than an hour, she understood commands as a puppy but they are very stubborn

  • Angus

    Jun 27, 2020, 5:19:38 PM:

    Fun to play and are nice

  • olti

    Dec 6, 2019, 10:13:19 PM:

  • Aron

    Nov 2, 2019, 11:43:10 PM:

    2 November 2019

  • Tarkan

    Sep 29, 2019, 3:06:49 PM: