Dog Breeds

Kangal

A reliable livestock guardian, the Kangal is renowned for its loyalty and protective nature.

Kangal

Dog Breeds

Kangal

A reliable livestock guardian, the Kangal is renowned for its loyalty and protective nature.

Kangal

Dog Breeds

Kangal

A reliable livestock guardian, the Kangal is renowned for its loyalty and protective nature.

Kangal

Dog Breeds

Kangal

A reliable livestock guardian, the Kangal is renowned for its loyalty and protective nature.

Kangal

Other Names

Kangal Shepherd Dog, Turkish Kangal, Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Other Names

Kangal Shepherd Dog, Turkish Kangal, Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Other Names

Kangal Shepherd Dog, Turkish Kangal, Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Recognized By

AKC, UKC, FCI, KC (UK)

Recognized By

AKC, UKC, FCI, KC (UK)

Recognized By

AKC, UKC, FCI, KC (UK)

Country of Origin

Turkey

Country of Origin

Turkey

Country of Origin

Turkey

Popularity in the UAE

Rare but gaining significant popularity

Popularity in the UAE

Rare but gaining significant popularity

Popularity in the UAE

Rare but gaining significant popularity

Primary Use

Livestock guardian, guard dog, companion dog

Primary Use

Livestock guardian, guard dog, companion dog

Primary Use

Livestock guardian, guard dog, companion dog

Kangal

Kangal

Kangal

Breed History

The Kangal is an ancient breed originating from the Sivas region of Turkey. These mighty dogs have been used for centuries to protect livestock and farm animals from predators like wolves and bears. Because of its strength, endurance, and protective nature, the Kangal has created a significant impact within the community.

Over time, the dog’s reputation grew and spread beyond Turkey. It was these attributes that made the Kangal Shepherd Dog a popular breed, making its way to other countries. On these lands, they still serve the same purpose: protecting livestock, children, and homes from other dangers.

Today, these dogs continue to accompany humans in day-to-day tasks, protecting them at every turn.

The Kangal is an ancient breed originating from the Sivas region of Turkey. These mighty dogs have been used for centuries to protect livestock and farm animals from predators like wolves and bears. Because of its strength, endurance, and protective nature, the Kangal has created a significant impact within the community.

Over time, the dog’s reputation grew and spread beyond Turkey. It was these attributes that made the Kangal Shepherd Dog a popular breed, making its way to other countries. On these lands, they still serve the same purpose: protecting livestock, children, and homes from other dangers.

Today, these dogs continue to accompany humans in day-to-day tasks, protecting them at every turn.

Kangal Breed History
Kangal Breed History
Kangal Breed History
Just welcomed a Kangal?
Just welcomed a Kangal?
Just welcomed a Kangal?
Just welcomed a Kangal?

Schedule their first vet visit today!

Schedule their first vet visit today!

Schedule their first vet visit today!

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Osteosarcoma

This aggressive bone cancer generally affects large and giant breeds, like Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. As the condition progresses, it can metastasize to other organs, such as the lungs. (Tuohy et al., 2019)

Mast Cell Tumors

These are some of the most common types of skin cancer in dogs. Here, they can appear as raised lumps or swollen growths. (Garrett, 2014)

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Osteosarcoma

This aggressive bone cancer generally affects large and giant breeds, like Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. As the condition progresses, it can metastasize to other organs, such as the lungs. (Tuohy et al., 2019)

Mast Cell Tumors

These are some of the most common types of skin cancer in dogs. Here, they can appear as raised lumps or swollen growths. (Garrett, 2014)

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Neurology

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Reproduction

Reproduction

Temperament and Common Traits

Kangal Personality
Kangal Personality
Kangal Personality
Kangal Personality

Personality

Intelligent, protective, independent, and loyal. A Kangal is a reliable and devoted guardian that forms strong, deep bonds with its family.

Intelligent, protective, independent, and loyal. A Kangal is a reliable and devoted guardian that forms strong, deep bonds with its family.

Kangal Distinct Habits
Kangal Distinct Habits
Kangal Distinct Habits
Kangal Distinct Habits

Distinct Habits

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs bark only when necessary and are always wary of strangers. They tend to instinctively guard livestock and children as well.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs bark only when necessary and are always wary of strangers. They tend to instinctively guard livestock and children as well.

Kangal Suitability for Work
Kangal Suitability for Work
Kangal Suitability for Work
Kangal Suitability for Work

Suitability for Work

They are highly suitable for protecting livestock and guarding families. 

They are highly suitable for protecting livestock and guarding families. 

Lifespan

Kangal Dogs generally live an average of 10 to 13 years.

The shortest age a Kangal can live is 8 years, while the longest is 15 years. 

The shortest age a Kangal can live is 8 years, while the longest is 15 years. 

Training and Care

Kangal Training and Care
Kangal Training and Care
Kangal Training and Care

Trainability

Kangals can be challenging to train, requiring an expert in most cases. It’s recommended to start early and consistently.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Kangals can be challenging to train, requiring an expert in most cases. It’s recommended to start early and consistently.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Kangals can be challenging to train, requiring an expert in most cases. It’s recommended to start early and consistently.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Kangals can be challenging to train, requiring an expert in most cases. It’s recommended to start early and consistently.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Kangals can adapt well to heat, especially since they have relatively short coats. However, these dogs can still overheat if exposed to the sun for far too long.

Precautions

The best time to exercise would be in the early mornings or evenings to be safe from the heat. Keep a fresh supply of water at all times.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Kangals can adapt well to heat, especially since they have relatively short coats. However, these dogs can still overheat if exposed to the sun for far too long.

Precautions

The best time to exercise would be in the early mornings or evenings to be safe from the heat. Keep a fresh supply of water at all times.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Kangals can adapt well to heat, especially since they have relatively short coats. However, these dogs can still overheat if exposed to the sun for far too long.

Precautions

The best time to exercise would be in the early mornings or evenings to be safe from the heat. Keep a fresh supply of water at all times.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Kangals can adapt well to heat, especially since they have relatively short coats. However, these dogs can still overheat if exposed to the sun for far too long.

Precautions

The best time to exercise would be in the early mornings or evenings to be safe from the heat. Keep a fresh supply of water at all times.

Diet & Nutrition

Dietary Needs

Kangals need a diet high in protein, vitamins, and healthy fats to sustain their energy levels and muscle mass. Beef, chicken, salmon, and green veggies are good choices to start with if you're considering a homemade diet.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Kangals need a diet high in protein, vitamins, and healthy fats to sustain their energy levels and muscle mass. Beef, chicken, salmon, and green veggies are good choices to start with if you're considering a homemade diet.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Kangals need a diet high in protein, vitamins, and healthy fats to sustain their energy levels and muscle mass. Beef, chicken, salmon, and green veggies are good choices to start with if you're considering a homemade diet.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Kangals need a diet high in protein, vitamins, and healthy fats to sustain their energy levels and muscle mass. Beef, chicken, salmon, and green veggies are good choices to start with if you're considering a homemade diet.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Kangal Diet and Nutrition
Kangal Diet and Nutrition
Kangal Diet and Nutrition

Suitability as a Pet

Ideal Owners

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is more suited for farm owners and people with an active lifestyle. 

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is more suited for farm owners and people with an active lifestyle. 

Kangals are gentle and protective with children. However, they are not suited to live with other pets because of their strong guarding instincts.

Kangals are gentle and protective with children. However, they are not suited to live with other pets because of their strong guarding instincts.

Compatibility with Children & Pets

First-Time Owner Friendly

No, Kangals are not suited for first-time dog owners. These large dogs are often difficult to handle because of their independence and trainability.

No, Kangals are not suited for first-time dog owners. These large dogs are often difficult to handle because of their independence and trainability.

Physical Characteristics

Kangal Physical Characteristics
Kangal Physical Characteristics
Kangal Physical Characteristics

Head

Kangals have a large and proportionate head with a well-developed muzzle and strong jaws.

Kangals have a large and proportionate head with a well-developed muzzle and strong jaws.

Eyes

Their medium-sized eyes are oval in shape. The color ranges from brown to dark brown.

Their medium-sized eyes are oval in shape. The color ranges from brown to dark brown.

Ears

The ears are triangular and medium-sized, with round tips at the ends. These are set below the top of the skull.

The ears are triangular and medium-sized, with round tips at the ends. These are set below the top of the skull.

Body

The Kangal has a strong and muscular body with a broad and deep chest.

The Kangal has a strong and muscular body with a broad and deep chest.

Limbs

Their limbs are sturdy, and they have well-muscled legs with large, powerful paws.

Their limbs are sturdy, and they have well-muscled legs with large, powerful paws.

Tail

The tail is thick at the base and curls when alert.

The tail is thick at the base and curls when alert.

Coat

The Kangal’s double coat is short and dense. Colors range from cream, fawn, grey, and tan.

The Kangal’s double coat is short and dense. Colors range from cream, fawn, grey, and tan.

Size

Males: 75-85 cm (29-33 inches), Females: 70-80 cm (27-31 inches).

Males: 75-85 cm (29-33 inches), Females: 70-80 cm (27-31 inches).

Weight

Males: 50-66 kg (110-145 lbs), Females: 41-59 kg (90-130 lbs).

Males: 50-66 kg (110-145 lbs), Females: 41-59 kg (90-130 lbs).

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics