All about kangals

For many people, a dog is not just a tamed animal, but a true friend. Such a friend can be a representative of the Turkish kangal breed. Such animals are distinguished by some traits that are not inherent in any other dogs. For example, they have strong protective instincts, as well as betrayed their master.

What is the history of the origin of the breed and its characteristics? What advantages and disadvantages of these dogs do their owners distinguish? How to care for animals and how not to make a mistake in choosing a puppy? Find answers to these and some other questions in our article.

The Turkish kangal (or Anatolian Shepherd) breed has a rather interesting origin history, which dates back to ancient times. In this regard, today there is no one clearly defined and recognized theory of its appearance.

For example, one of the legends reports that the dog was presented to the Ottoman padishah, who liked the animal with its strength and courage: in front of the ruler, the Turkish kangal defeated the lion. Another theory is that the Ottoman Empire is the birthplace of a dog. But all scientists agree that the animal appeared no later than the XIII century.

One way or another, but This breed of dog is considered to be one of the purest blood that today exists on the territory of the entire globe. The fact is that in the process of its historical development the Anatolian Shepherd did not interbreed with any other breeds, nor was any selection work carried out with its participation.

Today, this breed of four-legged pets is quite popular in the United States of America, as well as in some European countries. However, the path to international recognition for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog was rather long and thorny. Standards for the breed were adopted and published by the International Dog Association quite recently - only in 2018.

Kangal is a rather large and muscular animal. This dog has good developed muscles and skeleton, which are the basis of its strength. However, despite this, the structure of the Anatolian Shepherd can be called rather proportional and even to some extent graceful.

The following standards have been adopted for the breed:

• the height of the adult individual at the withers reaches 80 centimeters;
• head length is in the range of 40-50% of the height of the withers;
• the skull is 60% of the length of the head;
• body length is 10% longer than the height indicator.

If we talk about the anatomical structure of the body of an animal, then normally it should also correspond to some generally accepted characteristics. The skull of a dog, though large enough, could not be flat, on the contrary - its shape should be round, and from all sides. On the forehead of the dog should look through the characteristic and rather specific furrow.

The structure of the front of the animal is also quite expressive - the muzzle should be wide, but to the nose it tapers, thereby forming a kind of wedge-shaped form. Kangal's eyes are quite expressive, they are almond-shaped and have a brown color. The size of the eyes is medium.The animal's ears deserve special attention - they are not too high, wide and hang, and at the ends they are rounded.

As for the torso itself, scientists and veterinarians notice that the body of the Anatolian Shepherd is folded very well. The neck has a slight bend, but despite this, it is quite strong and has developed muscles. The length of the neck is average, there is a suspension on it.

Chest deep, belly tightened. The tail is distinguished by its large length, and its location may be different. For example, if the dog is in an excited state, the tail can straighten up and rise to the back, in a more relaxed mood the tail is slightly bent. Noteworthy is the structure of the limbs. Both hind and front legs are rather long, straight. The paws of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog have an oval shape, and the toes are bent.

The coat may be different in length: there are both short-haired and long-haired individuals. The coat, like the undercoat, is rather thick. In nature, there is quite a large variety of colors of the Anatolian Shepherd, but the most valuable and elite is fawn. Also, the animal may have a certain "mask" on the face, which is most often painted black. Ears may also be black.

If you are thinking about buying a kangal animal and keeping it at home, then you should get acquainted with all the features of such a dog. Like any other animal, the Anatolian Shepherd has both advantages and disadvantages.

With regard to the advantages of the breed, first of all, dog owners distinguish the performance and diligence of animals, their ability to adapt to the most different environmental conditions, endurance and stability even in the absence of food, as well as pronounced guard qualities. However, this list of advantages of this breed does not end there. In addition to these qualities, the advantages of kangals include the following characteristics:

• developed and balanced psyche;
• observation and attentiveness;
• loyalty and devotion to the owner;
• endurance;
• vigor and activity;
• impressive appearance;
• courage and bravery.

Despite the rather wide list of advantages, the Anatolian Shepherds have some drawbacks. So, among the negative aspects that are characteristic of this animal, there are:

• cautious attitude to strangers (for example, to the guests in the house), which can turn into aggression;
• dogs need quite spacious squares and cannot live in an apartment;
• dogs need a constant load;
• walking time should be very long.

As mentioned earlier, the kangal has pronounced guard abilities. In this regard, the dog is one of the best breeds. For example, a herd of livestock usually accounts for about 5-6 dogs of the Anatolian Shepherd breed, which do an excellent job with their duties.

If dogs are properly educated and trained, then they will turn into uncompromising guards and watchmen, who will manifest themselves as bold and attentive animals. In addition, animals can perform their functions even in adverse conditions: when hungry, thirsty and tired, and also exposed to adverse weather (heat, rain, snow).

Psychologically, the animal loves the attention of its owner, he likes to experience his affection and care. That is why the dog spends the maximum amount of time next to its owner. If you properly educate and train a dog, it will show affection and benevolence not only in relation to one person, who is its immediate owner, but also in relation to other family members. At the same time, in relation to strangers and strangers, the dog may behave cautiously and incredulously.

Kangals are fairly calm and balanced dogs that are not prone to aggressive behavior without a specific reason. But at the same time, it should be understood that by their nature animals are leaders, and therefore they tend to dominate. They tend to be independent, and sometimes even stubborn.

Choosing a purebred purebred Anatolian Shepherd puppy is a rather difficult task. Such animals can be found only in specialized nurseries.

When buying in the first place it is important to pay attention to the parent pair. First you need to inspect the appearance of a mature female and male, and then you should ask the seller to show you your passport, vaccination certificates and other available documents. Remember that all qualities that are characteristic of a puppy (whether physiological or psychological) are direct reflection of the properties of the parent pair. Only after you have made sure that the mother and father of the animal are fine, you can proceed to the inspection of the puppy.

As a general rule, it is possible to separate a puppy from parents and home not earlier than 2 months. However, even if the animal, the purchase of which you are planning, has reached the specified age, special attention should be paid to its development. Make sure that Growth is active, does not show any genetic abnormalities, the puppy is not sick with infectious or viral ailments.

During external examination, follow the breed standards described above. Make sure that the anatomical structure of the puppy fully meets all the required parameters. Also ask the seller to show you animal instincts (guard, herding, guarding).

Consider that the average cost of a purebred puppy of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is about 50,000 rubles. If you are offered to buy an animal for a significantly lower price, then be sure that the puppy is not purebred or has any defects.

Dogs belonging to the Anatolian Sheepdog breed are quite sturdy and resilient. However, even with such favorable natural qualities and characteristics, dogs need proper care, as well as in compliance with all conditions of detention.

Should take into account the fact that the animal cannot live in the cramped conditions of a city apartment. It needs a large space. Therefore, kangal breed dogs usually live in a private home. They are not recommended to keep on the chain, on the contrary - should provide free walking for animals.

You should also consider the fact that dogs must be constantly busy. Several times a week they should be additionally loaded. Such loads can provide active games or jogging with a bike. You can not keep a dog in the yard all the time - it is worth walking it in free spaces. Otherwise, the animal will begin to suffer emotionally and mentally, which will adversely affect the physiological state of the Anatolian Shepherd (worsen appetite, start problems with joints).

An integral part of the care and maintenance of the Anatolian Shepherd is the preparation of the diet for her. It is important to ensure that the food is as healthy and balanced as possible. Food should contain a set of all necessary vitamins and trace elements that will support all the vital processes of the animal.

Each owner decides for himself whether to feed the animal with dry ready-made mixtures or with natural food.. Despite the fact that both options are permissible, and the second is more convenient and economical in terms of labor costs, as well as time, it is still natural food that should be preferred.

Thus, the diet of the animal should include cereals, meat and offal, vegetables. With a small frequency of the animal can be fed dairy products.

If you decide to go on an easier way and prefer to feed the dog with ready-made mixtures, then you should choose those foods that are intended for giant breeds. To avoid food allergies and other negative reactions. Choose premium quality or holistic feeds only.

In addition, you should consult with a veterinarian about the inclusion in the diet of your pet vitamin supplements or mineral complexes.

Power schedule should be constant. Usually, until the animal reaches the age of 8 months, it is fed 2 times a day. After reaching this milestone, the dog is transferred to a single meal. Serving size is not strictly set - the dog does not eat more food than it needs. It is able to independently adjust the portion depending on its physiological characteristics, physical exertion and environmental conditions.

A feature of the kangalov diet is the fact that, from time to time, dogs may refuse to eat. If it lasts no more than 2-3 days, then there is no cause for concern. In this way Anatolian Shepherd Dogs arrange for themselves a kind of fasting days.

Compliance with all hygiene standards is an important part of caring for dogs that belong to the breed kangal. First of all, attention should be paid to the care of the scalp. If you follow all the instructions of specialists, then the dog will look pretty neat, and the skin of the animal will also improve.

It should be noted that Anatolian Shepherd is an animal that is subject to intense molting. This process is particularly pronounced in the warm season. At this time, the dog should be quite often (1 time in 2-3 days) and carefully combed. This should be done with special combs and brushes. With proper care the dog will always look neat and well maintained.

In addition to combing, you must perform other procedures. In particular, it is recommended to regularly check the condition of the eyes, ears and mouth of the animal. In the presence of contamination, they must be removed with cotton swabs, cotton pads or a toothbrush.When cleansing an animal, use only those products that are specifically designed for dogs and in any case do not use the solutions that you use yourself.

The most difficult procedure in relation to the care of a dog is bathing. Luckily, it does not need to be washed too often. It is believed that the animal needs water procedures no more than 1 time in 3 months.

Training and education in the full sense of the word is not suitable for kangala. It's all about the nature of the animal - it is quite independent and independent. That is why it should be borne in mind that it can not be subjected to constant and prolonged training. Try to turn the lessons into interesting and exciting games, train the shepherd in unobtrusive methods.

For more on the characteristics of the breed, see the following video.