FIELD OBSERVATIONS IN TURKEY

We have studied Kangal Dogs in Turkey since the 1970s. We have traveled throughout the Sivas-Kangal Region visiting scores of villages plus all the principal yaylas. We have spoken with numerous Turkish breeders over the years. These individuals range from the humble shepherd boy to experts such as Turhan Kangal, Mehmet Ali G¸l, Cemal Kaya, and Salih ÷zaslan. All agree that the Kangal Dog is a distinct Turkish dog breed. None would think of cross breeding them with dogs from other areas of Turkey.
We have observed a remarkable degree of homogeneity among the sheepdogs in this region. Why this is so is a question which we have never been able to answer. The fact remains, however, that the sheepdogs in the Sivas-Kangal Region exhibit a high degree of breed "type." Phenotype and morphology is consistent among a great number of dogs. These dogs are called Kangal Dogs throughout the region.
(Nelson photo)
Purebred Kangal Dogs are free of whole body white color. The definition of white is important. When we say white, we mean milk white or, in Turkish, s¸t beyaz. Inexperienced observers may think that the light dun body color of some Kangal Dogs is "white." A quick examination, however, demonstrates that the color is not white as defined above. The color of the Akbash Dog from western Turkey is, however, s¸t beyaz or "milk white."
Kangal Dogs are also free of spotting, brindle, and other non-standard colors and combinations of colors associated with Turkey's ubiquitous street dogs. They are also free of shaggy, long coats. Kangal Dogs have whole body colors and smooth coats. They project a "purebred" appearance and are elegant animals of unmistakable grace.
There are, of course, numerous pariah or mongrel dogs throughout the Sivas-Kangal Region, just as there are in other regions of Turkey. There are also cross-bred sheepdogs. It is easy with experience to discriminate true Kangal Dogs in Turkey from dogs with impure bloodlines.
Turkish government experts A. Ferit ÷zg¸nes and Nazif «iftÁi note that impure dogs resembling Kangals can be seen throughout Turkey, but the only way to guarantee purity is to go to the Sivas-Kangal Region.