Kangal

The Kangal Dog is thought to be an ancient breed related to Mastiff-type dogs that were shown in Assyrian art. He possibly originated in the Kangal District of Sivas Province located in central Turkey. Researchers think that the Kangal Dog was bred specifically by the villagers to guard the village and their flocks from bears, wolves and jackals. Since the area where they were most common is so remote and isolated from other areas, the Kangal Dog has been kept pure and cross breeding did not occur. This caused the breed to be extremely uniform in their appearance and behavior. It also seems that the Kangal Dog is free of hereditary health conditions. Today, many Turks have claimed the Kangal Dog as the national dog of Turkey. He can be found on Turkish postage stamps and coins. Many academic institutions or universities and the Turkish government have begun researching and operating Kangal Dog breeding kennels where pedigrees and health records are being carefully maintained. David and Judith Nelson of the United States began studying the various dogs found in Turkey and wrote about the Kangal Dog thus introducing North America and Europe to this unique livestock guardian dog. In 1985, the Nelsons imported a Kangal Dog into the United States. It is believed that this is the first Kangal Dog to come into the United States. The Nelsons imported several more Kangal Dogs and set up a foundation for their own breeding program. These dogs imported by the Nelsons became the foundation for most of the Kangal Dogs found within North America. The United Kennel Club is the only club in North America to currently recognize the Kangal Dog.