Kangal Dog
The Kangal shepherd dog is a dog breed that has protected its herd from malicious people and wild animals for centuries. Its existence has been known since the Babylonian times. These dogs were used as war dogs as well as horse and lion hunting.
It is estimated that its origin comes from Kangal District of Sivas Province. Despite this, it is possible to come across with pure blood in Yozgat, Kayseri, Çorum, Tokat, Erzurum and Erzincan. Likewise, it is possible to come across crosses with our dog breeds, which are known by names such as Karakaya and Kızılkaya, but do not carry another foreign name such as Turkish shepherd dog in their blood, in every region of our country. However, it is possible to find the first degree pure Kangal Shepherd Dog in Sivas or especially in Kangal District.
In the 17th century, Evliya Çelebi mentions these dogs, which he describes as strong as lions in his Travel Book. It is thought that the founders of the Ottoman Empire brought this dog with them to Anatolia, and with the spread of the Ottoman Empire in Europe, most European Shepherd Dogs were descended from this breed.
In the archives of the Ottoman Empire period, Kangal dogs are mentioned and pedigree breeding is mentioned.
The fact that the Kangal Shepherd Dogs have survived from the past to the present without disturbing their racial characteristics is attributed to the fact that they are the most reliable friend of the farmers who make their living from sheep breeding, and that they are the only dog breed among the world dog breeds that can resist wolves. Kangal dogs fulfill the task given in the most difficult climate and working conditions at the expense of the murderer. The fact that the care and feeding conditions are simpler and more economical than other dog breeds has ensured the continuation of its generation.
