Caring for Your Kangal: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

by Renee Fong. Reviewed by Fitpetgo

Updated: Sep 15, 2024

Introduction

The Kangal is a breed of livestock guardian dog originating from Turkey. Known for their impressive size, intelligence, and loyal nature, they have been used for centuries to protect sheep flocks from predators. Despite being one of the most ancient dog breeds, the Kangal has gained popularity as a family pet in recent years due to its gentle and affectionate personality. As with any large breed, owning a Kangal comes with unique challenges and requirements. In this article, we'll delve into the world of the Kangal breed, covering their care, characteristics, and what you need to consider before bringing one home.

General Care

The Kangal is a physically demanding breed that requires regular exercise to maintain their size and agility. They are built for long-distance walking and can easily keep up with families on a hike or walk. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended, but this can be adjusted based on individual needs.

Proper training and socialization are also essential for any Kangal dog. Positive reinforcement techniques should be used consistently from an early age to develop good manners and obedience commands. Early exposure to various environments, people, and experiences will help the Kangal become a confident and well-adjusted adult dog.

Providing adequate shelter and space for your Kangal is vital. They prefer a spacious backyard where they can roam freely or a large enclosed area where they can comfortably exercise and relax. Suitable climate conditions are crucial; Kangals thrive in cold weather but might suffer from overheating during hot summer months.

Veterinary care should receive the utmost importance, with regular check-ups every six months for dogs of this size and breed.

Kangal Issues

Given their ancient history and original purpose as livestock guardians, it's not surprising that some modern-day breeds inherit characteristics that may cause health issues. These include:

• Hip dysplasia: common among all large breeds
• Gastritis (stomach ulcers), potentially triggered by sensitive feeding or stress factors