The history of the breed's origin, the external standard, the characteristic features of the behavior of the Karabash and his health, care, training, interesting facts. Puppy price. At first glance, the dogs seem formidable and scary. But in fact, they are very kind and affectionate - one hundred percent pronounced sanguine people. This is the type when the processes of excitation and processes of inhibition are balanced. They can instantly prevent some kind of danger and just as instantly calm down. These shepherds are true shepherds in the full sense of the word.
The history of the origin of the Kangal Karabash
Kangal, lies at an altitude of 1650 meters above sea level. In such a wonderful area, this ancient, shepherd breed was born. The name of their homeland was reflected in the name of the breed. "Kangal" is a city, but "karabash", if translated into Russian, means a black head. "Kara" is black, "bash" is the head. Incidentally, this is where the word “head” came from in Russian.
This breed is the historical heritage of the republic and therefore it is strictly prohibited by Turkish law to export dogs outside the country. It is known that the improvement and movement of individuals of this species, monitoring and control is carried out directly by the government of the Republic of Turkey. Therefore, it can be argued that the breed is very important on a national scale. Each puppy born is evaluated by experts and only then, through selection selection, is eliminated or gets an excellent pedigree.
The first book about the kangals was written in 1912. This was done by the Turkish historian Orhan Elmaz. It was called "Kangal Dog, Origin Story". The scientist argued that these dogs appeared on the territory of modern Turkey along with the tribes who called themselves the Kangars. They came from Central Asia. This is one of the versions of the origin of the breed, but there is another. It is believed that these dogs existed in modern Turkish lands and the Armenian highlands already seven thousand years before the birth of Christ. Naturally, it is difficult to restore the truth, but it must be admitted that the Turkish kangal differs from the wolfhounds of the Transcaucasus not only in physique, but also in character.
They have a formidable core and at the same time a kind disposition. In addition, dogs are hardy. On the high-altitude Anatolian plateau, where the summers are hot and very dry and the winters are cold, these shepherds live in open areas all year round. For many centuries they were used as fighting dogs for war, hunting and were especially appreciated for victorious battles in the fight against wolves. Neither fatigue nor bad weather bothered the Karabash. In modern times, they are still used as shepherds as well as watchdogs.
The Kangal Karabash were bred to fight wolves and even to hunt a bear. In some regions of the country, where there are many "gray brothers", shepherds have the right to keep four such shepherds for every thousand sheep, usually in the ratio of three males and one female. Their attack technique is high speed. At the last second, the dog makes a lightning throw ahead of the wolf's teeth and at the same moment, throws the predator down with a shoulder blow. After the wolf falls, the karabash bites the animal directly into the jugular vein on its neck, or by the tendons of the hind legs - to quickly incapacitate its enemy. If gray predators attack in a flock, then the female (which is lighter in weight, but faster than the males) remains waiting. While the dogs are trying to turn off the enemy, she, like a flash, attacks and kills the enemy with lightning speed. If the female is attacked by wolves, then the kangal male will defend her to the last drop of blood.
In the daytime, in the vastness of the Turkish steppes, you can see thousands of grazing sheep and it seems that the dogs are not guarding them - but they are. Although sometimes the dogs lie quietly and doze, but they see and hear everything. Kangals often patrol the outer perimeter of their territory, and then find a high place from which to monitor their charges. Karabashs have excellent eyesight and hearing. They check their "protection zone" around the herd every few hours to make sure there is no danger.
If someone else appears, the dog first barks warningly, and then increases the volume and frequency of the barking, if the danger persists, gives a signal to the sheep so that the crowd follows him for protection. The dog will try to save the cattle from danger by leading them away, and will only intend to attack as a last resort. When night falls, the karabashi circle around the sheep incessantly. At the same time, they hunt small game that they come across, since the shepherds mainly feed these dogs with meat scraps.
In 1975, the Karabash was offered for military use. Until then, most of the dogs used by the Turkish Armed Forces consisted of German Shepherds. Due to its characteristics, the breed was noticed, and they began to perform the functions of guards. After twenty years of service in the Turkish military structures, they decided to abandon the Karabash. For the breeds that replaced the kangals, more stringent requirements were imposed: to be more flexible and fast, to have a heightened sense of smell to search for explosives.
In 1998, the Turkish government implemented a project to preserve the gene pool of the Kangal Karabash, by introducing a ban on the export of all individuals of the breed (including in all provinces of Turkey), and demanded that all owners of the official registration of their dogs. According to the report, the breed is on the verge of extinction due to the popularity of animals among foreigners who are trying to take the best individuals abroad. Many dogs living with shepherds chaotically mate with wild dogs, which also reduces the number of purebred animals in Turkey.
They are a living legend, myth and deity. On the central square of the city in front of the city hall there is a monument to a shepherd and a kangal. Another one stands at the entrance to the city. He is as alive, of simply incredible size - as from a fairy tale. Many tourists come to local nurseries to see the living attraction of Turkey.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog External Standard
Karabash is a large, noble and powerful livestock guard. He is endowed with quick reaction, speed and endurance. The dog is of strong constitution, with a strong body, powerful neck and stable limbs. The coat is dense and short. Height at the withers in males is from 70 cm to 100 cm. Weight is in the range of 35-75 kg. Movements are free and energetic. When walking, the kangal keeps his head in line with his back, which makes it seem like he is sneaking.
- Head the dog is large, but in good proportion to the rest of the body.
- Muzzle massive, medium length. The stop is clearly visible. The flews hang over the lower jaw. The jaws and teeth are powerful.
- Nose large and black.
- Eyes small, deep-set. Their colors range from golden to brown.
- Ears triangular, drooping, often black and rather small, with rounded tips. In Turkey, Kangal Karabash puppies are almost always cut short.
- Neck thick and muscular.
- Frame kangala strong and powerful, slightly elongated. The back is short in relation to the length of the legs. The rib cage is developed, reaching the elbows.
- Tail long, extending to the hock. Medium fit. Thick at the base, tapering towards the end. Densely covered with beautiful hair. When a dog is in an agitated state, it always carries its tail high. He is in a reclined position on his back. At rest, the tail is lowered, its end is slightly bent upward.
- Front limbs - legs are straight and wide apart. The hind legs have strong, elongated thighs.
- Paws - in a ball, like a cat. The fingers are well pressed. The dewclaws may be present on the hind legs. The pads are dense, the nails are strong.
- The coat is short. In structure, the wool of the Karabash resembles a sheep's. Has a dense double undercoat. It has protective water-repellent properties. The guard hair is smooth, and its length can vary greatly depending on the season and the pedigree of the dog - around the collar and tail.
- Color gray-yellow, gray-brown or yellowish-brown. Such a dog cannot have a white color. Whatever the color, there must be a black mask on the dog's face.
Characteristic features of kangal behavior
Kangal Karabashi are distinguished by remarkable courage. They have a very lively mind and are able to make decisions on their own. The genetically inherent protective qualities of a shepherd give them excellent working capacity. Therefore, they are not inclined to trust people and animals that they are not familiar with. But with such alert behavior, the dogs are extremely friendly. They will ignore the stranger, but will never attack or bite him unless there is a reason.
Kangal is an animal that needs space, freedom of movement, and constant connection with nature. A dusty noisy city, which fetters, imposing certain frameworks on the conduct and life of the animal, will only bring harm to it. For him, it will be equal to a cramped cage, affecting the emotional and physical state of the animal.
Karabash are very obedient dogs. Of course, they perceive their owner as the leader of the pack - they love, appreciate and worship him. Professional herders in Turkey cherish their four-legged assistants. Dogs effortlessly organize discipline in the herd. And also, they will try to keep it in the same quantity, fiercely protecting it from the gray robbers.
They are soft and loyal to children. They allow themselves to be fondled and played with them. But all the "fun" must be watched, because the dog is huge, heavy and can accidentally drop or crush the baby. Unlike some varieties of Turkish wolfhounds, the kangals simply breathe calmness. They have a wonderful nervous organization. The dog will only use its "white weapon" when it is appropriate. Having great strength and endless energy, Karabashi can work for days and at the same time practically do not get tired.
These are not sofa pets, but real hard workers, fanatically devoted to their work. This behavior is in their genes. They will not be happy with just a warm and soft bedding. If the kangals do not begin to realize the qualities inherent in them, then their behavior at home will be unpredictable. It is unlikely that you will like a four-legged bully who spoils household property.
With excellent guarding instincts, they can be easily trained to protect you and your home. When raising a Karabash from a young age, you need to be persistent and make it clear that you are the most important in the “pack”. Never use physical force. You must be unwavering and gentle at the same time.
Health of the Kangal Karabash
The average life span of these dogs is about 12-15 years. They are unpretentious, calmly endure cold winters and hot heat. Since this is a large and overweight dog, the only thing that should be paid attention to is the skeletal system of the kangals.
Contents and tips for caring for Kangal Karabash
- Wool requires regular combing during molting. They are washed very rarely, as they become dirty.
- Ears clean if necessary.
- Eyes do not need special attention.
- Teeth such dogs are not cleaned. The shepherds don't have time for this. They are given to gnaw hard cartilage to prevent plaque.
- Claws usually grind down themselves, since the Karabash live in the fresh air all year round.
- Feeding not an unimportant part, but, perhaps, even the most important in the content of the Kangal Karabash. It is best to prepare nutritious and healthy food for your dog using non-fatty meats and fish. It is also good to add vegetables, cereals and dairy products. The dry ration rate should not exceed the dose indicated on the label of the selected food bag.
- Walking because of their excessive, seething energy, and these dogs are not suitable for keeping in a city or metropolis. Kangal needs fresh air, space, as well as physical labor, because they are not used to being slothful and idle. One more nuance must also be taken into account. Due to the fact that the Karabashi have a protective instinct at the genetic level, so they invariably need to protect someone. So, keeping this dog in the apartment is very difficult.
But the countryside is just for him. Possessing excellent endurance, it is surprisingly easy to adapt to the extremes of cold and hot climates. But it is strictly forbidden to keep him on a leash near the booth. On a chain, in limited movement, the dog cannot be endured. This situation can cause a depressive state. So the beloved giant needs a lot of space on the territory fenced near the house. There he frolic, runs and fully realizes his instincts as a guard.
Anatolian Shepherd Training
The Kangal Karabash has an independent character. He listens to the one he respects, that is, his owner or the person in whom he feels the inner core and strength. It is better not to use physical violence in the upbringing of a kangal. This greatly affects the psyche of the animal. The pet can become angry and aggressively uncontrollable. Patience, gentleness and perseverance are the keys to success.
Any owner of a karabash must know how to teach a beloved friend simple but necessary commands so that he is calm and manageable, he needs to be socialized from early childhood. The dog must see other people, animals and know what the world around him is. The more the pet will communicate with them, the more it will be brought up. He is taught who is trusted and who is feared.
Interesting facts about the Kangal Karabash
It is believed that the first fighting dogs appeared under Alexander the Great. They had wide collars with long spikes. Used such equipped dogs against enemy cavalry. And now Turkish shepherds wear such collars on their karabash. They protect the dog's throat and are powerful enough weapons.
Almost all wolfhounds in the world have their ears cropped so that the animal does not injure them in a duel with a wolf, because this is the most vulnerable place. In the city of Kangal, breeders do not cut the ears of Karabash. It is believed that the owner should do this with his own hand. It is believed that some of the close ancestors of the kangals are huskies. Because these dogs have the same as theirs: a non-aggressive character, a similar structure of the hairline, as well as a tail curling into a ring.
Acquiring a kangal puppy
Many Turkish nurseries try to maintain the working qualities of the Kangal Karabash. For this, as you understand, you need to keep sheep. Breeders claim that the Kangal, which is unable to work with the herd, gradually degenerates.
Many people wonder why a kangal cannot live at home? First, it is a large dog. Secondly, she is very energetic and needs a lot of free space and fresh air. Thirdly, it is simply vital for him to realize his destiny as a guard and a shepherd.
Such genetically inherent qualities must be realized, otherwise the dog will begin to misbehave. Long walks and physical activity are what a kangal really needs. Ask yourself the question: "Is it possible to provide such conditions for this animal in an apartment environment?" Of course not.
If you do not live in Turkey, it will be difficult to buy and export the Kangal Karabash from the country. Its price is high from $ 1400 to $ 2000.
Learn more about the strongest dog in the world - the kangal, learn from this video:
