Kangal (Turkish Mastiff) Characteristics And Personality Traits

February 24, 2023
/ BREEDS
/ By Joycey

The Kangal, also known as the Turkish Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed that originated in Turkey. Here are some common characteristics and personality traits of the Kangal:

Size: The Kangal is a large breed, with males typically standing 30 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 110 to 145 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 28 to 30 inches tall and weighing 90 to 120 pounds.
Appearance: The Kangal has a short, dense coat that can range in color from fawn to gray to black. They have a black mask on their face and typically have a white patch on their chest.
Temperament: The Kangal is a loyal and protective breed that is known for their courage and intelligence. They are independent thinkers and can be stubborn at times, but are generally good-natured and friendly with their family members.
Protectiveness: The Kangal is bred to be a livestock guardian and is known for their protective instincts. They are loyal to their family and will fiercely protect them if they sense a threat.
Trainability: The Kangal is an intelligent breed but can be independent and stubborn at times. Early socialization and training are important to ensure they develop good manners and are well-behaved around people and other animals.
Exercise needs: The Kangal is an active breed and requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks and outdoor activities, but they are not a high-energy breed and can be content with moderate exercise.
Health issues: Like all breeds, the Kangal is prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and screenings can help detect and prevent these issues.

What Are More Common Health Issues For A Kangal (Turkish Mastiff) And How Often Should You Screen?

Kangals are generally a healthy breed with few known health issues. However, as with any dog breed, there are some health conditions that are more common in Kangals. It is important to screen for these conditions regularly to ensure the best possible health for your dog.

Some of the more common health issues seen in Kangals include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems such as entropion and ectropion. Heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy may also be seen in the breed.

To screen for these conditions, it is recommended to have your Kangal undergo regular health checks with a veterinarian, including hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams, and cardiac evaluations. These screenings can help detect any potential health issues early on, allowing for earlier treatment and better management of the condition.

What Do Kangal (Turkish Mastiff)s Like To Eat, How Much And How Often Per Day?

Kangal dogs are large, muscular dogs with high energy levels, so it’s important to feed them a healthy and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. As with all dogs, the exact amount and frequency of feeding will depend on factors such as age, activity level, and overall health.

Generally, adult Kangal dogs should be fed two meals a day, and the recommended daily amount of food is around 2-3% of their body weight. For example, a 100-pound Kangal would need around 2-3 pounds of food per day. It’s important to choose a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level.

Some Kangal dogs may have food allergies or sensitivities, so it’s important to monitor their reactions to new foods and treats. Additionally, it’s important to avoid overfeeding, as Kangals are prone to obesity, which can lead to various health issues.

Always provide fresh water for your Kangal dog, and avoid feeding them table scraps or other human foods, as these can cause digestive upset or other health problems. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your Kangal’s diet or nutrition.

How Often And How Should You Groom Your Kangal (Turkish Mastiff)?

Kangals have a short and thick double coat that sheds seasonally, so they require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. Here are some grooming tips for a Kangal:

Brushing: Brush your Kangal’s coat regularly to remove dead hair and distribute the natural oils throughout the coat. A slicker brush or a rubber curry brush can be used to brush the coat.
Bathing: Kangals are generally clean dogs and do not require frequent bathing. However, you can give your Kangal a bath every few months or as needed. Use a mild dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly to avoid any soap residue.
Nail trimming: Trim your Kangal’s nails every 4-6 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Use a sharp nail clipper and avoid cutting the quick, which is the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves.
Ear cleaning: Clean your Kangal’s ears regularly to prevent infections. Use a gentle ear cleaning solution and cotton balls or pads to wipe the ears.
Teeth brushing: Brush your Kangal’s teeth regularly to maintain good oral hygiene. Use a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush to brush the teeth and prevent tartar buildup.

Overall, grooming your Kangal regularly will keep them healthy and comfortable, while also bonding with your dog.

How Often And Long Should You Exercise Your Kangal (Turkish Mastiff)?

Kangals are a large and active breed that require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They have a moderate energy level and can enjoy a range of activities, such as brisk walks, hiking, and playing in a large, secure area.

Adult Kangals should ideally get at least 60-90 minutes of exercise each day, divided into multiple sessions. Puppies should have shorter exercise sessions, and their exercise should be limited until their bones and joints have fully developed to avoid injury.

It’s important to note that Kangals have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals if not properly trained and socialized. They also have a protective nature and may perceive unfamiliar people or animals as a threat, so it’s important to keep them on a leash or in a secure area when outside of the home.

How Important Is Obedience Training And Early Socialization For Kangals (Turkish Mastiffs)?

Obedience training and early socialization are both very important for Kangals (Turkish Mastiffs). As a large and powerful breed, Kangals need to be well-behaved and well-trained to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. Early socialization is crucial to help your Kangal puppy learn how to interact appropriately with people, other animals, and new environments. This can help reduce the likelihood of aggression and fearfulness later on.

Obedience training can also help with managing the Kangal’s strong independent nature. Training sessions should be firm but gentle, and should focus on positive reinforcement methods. Kangals respond well to training when it is consistent, patient, and rewards-based.

It’s also important to note that Kangals have a strong protective instinct and may become territorial. Proper socialization and training can help them learn to differentiate between a real threat and a non-threatening situation, and can help them become more comfortable with unfamiliar people and animals.

About the Author Joycey

All my life I've been in love with one big dopey Mastiff family member after another. No other breed has given so much pleasure, so it's a joy for my team and I to research everything there is to know about them in this blog. We hope you enjoy the reading as much as we enjoy the writing :)

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