A Kangal Dog does not only project a powerful image, but it does reliably guard against predators such as bears, lynxes, cheetah, wolves, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, even birds.

In their natural environment Kangal Dogs work in groups, and with their shepherds. It is not unusual for two or three dogs to accompany flocks of over 200 sheep when they make the journey to summer pastures. A Kangal’s “resemblance to the breed of sheep it protects is remarkable, a beige dog with a black mask blending easily with the sheep and the light brown, treeless environment around it.

A well-trained dog is sensitive and alert to changing situations, responding to threats with ample warnings and courageous action if necessary. It takes its job very seriously; works around the clock, in extreme temperatures, and at times without sufficient supplies of food and water. It is likely for the dog to situate itself so that it has a sufficient view of the flock and surroundings, and watch over the herd from an elevated spot, or a top of a hill.

The intensity of the patrols increases at sundown. In the night, the dog becomes most active, energetic and alert. Because it is common for the dogs to work in groups or pairs (depending on the size of the flock and predators in the area), they are able to take positions around the sheep, and change them regularly. They watch for things in a distance and bark to intimidate, frighten, deter predators, and if needed, communicate with the other dogs. It is not uncommon to see one dog stand tall with its tail and ears erect and give a warning call. It then places itself between the perceived threat and the sheep. With the sheep safely behind it, if warning barks are ignored, the dog comes face to face with the intruder. If necessary it will resort to a physical confrontation. In fact, Kangal Dogs are known for their fierce battles even with the largest of predators. There are numerous stories about how the dogs throw themselves against a predator, knocking it down, attacking the throat and hind legs, and then killing it. Here is one of the stories:

“Wolves should keep away from the Kangal in general, and from the province of Sivas in particular. Because the tranquil, goodnatured Kangal is metamorphosed into a creature of formidable ferocity at the sight or smell of a wolf. The powerful dog (50-70 kilograms) and the lighter but more agile bitch (40-60 kilograms) battle together against the wolf. While the bitch distracts the attacker, her mate slinks to its rear and springs on its backbone, which is the wolf’s most vulnerable part. Having broken or at least damaged the backbone, it is time to put to wolf out of its misery. The male does this by biting the wolf in the neck. The large head, broad chest, strong neck and front legs of the kangal all come into play when getting the better of the wolf. Yet although the Kangal can be such a ruthless warrior when circumstance demands, it has a calm and docile disposition and is never aggressive towards people.” (written by OCAK 1993/Cumhuriyet.edu.tr/sivas/kangaldog)

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