K9 Training Center

A very upsetting topic for me. It has taken foreigners to start up an argument about Turkish dogs for s few people in turkey to actually study the matter.

The FCI as an example has given the name Anatolian Shepherd to all dogs from Turkey! The Anatolian (Karabash) Dog Club is the only club I know of to be putting up a fight that there are different breeds.

In Turkey I have actually even witnessed on the news the misleading knowledge of many people in Turkey. In Turkey people have many disputes.

The truth is as follows. There is a breed that is mostly from Kangal/Sivas. This breed is the Kangal breed. It's old name is Karabash. So the Karabash and the Kangal are the same dog.

There is the Yoruk Shepherd Dog. This breed has a more pointed face and longer muzzle then the Kangal and comes in a variety of colors. It also has ones that look very like the Kangal. These are most probably a crossed breed, however research has shown that there is only a color and shape similarity.

There is the Akbash which is white but not really a third breed but a Yoruk Dog.

Lastly is the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. I have seen photo's of them in UK sites calling them Kangal's! A different breed at first look.

In short:

Kangal: Squarer face, more dominant, existence in Turkey has been traced back some 8,000 years. Found in Central Anatolia. Distinguished looks and character. Black on ear ends, black muzzle, coat:fawn, steel gray, white. Thicker bones.

Yoruk: Found all over Turkey and have been traced back for some 3,000 years. They have many colors including white known as the Akbash. Smaller boned then the karabash, smaller narrower more pointed faces.

Caucasian: Probably also mixed bred in time. Found in the North-East of Turkey. Longer coats, a heavier dog.

So if you are seeking to adopt a famous Kangal make sure you find a breeder who knows about Turkish dogs or you will find you have either a mixed breed or another dog.

For deeper knowledge:

http://www.yorukanatolian.com/