If you’ve heard of the Kangal Shepherd before, you probably already know they’re the bee’s knees. Yup! They are known for their fiercely protective and incredibly loyal nature after all.
But if you haven’t, don’t fret, because today we’re gonna give you the brilliant details on the pros and cons of having one of these furry beasts as your best bud.
So get ready to hear some hot tips on what to expect before you decide to take the plunge and adopt one.
Let’s begin with the pros!
1. Extremely Powerful
Kangals aren’t just your average Joe Schmo of the dogs. These bad boys are indeed the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnsons of the canine universe. Why? You might wanna ask.
Well, because they’ve got some serious muscle power of course!
These canines have a legendary history of taking on bears and wolves to protect their flocks and families. Talk about being a real-life superhero! They hold the record for the strongest bite force of all domestic dogs, with a jaw-dropping 743 psi of force. Now, if you’re wondering how impressive that is, it’s over three times the bite force of a German Shepherd!
Simply put, when it comes down to raw power, these guys are the undisputed leaders of the canine kingdom.
2. Great Guard Dog
You know what’s better than having a regular guard dog? Having a Kangal, of course!
These pups were bred to be protectors of livestock, and they take their job very seriously. They have a particular set of skills that they’ve acquired over a very long career. And let me tell you, their strength is just one of their many weapons. They’re the CIA: always on the lookout for potential threats. They have a sixth sense for danger, and they won’t hesitate to act when they sense trouble brewing.
3. Tolerate Being Alone
Picture this: you’re a lone ranger, guarding your territory against predators, with nothing but your wits and brawn to keep you going. Sounds like a pretty epic movie plot, right? Well, that’s basically the life of a Kangal. Centuries of fending off predators have made these dogs fiercely independent.
They’re used to spending long hours alone, guarding their flock or territory without any human company. So if you’re a busy bee or have a hectic schedule, a Kangal might just be what you need. Just make sure you still show them love and care when you can.
4. Family-Friendly
While Kangals might be independent badasses, they’re not total lone wolves. They love their humans and crave those snuggles just like the rest of other breeds. They bond warmly with their humans and love spending time together with you.
And they’re not just limited to one age group – they get along with kids, adults, and even the elderly! But let’s not forget that they’re still powerful dogs. Think of them like the Incredible Hulk – gentle when he needs to be but can unleash a whole lot of fury when provoked. If you don’t want any unintentional “Hulk smashes”, make sure you supervise their interactions with others.
Also check out: German Shepherd – Pros and Cons.
5. Amazing Work Ethic
Kangals are not just big ol’ cuddle bugs, they’re also hard workers who take their job seriously! These dogs are not afraid to stand up against predators and will put their lives on the line to protect their flock or family. If you’re in the market for a dog that can help you out on your farm or ranch, the Kangal might just be the perfect fit for you.
But don’t worry, even if you just want a loyal and loving companion, the Kangal has got you covered! However, that only holds true if you’re able to account for some of the special commitments that come with owning a dog this big and powerful.
Next, let’s take a look at some of the cons of owning a Kangal.
1. Drooling
Kangals are known to be pretty slobbery creatures. It’s like they have their own personal drool dispenser, and it’s always set to high. If you’re a neat freak and the thought of wiping drool off your floors, walls, and furniture makes you break out in hives, then a Kangal might not be the right dog for you.
But hey, if you’re not too bothered by a bit of extra cleaning and love the occasional slimy kisses, then go for it! Just make sure to keep an eye out for excessive drooling, as it could be a sign of health problem too.
2. Size
Get ready to make some room for your new furry giant because Kangals are not your average-sized pups! These guys can grow up to be 34 inches tall and weigh as much as 150 pounds! Now, that’s a lottta doggo to love!
But let’s be real, if you live in a shoebox-sized apartment, a Kangal might not be the best choice for you. Sure, their size is great for making any intruder think twice but they do need plenty of room to move around. So if you’re thinking of adopting one of these guys, make sure you have enough space for them to stretch their paws and get their zoomies out.
3. Difficult to Train
Are you thinking about training your Kangal yourself? I’ll tell you what! It’s not gonna be a walk in the park. These dogs have been guarding their flocks for centuries, so they’re not exactly waiting for someone to come along and tell them what to do.
They’re independent thinkers, like a college professor who always has an opinion, and they won’t hesitate to ignore your words if they think they have a better idea. But don’t worry, with a little patience and positive reinforcement techniques, you can get them on board with the program. Just be prepared to put in the time and effort it takes to get there.
4. Potential for Aggression
You might have heard that Kangals are fierce and aggressive dogs, but that’s not true all the time. Sure, they can be protective of their family and territory, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to go around biting everything that moves! Aggression is not an inherent trait in this breed.
It’s all about how they’re trained and socialized. With the right approach, you can teach your Kangal to be a calm and well-behaved companion. The thing is: owning a dog this big and protective is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a lot of work and dedication to make sure your dog can differentiate between a friend and a foe so make sure you’re up for the challenge.
5. Not Suited for First-Time Owners
While there are some dog breeds that are great for first-time owners, the Kangal Shepherd is definitely not one of them. These pups are just too big and powerful for most newbies to handle. The responsibility of training and socializing them can be a challenge for even some experienced owners!
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out this video on the 10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners to get started. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be ready to take on the mighty Kangal!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading!
In a nutshell, the Kangal Shepherd is like the superhero of dogs with its incredible power, loyalty, and protective instincts. It’s a top-notch guard dog and can handle being alone for long periods. They’re great with families but need supervision due to their strength. If you’re looking for a hardworking companion or a mighty protector, the Kangal is the one! Just be ready for some drool, a big size, and a stubborn streak. Not for first-time owners, but for those up to the challenge, they’ll bring lots of love and security.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to take on the Kangal? Let us know in the comments!
Here are other articles on the Kangal Shepherd if you’re interested to know more about the breed.