The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant breed of dog that originated in Tibet. They have a strong, imposing appearance with a heavy, massive head and large, rounded ears. These dogs were used as watchdogs and guard dogs to protect the Tibetan monks’ homes from invaders. They are fearless, loyal, and intelligent animals that make great companions for people who want large dogs with low maintenance needs at home.

A Kangal is a large, muscular dog that is native to Turkey. It is often referred to as the “Turkish wolfdog.” This is a breed of white-haired, long-muzzled, heavy-boned dogs with broad heads and large feet. Their coat can be short or long and can be black or brown in color with white markings on its chest and legs. They are known for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty.

While the Tibetan Mastiff and the Kangal are both strong dogs, known for their loyalty, these two breeds can vary quite drastically. It is important to learn the differences between them before making a decision on which dog would be best for your lifestyle.

Below are 10 main differences between Tibetan Mastiffs and Kangals.

1. Tibetan Mastiff Vs Kangal: Their History

Tibetan Mastiff History	Kangal History
The Tibetan Mastiff originated in Tibet. It is one of the oldest breeds of dog in existence and has been domesticated for over 3,000 years.	The Kangal is an ancient breed from Turkey. These dogs were bred by nomadic shepherds who needed a working dog that could protect their livestock and homes from wild animals, such as wolves, bears, and jackals.

2. Tibetan Mastiffs Are Heavier Than Kangals:

Tibetan Mastiff Height/Weight	Kangal Height/Weight
The average height of a Tibetan Mastiff is 30 inches and its average weight is 155 pounds.	The average height of a Kangal is 30 inches and its average weight is 110 pounds.

3. Tibetan Mastiffs Have More Variety Of Coat Colors Than Kangals:

Tibetan Mastiff Coat	Kangal Coat
The Tibetan Mastiff’s long, coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat come in many different colors and patterns like black-brown-tan, gray-black-brown, gray-brown-black, and so on.	The Kangal’s dense double coat comes in  Gray, Cream, and Black colors.

4. Tibetan Mastiffs Need More Human Interaction Than Kangals:

Tibetan Mastiff Social Needs	Kangal Social Needs
Tibetan Mastiffs are very social dogs. They thrive on human contact and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.	Kangal dogs have a reputation for being antisocial. This breed dislikes being constantly surrounded by people.

5. Kangals Adapt Better To Hot Weather Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Adaptability	Kangal Adaptability
Tibetan Mastiffs need very cold weather. They cannot live outside during the summer months.	Kangals adapt well to both hot and cold weather.

6. Tibetan Mastiffs Fur Is Easier to Take Care of Than Kangals:

Tibetan Mastiff Shedding	Kangal Shedding
Tibetan Mastiffs do shed but their fur is so thick that it’s hard to see the hair on the ground.	Kangal Dogs are heavy shedders. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning.

7. In The USA, Tibetan Mastiffs Are Easier to Find Than Kangals:

Tibetan Mastiff Availability	Kangal Availability
Tibetan Mastiffs are growing in popularity in the US. There are some states that have banned all Mastiff-type dogs, but you can generally find one with the breeder.	Because Kangals don’t have much cross-breeding in their pedigree, there is only one type of Kangal dog. These dogs are incredibly rare in the US.

8. Kangals Have Stronger Bite Force Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Bite Force	Kangal Bite Force
Tibetan Mastiffs have a bite force of 552 PSI.	Kangals have a bite force of 743 PSI, which is the highest in all of the canine world.

9. Kangals Live Longer Than The Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Lifespan	Kangal Lifespan
The Tibetan has an average lifespan of 12-14 years.	The average lifespan for a Kangal is around 12-15 years.

10. Tibetan Mastiffs Are Far More Expensive Than Kangals:

Tibetan Mastiff Price	Kangal Price
Tibetan Mastiffs are likely to cost between $2,000-$6,000.	Kangals can cost between $600 to $800.

Similarities Between The Tibetan Mastiff And The Kangal

The similarities between the Tibetan Mastiff and Kangal are quite remarkable. They are both large dogs with strong builds.

They have a lot of similarities in their behavior as well. They have similar temperaments and are both highly intelligent, brave, and independent.

Both these dogs are fiercely protective of their family. The Tibetan Mastiff has been used for centuries as a guard dog for nomads and monks in Tibet. Similarly, The Kangal was originally bred by Turkish farmers to help protect their flocks from predators like wolves and bears.

Also, both these dogs can be trained easily and they can do many tasks such as guarding property and hunting game.

Conclusion

All in all, both these dogs are considered to be one of the best dog breeds available for all types of families due to their overall personality and temperament.

If you are looking for a new furry family member, both Tibetan Mastiff and Kangal may be of interest. But you should know that adopting either one of these two beautiful breeds is a lifetime commitment. You’ll need to make sure you understand more about both breeds to know if you can offer them a suitable home.

Here are some other articles that we have on the Tibetan Mastiff and the Kangal!

Which is the breed of your choice? The Tibetan Mastiff or the Kangal? Let us know in the comments below!