MyDogBreeds
Himalayan Sheepdog is originated from India but Kangal Dog is originated from Turkey. Himalayan Sheepdog may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Kangal Dog. Himalayan Sheepdog may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Kangal Dog. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Kangal Dog has almost same life span. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Kangal Dog has same litter size. Himalayan Sheepdog requires High maintenance. But Kangal Dog requires Moderate maintenance
The Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.
The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.
They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.
The magnificent looking Kangal Shepherd Dog, a purebred Mastiff type dog, is often referred to as a sheep dog and hails from the Sivas province of Turkey.
The Kangal Dog is a distinct breed and the National Dog of Turkey. These are working dogs who made their appearance in the UK in 1965.
It is interesting to note that in June 2018 the Turkish Kennel Club, Köpek Irklari ve Kinoloji Federasyonu, classifies Kangal Shepherd Dogs to be the same population as the Anatolian Shepherd dog.
The breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.
They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.
This is a large, heavily boned dog with a big head with a black mask and medium sized floppy ears. Looking at him, he has a Mastiff-like appearance but isn't as heavy as some Mastiff breeds, allowing it more speed and agility.
He stands at roughly 72cm to 85cm male and female, and weighs about 50 to 63kg. He has a solid double coat of dense hair which is a pale tan color.The coat is short and dense. The Kangal Dog is powerful and when he is alert, the long tail is held over the back, otherwise he holds it down with a slight curl.
The Kangal is known for his good looks, but he is also alert, sharp, territorial and confident, while also being calm. These dogs have an instinctive wariness of strange dogs and they are also reserved with strangers but are loving, loyal and protective with their human family.
In fact, the Kangal Shepherd Dog is protective while being gentle with small children and animals. He is an intelligent breed too, and having him trained and socialized won’t be a problem.
It is always a wise move to have a big dog like this trained and socialized, making him obedient and even more amicable than he already is.
Yes with enough proper socialization
Protection and loyalty
They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.
Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.
Your Kangal Dog is a big, powerful dog. His very size size won't suit him living in the city in small spaces and tiny gardens. He is far better suited to life in the suburbs or to country life where he can move around easily.
In spite of his size, he is a calm, balanced, independent, protective dog. He may well be aloof towards strangers, but a trained and well-socialized Kangal Dog is friendly, loving and loyal pet with his human family and with visitors to the house.
This is a beautiful dog and it will be an honor to have such a wonderful pet in your home. Treat him well and you're bound to have the most fantastic protector, guardian and friend.
This is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.
This is most important if you don't intend your Kangal Dog becoming a parent, and is good for the health of your dog.
Your Kangal Dog puppy needs certain vaccinations at certain stages of his life to prevent him from getting some life threatening dog diseases. Keep a check on your dog's health and realize, that although the Kangal Dog is a healthy dog breed, he can develop canine illnesses such as eye diseases, ear infections, bloat, skin allergies and hip dysplasia among others.
Your dog may then require veterinary intervention to heal him of any of these.
To keep your pet happy and healthy, make sure to pick up your dog's faeces every day. This is for your own health's sake too.
Feed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.
Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.
They are very strong and athletic.
The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.
The Kangal Dog can be a wonderful pet in your home, but because you’ve made the decision to bring him into your home, it becomes your responsibility to ensure his happiness and wellbeing.
These ‘care’ tips can help you, particularly if you’re a first time dog owner -
Remember that a puppy will need 4 meals a day of soft, recommended puppy food. By the time your dog reaches his first birthday, one or two meals a day will be good.
There are some top quality commercial manufactured foods to choose from, and the packaging labeling will guide you to which one.
Adding in some home-made food such as nutritious cooked chicken, rice and vegetables will be a treat for your pet and don’t forget some raw meat occasionally too.
Fresh, cool water should be within reach of your pet around the clock.
Dogs need exercise to maintain their lean bodies but it will also stimulate their minds and keep them healthy. The exercise needs of your dog will depend on his size, age, health and breed type. Fun and games as well as daily walks will satisfy your Kangal Dog and keep him content.
Help keep your Kangal Dog looking groomed and cared for. He is a fairly heavy, seasonal shedder. Remove loose hairs with brushing the coat twice a week. Check for fleas and ticks at the same time and for any unusual lumps.
Every dog needs a warm, dry, quiet place to rest and sleep, inside and outside. Make sure that when your dog is outside that he has a place to rest in the shade and sun, as he chooses.