Kangal did not originate in the US. They have been imported from their home country over the years.
However, with the increase in their popularity, importing kangals has been banned to preserve the breed’s pedigree. This has raised some concerns over the legality of owning a Kangal.
So, is it illegal to have a Kangal? It is not illegal to have a Kangal. However, these dogs are very rare in the US as their origin country stopped exporting them. If you’re interested in purchasing a Kangal, make sure to find a trustworthy breeder and that the dog has been registered at the United Kennel Club
Keep reading to learn more about the Kangal dog breed and how to get a Kangal in the US.
Contents
What Is the Origin of the Kangal Dog Breed?
The Kangal dog breed is originally from Turkey. It dates as far back as the 12th century making them one of the oldest dog breeds as they are over 900 years old.
Kangals are named after the Kangal District of Sivas in central Turkey. They were bred by Turkish farmers to help them shepherd and protect various livestock from predators in the countryside.
They were first imported to the United States in 1985, through the efforts of David and Judith Nelson. The breed received official recognition from the United Kennel Club in 1998.
What Does a Kangal Look Like?
Kangals are easy to distinguish from other breeds as they are quite large and powerful dogs.
They can grow up 33 inches and weigh up to 150 pounds. However, female Kangals are usually smaller than their male counterparts. Despite their large size, these dogs are known to be agile and they love being active.
They have long tails and a thick double coat of fur which can be black, white, brown, or any combination of all three.
Are Kangals Legal to Own in the United States?
Kangals are legal to own in the United States and you do not need any permit to purchase them. However, they are very rare since Turkey has banned the export of Kangals to preserve the breed’s pedigree.
Various breeders in the United State operate through a code of ethics to handle the breeding and purchase of kangal dogs. Those breeders are also responsible for differentiating purebred Kangals from crossbreeds by observing certain qualities in the dog’s physical features and temperament.
All purebred kangals are registered to the United Kennel Club since they received official recognition in 1998. Keep in mind that the United Kennel Club is the only legitimate registration for Kangal dogs if you’re living in the United States or Canada.
How to Get a Kangal in the United States?
Kangals are not easily found in regular pet stores as they are a very rare breed. So, if you’re interested in purchasing a kangal, you need to find a trustworthy breeder and make sure that the dog has been registered to United Kennel Club.
Because of how rare they are, kangals are very expensive. The cost of a purebred kangal puppy ranges between $2,000 and $4,000.
You might be able to get a kangal at a lower price if it’s a crossbreed or a rescue pup. However, it’s not always guaranteed that that dog was ethically bred and you might face some legal issues.
Before you get a kangal, you may also want to know if a kangal can even be a house dog here.
Related Question
Are Kangal Dogs Aggressive?
Kangals dogs are not aggressive by nature. They are protective of their territory, so they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Their temperament will depend on how they are raised and their living conditions. With proper training and socializing, they are very unlikely to become aggressive towards their owners.
How Much Do Kangals Eat?
A Kangal puppy typically eats from 3,000 to 4,800 calories in a day. As the kangal grows older, they will eat about 2,100 to 3,500 in a day. The kangals diet should contain a high amount of protein to strengthen their bones and joints. It should also contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates to maintain its energy levels.
Do Kangals Need a Lot of Space?
Kangals do need a lot of space to move around. It’s best to raise them in a house with a fenced backyard as they love being active and need to have at least one hour of outdoor exercise every day. If kangals are kept inside or in a small space for extended periods of time they will become bored or depressed which can lead to destructive behavior.
Helpful Resources
If you like this article, please share it!
