Kangal Dogs in the U.S.

 
Kangal Dogs have been imported into the United States for over 25 years, but most have been imported by Anatolian breeders to be  used, along with Akbash and other shepherd's dogs, in the development of the new Anatolian Shepherd Dog breed. Meanwhile, in Turkey, media reports covered the increasing interest of foreigners in their wonderful Kangal Dogs, as evidenced by the number of dogs exported to the US and Europe.  They were, however, not aware of the fact that the name and integrity of the Kangal Dog breed, a National Treasure of Turkey,  were being dumped by these foreigners in favor of a catchall new breed, the Anatolian Shepherd.  Some of the Turkish journalists assumed that "Anatolian Shepherd" was the foreigner's name for Kangal Dog, and the confusion was reflected in media reports.  However, some Turks who became aware of the situation were appalled at how the purity and quality of Kangal Dogs overseas has been seriously compromised, and organized an international symposium  to clarify the misunderstandings surrounding their national breeds.   

In the 1980s, Akbash Dog breeders David and Judy Nelson researched the famous Kangal Dogs of north-central Turkey and quickly realized that these dogs, like the Akbash Dogs, were clearly recognizable regional breeds--no surprise to the people of Turkey, for whom the Kangal Dogs are legendary. David and Judy  began importing a few Kangal Dogs and, wishing to maintain the breed as it is recognized in Turkey, founded a club for the promotion of purebred Kangal Dogs. 

Kangal Dogs are still very rare in the United States today, and the Kangal Dog Club of America is working to build an understanding of this breed that  reflects the breed as it truly exists in Turkey, and as it is bred  by the people of Turkey.  The Kangal Dog is a wonderful breed, developed within a great and ancient culture, and should  be recognized and perpetuated according to the Turkish tradition. 

The United Kennel Club, after reviewing the historical documentation and the authoritative views of Turkish  experts on the Kangal Dog, has decided that this magnificent Turkish breed does indeed merit recognition and preservation.  Thus, the Kangal Dog, along with the Akbash Dog, were recognized by the UKC in January 1998.  The UKC now maintains the stud books and other records for the Turkish breeds, and is taking an active interest in the future of the breed. All of us are pleased with this important step! 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Updated 8Aug98. All material on this web site is copyrighted.
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Contact Sue Kocher at: skocher@mindspring.com