
The Turkish Kangal, also known as the Anatolian Lion or Kangal Shepherd, is a large dog breed native to Turkey and known for its strong bite force. While they are prized for their loyalty and protective nature, some countries have banned or restricted the import and ownership of this breed due to safety concerns and the potential for unregulated breeding and dogfighting. In Australia, the Turkish Kangal has a dedicated following, with the formation of the Kangal Dog Association in 1996 to promote recognition and responsible ownership of this unique breed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Turkey |
| Region of origin | Sivas |
| Other names | Anatolian Lion, Kangal Shepherd, Kurdish Kangal, Turkish Kangal, Kangal Çöban Köpeği |
| Bite force | 743 pounds per square inch (PSI) |
| Temperament | Calm, gentle, loyal, loving, protective |
| Australian registration requirements | Bona fide documentation of origin, microchip |
| Australian Kangal Dog register basis | Country of origin opinion of the breed |
| Kangal Dog Association (Australia) formed | December 1996 |
| Kangal Dog Association (Australia) incorporated | 9 January 1997 |
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What You'll Learn

The Turkish Kangal is not banned in Australia
The Australian Kangal Dog register is based primarily on the country of origin's opinion of the breed. All future imports must show direct descent from Turkish Kangal dogs and have proper documentation proving their origin from the Sivas region or a recognized Kangal Dog breeding establishment within Turkey. This strict requirement ensures the preservation of the unique characteristics of the Kangal breed.
The Kangal dog is known for its calm and gentle temperament, as well as its loyal, loving, and protective nature. Turkish shepherds, the original breeders of the Kangal, selectively bred the dogs to ensure they did not display aggression toward familiar humans or livestock. This dual personality makes the Kangal an excellent watchdog and guardian of both families and livestock.
While the Turkish Kangal is not banned in Australia, there are strict requirements for registration and importation. All dogs applying for registration must be microchipped and individually assessed. They must conform to the Standard for a Kangal Dog, provide documentation of their pedigree, and pass an inspection by three all-breed judges. These measures ensure the integrity of the breed and promote responsible ownership.
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The Kangal Dog Association in Australia was formed in 1996
The Turkish Kangal is not banned in Australia. However, Turkey has banned the export of Kangals to discourage unregulated breeding practices and dogfighting.
The Kangal Dog Association in Australia was formed in December 1996, with incorporation following on January 9, 1997. The association's express purpose was to seek recognition for the Kangal Dog in Australia, which was shared by many Australians. The Australian National Kennel Council examined the Kangal Dog Association's submission and, after an independent investigation, tabled the motion for recognition of the Kangal Dog at the Australian National Kennel Council Conference in October 1997.
The Kangal Dog Association (Victoria) Inc. is in the process of forming a breed club to advise and assist Australian owners and future owners of this unique breed. The Australian Kangal Dog register is based primarily on the country of origin's opinion of the breed. All future imports must show direct descent from Turkish Kangal dogs and have the necessary documentation. Each dog is assessed individually and must conform to the Standard for a Kangal Dog, which was developed from the 1984 Turkish description of the breed.
The Kangal Dog Club of America and its sister club, the Akbash Dog Association of America, maintain a register of Kangal and Akbash dogs, protecting the purity of their bloodlines by importing only genuine purebred Turkish dogs. The club also helps verify the authenticity of pedigrees before importing any dogs purporting to have KIF or FCI pedigrees as Kangal Dogs, as fraudulent pedigrees have been an issue with dogs imported from Eastern Europe.
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The breed standard is based on the 1984 Turkish description
The Kangal dog breed is an ancient livestock guardian dog that originated in the Sivas region of Turkey. It is considered by many to be the national dog of Turkey, even appearing on postage stamps and coins. The Kangal is held in high esteem by the Turkish people and occupies a special cultural and historical status in Turkish society.
The Kangal is a large dog, with males standing at 74-81 cm at the shoulder and females at 71-79 cm. The coat colour ranges from cream to steel grey, with characteristic dark or black masks and ears. The Kangal has a calm, gentle temperament and is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are excellent guard dogs, able to defend their herd from predators without any training.
The Kangal is not banned in Australia. However, Turkey has banned the export of the breed to prevent unregulated breeding and dogfighting. The Australian Kangal Dog register requires all dogs applying for registration to be microchipped and to show direct descent from Turkish Kangal dogs.
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The Australian register accepts dogs from UK Karabash bloodlines
The Kangal is a breed of dog originating from the Sivas region of Turkey. They are also known as the Karabash, Turkish Kangal Dog, Anatolian Lion, Kangal Shepherd, Kurdish Kangal, and Kangal Çöban Köpeği. The breed was developed by Turkish shepherds to guard their flocks and protect them from predators. Kangals are known for their calm, gentle temperament and loyal, loving, and protective nature.
The breed was first introduced to the United Kingdom in 1965 and registered as the Anatolian (Karabash) Dog. In the early 1980s, the British Kennel Club changed the name to Anatolian Shepherd Dog, which caused some controversy among breeders who were committed to the original standard for the breed. These breeders continued to breed exclusively along Kangal lines, retaining the unique features of the breed.
In Australia, the Kangal Dog Association was formed in December 1996, with the express purpose of seeking recognition for the Kangal Dog in the country. The Australian register for Kangal Dogs is based on the country of origin's opinion of the breed, and all future imports must show direct descent from Turkish Kangal dogs with bona fide documentation. The Australian register has accepted a strictly limited transfer of dogs from UK Karabash bloodlines, provided they meet the criteria for registration as a Kangal Dog. This includes demonstrating descent from Turkish Kangal Dogs, passing an inspection by three all-breed judges, and being microchipped.
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All dogs applying for registration must be microchipped
The Turkish Kangal is not banned in Australia, although there are strict requirements for registration. The Kangal Dog Association in Australia was formed in December 1996, with the express purpose of seeking recognition for the breed in the country.
All dogs applying for registration in Australia must be microchipped. The Australian Kangal Dog register is based on the country of origin's opinion of the breed. This means that all future imports must show direct descent from Turkish Kangal dogs and have the appropriate documentation to prove their lineage. Each dog is assessed individually and must conform to the Standard for a Kangal Dog, as described in 1984 by Turhan Kangal, a prominent historical breeder. This standard was accepted by the Australia National Kennel Council and the Kangal Dog Association.
The Kangal must show that it descends from Turkish Kangal dogs, with a pedigree and/or other documentation, and pass an inspection by three all-breed judges. The Kangal Dog register has also accepted a limited transfer of dogs from UK "Karabash" bloodlines as part of a genetic recovery program. These dogs must meet the criteria for registration as a Kangal Dog and go through the same application process as any new import.
The Kangal is known for its calm and gentle temperament, as well as its loyal, loving, and protective nature. They are excellent guard dogs and watchdogs due to their ability to aggressively defend their herd when necessary. Their strong bite force of 743 pounds per square inch (PSI) further highlights the importance of responsible ownership and registration.
It is important to note that Turkey has banned the export of Kangals to prevent unregulated breeding practices and dogfighting. As a result, any Turkish Kangal entering Australia must come from a recognised Kangal Dog breeding establishment within Turkey or have documentation proving their origin from the Sivas region.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Turkish Kangals are not banned in Australia. The Kangal Dog Association in Australia was formed in December 1996, and the breed was recognised by the Australia National Kennel Council in 1997.
The express purpose of the Kangal Dog Association is to seek recognition for the Kangal Dog in Australia.
All dogs applying for registration must be microchipped, and must show direct descent from Turkish Kangal dogs. They must also have documentation showing they originate from the Sivas region or a recognised Kangal Dog breeding establishment in Turkey. Each dog is assessed individually and must conform to the Standard for a Kangal Dog.
The Standard for the Kangal Dog is based on the 1984 Turkish description of the breed that was prepared and signed by Turhan Kangal, a prominent historical breeder.









































