Management

Kennelling

Since the Kangal (Karabash) dog is a flock guard and accustomed to living in severe climatic conditions, just a small shelter will be adequate to protect it against excess sunshine in summer and cold in winter. This kennel must be windproof and with a dry floor. It should not be suitable to harbour parasites such as fleas and mites. The real Kangal (Karabash) breed must never dwell only within a house. It is an excellent companion, but is by no means a lap dog such as a poodle. Its independent nature is not suited to sitting at its master's feet, except when it suits the dog to do so.

Light

It is well-known that sunlight is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D and its production by the body. Vitamin D ensures the secretion of the hormone which is responsible for normal growth in animals. It follows that Kangal (Karabash) Dogs must not be kept continuously inside a house or in a kennel, nor kept for any long period in a dark place, such as a stable.

Temperature

The Kangal (Karabash) Dog immediately curls up when exposed to the cold, and puts the black wet tip of its nose, which is the coldest part of its body, underneath its legs supported by its tail. Thus it both warms its nose and avoids directly breathing in cold air. The bodies of newborn pups are unable to regulate cold and heat for their first month. They must therefore be protected against the cold so their kennel should be kept warm.

Humidity

In the natural environment of the Kangal (Karabash) Dog, summers are hot and dry and winters are cold and snowy. The Kangal (Karabash) can tolerate dry heat in summer and high humidity in cool places. It can be successfully bred in the U.K., where summers are humid but cool. Great problems for Kangal (Karabash) Dogs arise in areas where hot and wet conditions exist together. Such a climate may be tolerated should the breeding be started with puppies.

Starting Breeding

Note that the most effective, cheapest, and easiest way of achieving success in breeding Kangal (Karabash) Dogs is to show your sympathy and affection, which will make them very happy. The Breeding of Kangals should start with obtaining a male and female together as puppies. The best age to get the pair is 1.5 to 2 months, firstly because they have been nursed by their mother's milk which is most important, and secondly they will have learned many things from their mothers during this period.

Care of Puppies

The place where the puppies will be kept must be a quiet area, and in particular the pups must not be easily disturbed by other pets, dogs or people. Mature dogs and pups never take a bath. The mother Kangal (Karabash) licks the newborn puppies to stimulate their bladders and bowels, and she cleans up and swallows whatever they excrete. However, puppies separated from their dam do often get dirty with their own faeces. They may be cleaned by wiping with a piece of cloth wetted with warm water. Puppies may bathed, but dried immediately with a cloth or towel, or with a hand-held hair drier set on low.

Cropping the Ears of Kangal (Karabash) Dogs

 
In Turkey, the majority of Kangal (Karabash) Dogs in rural areas have their ears cropped as puppies. Cropped ears on a dog imported from Turkey (even though it is legally prohibited today) should not be penalized. According to numerous Kangal (Karabash) Dog breeders or owners, there are three main reasons for cropping the ears of Kangal (Karabash) Dogs in Turkey. Since their ears are thick, fleshy and drooping, the dog's hearing is impeded and consequently it cannot perform its guarding duty well. Possession of such fleshy, sensitive ears may be a disadvantage causing defeat for the Kangal (Karabash) during fighting when its ears are grabbed or bitten by wolves or other dogs. And the third reason given is that everybody has their Kangal's ears cropped and the dog looks better like that.

Care of Mature Kangal (Karabash) Dogs

Food and water bowls must be kept clean at all times. Water must be fresh daily. The coat, ears, eyes, teeth, and nails should be examined frequently to check whether the dog has any parasite or illness. Again, the Kangal (Karabash) Dog is never given a bath. Since dogs have no sudoriferous glands they do not sweat. They excrete a fatty substance from their skins in order to protect their coats and skins. This substance prevents the skin from drying and cracking by keeping it moisturized. Bathing the dog will remove this fatty substitute and be harmful. It requires no grooming.
The Kangal (Karabash) Dog needs a lot of exercise. It needs a large, enclosed, safe area for running around or working off its energy, and is not suited to suburbia and small back gardens. Keeping it tied up or confined is distressing to the dog and it will be negatively affected, especially if it is alone. In Turkey there are no fences in villages. The Kangal (Karabash) is very loyal to its owner; nevertheless, it enjoys its independence.