Kangal Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Kangal Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonIstrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but Kangal Dog is originated from Turkey. Istrian Sheepdog may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than Kangal Dog. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 23 kg / 50 pounds lesser than Kangal Dog. Istrian Sheepdog may live 3 years less than Kangal Dog. Istrian Sheepdog may have less litter size than Kangal Dog. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Kangal Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
Slovenia
Turkey
Height Male:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
72 - 85 cm
28 - 34 inches
Height Female:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
72 - 85 cm
28 - 34 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
50 - 63 kg
110 - 139 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
50 - 63 kg
110 - 139 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Karst Sheepdog
Kangal Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
Dark and Light shades of Grey
cream , Tan
Coat:
Long, thick and harsh
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

istrian sheepdogKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

kangal dogThe 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.

Description

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

kangal dog puppy - descriptionThis 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.

Temperament:

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.

Characteristics

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

kangal dog dog - characteristicsYour 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.

Health Problems

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Spaying and Neutering:

kangal dog puppies - health problemsThis is most important if you don't intend your Kangal Dog becoming a parent, and is good for the health of your dog.

Vaccinations:

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.

General Hygiene:

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.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

kangal dog dogs - caringThe 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 -

Diet:

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.

Exercise:

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.

Grooming:

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.

Housing:

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Kangal Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Kangal Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Kangal Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Kangal Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Kangal Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Kangal Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Kangal Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Kangal Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kangal Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Kangal Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Kangal Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Kangal Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Kangal Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Kangal Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Kangal Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Kangal Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Kangal Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Kangal Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Kangal Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Kangal Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Kangal Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Kangal Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Kangal Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Kangal Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Kangal Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Istrian Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Istrian Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Istrian Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Istrian Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Istrian Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Istrian Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Istrian Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Istrian Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Istrian Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Istrian Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Istrian Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Istrian Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Istrian Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Istrian Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Istrian Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Istrian Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Istrian Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Istrian Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Istrian Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Istrian Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison