German Shepherd vs Kangal: Which Dog Is Better For You?

There is a very fierce debate going on as to which type of dog should you get. This article will answer the question and hopefully provide some much-needed clarity for both sides:

German Shepherd Vs Kangal – What’re Their Differences?

When it comes to choosing between a Kangal and a German shepherd, there are some key differences you should take into account. For one, the German shepherd is more active than the Kangal, and it’s also less stubborn. Here are some of the differences between them:

1) Origin

The Kangal breed is an ancient Turkish breed of domestic dog, and it has been bred as a working animal. They are primarily flocking guardians, not herders. The color black and tan is not officially recognized for the North American Kangal Shepherd Dog.

The German Shepherd was bred from terriers and brought to Germany in 1899 by Max von Stephanitz, a German professor of zoology at Munich University. The standard for the breed was 8 inches long. The breed is of both Fawn and wolf coloration with white or lighter chest and paws, a black mask, and a brown coat. The German Shepherd has been exported to Africa due to its size and effectiveness as a guardian.

2) Size

The Kangal is a Turkish dog that is known for its physical appearance. They are typically 28-32 inches tall and weigh around 38-68 kgs as an adult.

The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. They are typically 22-26 inches tall and weigh around 34-43 kgs as an adult.

3) Physical Appearance

Kangals weigh anywhere from 80 to 130 pounds, while German Shepherds usually weigh between 50 and 95 pounds.

The outer coat of both dogs is typically black and tan, but can also be sable (a reddish-brown color), gray or white. However, the most distinguishing feature of the Kangal is its thick, wooly tail, which curls over its back.

They are both loyal, intelligent, and protective animals that make great family pets.

The Kangal is typically larger than the German Shepherd and they tend to weigh more than the German Shepherd. Finally, the coat of each dog is different – the Kangal has a thicker, wooly coat, while the German Shepherd’s coat is shorter and less dense.

The German Shepherd was bred as a working dog for military and police forces, while the Kangal was bred as a livestock guardian dog in Turkey. Because of this, each breed has its own unique set of skills and abilities.

4) Lifespan And Health Conditions

This is because the German Shepherd has a higher incidence of health problems such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and epilepsy. The Kangal, on the other hand, is a relatively healthy and sturdy dog breed.

They are known to be gentle, loyal, and intelligent dogs that make great family pets. However, they can be dominant with other dogs and should not be trusted around small animals.

5) Grooming Needs

Both breeds need regular brushing, but the type of bristles on their coats differs. A Kangal’s coat is coarse and should be brushed with a wire brush at least once a week. German shepherds have a double coat – the outer coat is coarse while the undercoat is soft – and should be brushed twice a week with a slicker brush to remove dead hair.

Kangals require more frequent baths than German Shepherds; about once every two months is usually sufficient for a Kangal, while German Shepherds can go three or four months without one.

6) Temperature Tolerance

The Kangal Shepherd has a much higher tolerance for cold weather than the German Shepherd does. In fact, the Kangal Shepherd can even be kept outdoors in very cold climates without needing to be brought inside during severe weather conditions.

Conversely, the German Shephard cannot tolerate extremely cold weather and will become very uncomfortable if left outside in below-freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.

7) Temperament

Kangals are known for their gentle nature and protective instincts. They make excellent family pets, as they are good with children and other animals. The German Shepherd, on the other hand, is a working dog that was developed in Germany. These dogs are known for their intelligence, strength, and obedience. They make excellent police and military dogs, as well as service dogs.

The Kangal is ideal for families with small children or other pets, while the German Shepherd may be too strong-willed and aggressive for some households.

8) Approximate Cost

The average price for a purebred Kangal puppy can range from $1,000 to $2,500, while the average price for a purebred German Shepherd puppy is around $600-$900. This difference in price can be attributed to the fact that Kangals are much rarer than German Shepherds and thus have a higher demand. Additionally, due to their size and strength, Kangals often require additional training, which also drives up the cost of ownership.

German Shepherd Vs Kangal: Which Dog is more powerful?

It is unknown which dog is more powerful: the Kangal or the German Shepherd. Both of these dogs are incredibly powerful and have been used in warfare for centuries. They are able to protect their owners from attackers and can do amazing things.

Many believe that Kangals would be more powerful because they are bigger than the German Shepherd and they have one of the most powerful bite force (743 PSI) while a German Shepherd’s bite force is around 238 PSI. On the other hand, the German Shepherd is much faster and more agile than the Kangal. So, it is very hard to determine which is more powerful.

It is important to remember that each dog has its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, so it is ultimately up to you to decide which dog would be a better fit for your lifestyle and needs.

German Shepherd Vs Kangal – Which One Should I Adopt?

When it comes to choosing between a Kangal and a German Shepherd, there are a few things you should consider.

First, the German Shepherd is a good choice for beginners because they are not aggressive, have low grooming needs, and are also child and pet friendly. However, the German Shepherd is not ideal for novice dog parents if you have small kids/toddlers due to their high grooming requirements.

The Kangal is less susceptible to diseases, but it’s more expensive and cannot tolerate living in apartments or small backyards. Another thing to consider is that the Kangal has a litter size of 5-10 pups, while GSDs have a litter size of 1-15.

So, if you are looking for a dog that can produce puppies, the Kangal is your best bet. On the other hand, the GSD is a better choice if you are looking for a dog that can protect your family.

At the end of the day, the right breed of dog also depends on the lifestyle of the owner. If you have kids and want a dog that can protect them, then you should choose the GSD. If your kids are grown up and you want to have a pet instead of an attack dog, then the Kangal might be the better choice.