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İstanbul Security Directorate has launched a project for the riot squad forces to use Kangal dogs in “intervention in social events”.
It was stated that the Kangal dogs were “chose as they are national dogs”.
10 Kangal puppies were taken from Sivas to İstanbul at first stepç
The dogs will start working with the riot squad police after being trained.
Until now, the police department was working usually with German police dogs and Rottweiler.
About Kangal
The Kangal is a breed of large livestock guardian dog originating from the Sivas province of Turkey. The breed is of an early Mastiff type with a solid, pale tan or sabled coat, and a black mask. According to official Kangal organisations in Turkey, including the Cynology Federation of Turkey (Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu, KIF) and the Ankara Kangal Association (Ankara Kangal Derneği, ANKADER), Kangals may also be brindle or feature a recessive black tan pattern;] with or without a black mask; and/or with white markings.
While the Kangal is often referred to as a sheep dog, it is not a herding dog, but rather a flock guardian that lives with the flock of sheep to actively fend off predators of all sizes. Typically used as protection against wolves, bears, and jackals in its native Turkey, the breed has been exported to African countries like Namibia and Kenya in more recent years due to its intimidating size and capabilities as an effective guardian, where it successfully protects local herds from lions, cheetahs, and similar indigenous big cats, which has had the benefit of not only protecting livestock, but ensuring the continuity of endangered predators due to reduced cullings by local farmers. (ÇT/EKN/TK)
