What is this controversy about Anatolians and Kangal Dogs all about?
People get quite emotional over this question. It is a complex issue, and you’ll ultimately have to decide for yourself. In doing so, it is wise to consider Eurasian history, geography, and the prevailing Turkish point of view, and not be influenced by anecdotes, unsubstantiated myths and gossip, or what your friends have chosen to believe. At the bottom of this page, you will find links to more information and sources from both sides of this quite controversial question. Anyway, the basic “bone of contention” for Turkish LGD (livestock guardian dog) fanciers is whether: * all the livestock guardian dogs in Turkey, regardless of their regional origin and type, should be considered ONE breed, known as the “Anatolian Shepherd Dog” OR * there is a generic CLASS of Turkish dogs, known as “shepherd’s dogs,” among which regional breeds of distinct type and temperament, such as the Kangal Dog, can be discerned. Our position is the latter one; that is, we believe that the Turkish multi-breed c
