In dog-eat-dog world, Turkish breeds come on top

By Muhammed Kaygin

CANKIRI, Turkey (AA) - The best herd-protecting dogs of the world -- Kangal, Aksaray Malaklisi, Anadolu bandog and Anadolu whitehead -- are all found in Turkey, according to a Turkish dog breeder.

Akif Metin, owner of a 20,000-square meter ranch in central Cankiri's Eldivan district, told Anadolu Agency he has been in the business of breeding the world-famous dogs for years, and today he exports them to the U.S., Russia and China apart from selling them all over Turkey.

"Turkish bandogs are the best herd-protecting dogs of the world," Metin said.

He said the dogs from the region could now be found in all corners of the world. The Kangal dogs were now even available in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Africa.

"Kangal dogs are protecting herds against wild animals even in Africa today," he said.

The Kangal are large dogs, which is one of the reasons why most shepherds prefer to use them to protect their cattle herds.

According to Sivas Provincial Governorship, Kangal dogs are strong, intelligent herd protecting dogs. Their weight is between 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and 60 kilograms (132 pounds) for males, and 41 kilograms (90 pounds) and 59 kilograms (130 pounds) for females.

Other breeds such as the Anadolu whitehead dog are also popular. This particular breed was recently selected as the best herd-protecting dog in America, he added.

- Top price for top dogs

He said the price of puppies bred at his ranch start from 3,000 Turkish liras ($800).

The price of adult dogs can range between 20,000 ($5,200) and 100,000 liras ($26,000), Metin said.

Some Turkey-breeds have even bagged top prizes at beauty contests.

Metin said a Kangal dog he raised recently came first in a dog beauty contest and was sold to an owner in Dubai for 70,000 liras ($18,500).

Another Anadolu bandog dog he raised came first in a beauty contest for which he was now looking to get 100,000 liras ($26,000).

Giving an indication how good his business is, Metin said there are currently 200 dogs at his ranch; each year 600 puppies are born.

Metin called for more awareness among people about the dogs from the Anatolian region so that the value of the unique breeds could be better appreciated.

“This is our national value,” he added.

*Fatih Hafiz Mehmet contributed to this story from Ankara