7 Turkish Dog Breeds: Turkey is renowned for its rich history of culture along with exotic food, amazing archaeology, and art. However, it also has some of the most distinctive dogs on earth!

Let’s look at seven of Turkey’s most popular breeds of dogs and what makes them unique.

The 7 Turkish Dogs

1. Akbash Dog

If you’re searching for an enduring guardian for your loved ones, you’ll find it difficult to find a more dedicated dog than the Akbash. They are extremely secure around their families. Early socialization is necessary for these puppies to ensure that you don’t face issues with other dogs or other dogs in your home. They’re also a fair type of dog that likes to lounge around instead of playing and running.

    2. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd is another guardian dog of immense size that comes from Turkey. They are the direct descendants of one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world and remain loyal to their origins. There’s not much difference between the present-day Anatolian Shepherd and the one that was found more than 6,000 years ago. Anatolian Shepherds are a well-mannered and calm breed, showing the ability to be patient and cautious until they are when they’re provoked. Similar to the Akbash, the Anatolian Shepherd is a true guard dog. They are very loyal to their families and will protect them – even their cat, the family’s pet-to the very final.

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     3. Kangal Dog

Kangals are very like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. The breeder originally bred the breed in Sivas City, Turkey. The dogs have one of the most terrifying records in the history of dogs. They are the most bite-resistant out of all breeds around the globe. At 743 psi, their bite is only a concern when their owners’ families are under threat. Apart from that, they’re great with their owners and children, often playing the adorable, loving nanny role. Although just because they’re good with children doesn’t mean that they’re well-behaved in the presence of other pets. If you’re planning to own a Kangal, it’s best if they are the sole pet in your home and are well-socialized as soon as possible.

   4. Catalburun Dog

If you’re in search of a unique breed of dog, it’s hard to find one that’s as unique as the Catalburun. Also called The Turkish Pointer is just one of three dog breeds with split-nose features (the second two are the Pachon Navarro and Andean Tiger-hound). If you’ve ever witnessed one in person, you’re extremely fortunate. Catalburuns are incredibly rare. Catalburun is a rare breed that is rarely seen outside of their home in Turkey.

Contrary to the majority of breeds in this list, the Catalburun isn’t an animal guardian. However, it is a hunting dog-it’s one of the top around. Their split noses are adept at detecting scents, and just like other Pointer breeds, they can remain at a halt while instructing their hunter what they are looking for.

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     5. Aksaray Malaklisi

These giants are also referred to for their role as Turkish Mastiff or Anatolian Lion. They are names that are well earned. Although they do not have the same huge bite, the Malaklisi have a common ancestor to Kangal dogs. In the past, they were utilized in the hands of Assyrians as guard dogs, trained to spot the armor of adversaries to defeat them in battle. Today, you can find the majority of Aksaray Malaklisi dogs serving as livestock guardians, just like other Turkish breeds of dogs.

     6. Anatolian Sultanic Dog

This sighthound has many names, such as The Turkish Greyhound as well as Anadolu Sultan Tzizizi. They’re named after their first known appearance in the past when one of them is depicted on the side of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. As compared to other sighthounds, the Turkish Greyhound is relatively short in height. Don’t let that fool you; they’re agile and swift hunters, often taking on prey like rabbits, foxes, and partridges.

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      7. Rize Koyun Dog

The Rize Koyun is a Turkish variation of the Molosser dog. They’re a massive and powerful breed used mostly as livestock guards. They aren’t used for herding but are more used as guardians for their flocks in the case of a threatening attack or unwanted invasions. Rize Koyun dog breeds are popular for their loud bark that helps alert their owners to danger.

Exotic Turkish Dog Breeds

Although Turkey might be lacking in indigenous dog breeds like the British Isles, their unique and feared breeds remain unchangeable throughout the history of domestication. Every breed is incredibly committed and secure for its family members. It is easy to discern how the name “man’s best friend” came to be through these exotic Turkish dogs.