Kangal

Seasonal shift has prevented Kangal dogs, a traditional working breed from the central Anatolian province Sivas, from growing into their winter coats.

Due to climate change and relatively warm weather, Kangal dogs are still in their summer coats. Although it is the middle of January, snowfall has not yet been seen at the desired level throughout in Sivas.

Kangals, a dog species native to the Central Anatolian province of Sivas, are in huge demand in Africa, as they are excellent in guarding livestock against lions, which are a common threat in the continent, the city's mayor has said.

A stray dog named "Boji" has become a local celebrity after using buses, subways and ferries to travel across Turkey's metropolitan city of Istanbul.

Officials started inserting chips into Kangals, world-renowned shepherd dogs, to monitor and protect the gene structure of the animals who are native to the Central Anatolian province of Sivas.

The chipping process is being held in a hub named "Kangal Training, Protection and Reproduction" recently opened at Meraküm Hill, a region 10 kilometers away from the city center.

For 30 years, Hüseyin Yıldız has bred powerful shepherd dogs in Turkey's central Anatolian province of Sivas, home of the livestock-guarding Kangal canines that are a source of pride for the country. (Source: The Associated Press)

A total of 103 Kangal dogs have competed in a beauty contest organized in the Central Anatolian province of Sivas.

A Kangal dog in a breeding center in the northwestern province of Bursa has a price tag of 125,000 Turkish Liras (20,000 euros).