Determination of some physiological characteristics in Kangal breed of Turkish shepherd dogs

: In this study, 24 healthy Kangal dogs, whose fundamental duty is flock guard, were used in three different regions (1950 m altitude of Karasar, 1225 m altitude of Divri i and 918 m altitude of i demli) of Sivas province (homeland for Kangal dogs). Mean pulse, respiration and body temperature values of the Kangal dogs at rest and 10 minutes post-exercise were respectively; 93.00 and 113.96/m; 22.58 and 35.38/m; 37.60 and 37.77oC. Male Kangals had higher body temperature than did females only after exercise (P<0.05). According to the evaluation made in three different altitudes of the study fields, the differences between the groups were statistically significant for all variables (P<0.001). This study shows that the physiology of Kangal dogs, which drew international attention and were taken to many different regions of the world, may be affected by the new living areas. Although it is not known how physiological changes alter Kangals in future this should be investigated with further studies