When it comes to jaw-dropping power, the Kangal and the Caucasian Shepherd stand tall and undefeated alongside other guardian dog breeds. Both these shepherd dogs are known for their protective nature and impressive size.
The Kangal dog is also known as ‘Goban Kopegi,’ or ‘Anatolian Karabash.’ The Caucasian Shepherd dogs are also referred to as the ‘Caucasian Ovcharka’ or ‘Russian Bear Dog.’
Kangal dogs originate from the Sivas region in Turkey and have been helping Turkish shepherds protect livestock for thousands of years. On the other hand, Caucasian Shepherd dogs originate from the rugged Caucasus Mountains in Russia. They were also bred for protection, keeping livestock safe from large predators like wolves and bears.
Both these breeds have gained popularity among farmers and ranchers worldwide due to their guardian capabilities. The following comparison sheds light on the differences between their capabilities.
Kangal vs. Caucasian Shepherd: Which Has Stronger Bite Force?
Size: Kangal vs. Caucasian Shepherd
Both the Kangal and the Caucasian Shepherd are large working dogs prized for their guarding abilities and physical strength. According to UKC, the Kangal dog can grow up to almost 27-33 inches. The male Kangal weighs 110-145 pounds, while the female weighs 90-130 pounds.
The Caucasian Shepherd, according to PetMD, stands tall at 23-30 inches. The Caucasian Shepherd can weigh up to 100-170 pounds.
Appearance and Physical Features
Owing to their physical features, both the Kangal and the Caucasian Shepherd are ranked among the scariest dog breeds.
In terms of appearance, the Kangal dog has lean muscles, a short double coat, a black mask, and a curled tail. The lean muscles of this dog help it move swiftly and make quick attacks. The thick coats of these canines provide warmth in cold climates.
The Caucasian Shepherd dog has a thick double coat, lion-like mane, and broad chest. The thick coat of these dogs protects them from harsh weather, and, despite their intimidating image, they can resemble oversized teddy bears.
Due to their double coat, both these breeds need regular grooming to maintain their coats and reduce shedding.
Temperament and Personality
Kangal dogs are known for their cool, calm demeanor and ability to handle threats. They exhibit gentle and protective behavior towards their families. Kangals tend to be more accepting of new people, but still benefit from socialization to develop a stable temperament.
In contrast to Kangals, Caucasian Shepherds are characterized as bold and independent, often wary of strangers. Caucasian Shepherds may need extra socialization to prevent over-protective behavior.
Both of these dog breeds need early socialization to prevent aggression. While Kangals are more discerning, Caucasians may react more impulsively to perceived threats.
Bite Characteristics Comparison
Understanding the difference in bite force between these two dog breeds can help to assess the strength and protective capabilities of these two breeds. This can be helpful for individuals in need of a guardian dog since they can easily choose the breed that suits their lifestyle.
Both the Kangal and the Caucasian Shepherd dog have strong, powerful jaws and a commanding presence as guardians.
The Kangal dog has a powerful bite force of about 743 PSI. The force of the Kangal’s bite is one of the highest recorded among all dog breeds globally. On the other hand, the Caucasian Shepherd has a bite force of around 700 PSI. However, their bite force can vary a little based on the individual dog and the method of measurement.
Why the Kangal’s Bite is Stronger?
The reason why the Kangal’s bite is stronger is due to their jaw structure. Kangals have a more focused and narrower jaw, which helps them deliver pressure more directly. Moreover, these dogs have been bred specifically to fight off predators such as wolves and bears.
Kangals have traditionally been used as livestock guardians in Turkish rural areas. In such a setting, they required immense bite strength to put an end to threats quickly.
The Caucasian Shepherd has a massive jaw and strong but its bite is slightly less concentrated than that of the Kangal. This is why its bite is not as strong as the Kangal’s. However, this breed compensates for this lack with its overall mass and power, which makes it equally intimidating in threatening situations.
Trainability and Intelligence
Training these large, powerful breeds requires patience and consistency due to their independent nature. Positive reinforcement techniques are effective for both Kangals and Caucasian Shepherds during training. Both breeds need basic obedience training to help control them, given their size and strength.
Kangal dogs are extremely intelligent and independent. They respond well to firm and consistent training and socialization, and so, they require proper training, socialization, and care to ensure they are well-behaved.
On the other hand, Caucasian Shepherds require a firm hand in training due to their independent nature. Caucasian Shepherd puppies need early socialization to adapt to various environments and people.
Thus, Kangals are generally easier to train compared to Caucasian Shepherds, who require a firmer, confident handler. However, both breeds can be expected to challenge authority, and both require early and reward-based training.
Energy Level and Activity Needs
Kangals have higher energy levels as compared to Caucasian Shepherds and require more exercise. Due to their higher energy level, these dogs need large open spaces along with daily mental and physical stimulation to keep them busy and entertained. They really enjoy purposeful tasks like patrolling.
As compared to Kangals, Caucasian Shepherds prefer a more rugged environment and can be quite independent. The reason behind this is that these dogs are less energetic. However, despite their low energy levels, these canines still need regular and structured exercise.
Both Kangal and Caucasian Shepherd dogs require at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise to prevent boredom and keep fit. In case they are not provided with their required amount of physical activity, they can get bored. This boredom will eventually lead to destructive behaviors in both breeds.
Moreover, both the Kangal and the Caucasian Shepherd dog thrive in homes with large, secure yards and are not suited for apartment living.
Lifespan and Longevity
The Kangal dog generally lives between 11-13 years. On the other hand, the Caucasian Shepherd dog’s life expectancy is 10-12 years.
The longevity of their life and their health depend on factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise. Kangals are known to have fewer hereditary issues as compared to Caucasian Shepherd dogs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kangal’s bite force is stronger than that of the Caucasian Shepherd. However, the Caucasian Shepherd’s broader jaw helps in causing damage over a larger area.
Both Kangal dogs and Caucasian Shepherd dogs excel in protection roles and are valued as livestock guardians. It is important to consider one’s lifestyle and experience whilst deciding to adopt these guardian dogs. The reason behind this is that both these breeds need experienced owners as well as proper training and socialization.
