Aksaray Malaklisi dog
Aksaray Malaklısı is a Molosser-type livestock guardian dog. The breed originated from the central Anatolian city of Aksaray, Turkey. Aksaray Malaklısı is the largest of the Anatolian Shepherd dog breeds, superior to the Kangal dog in size. Their name originates from a Turkish word used in Aksaray, "malak" meaning lip, and "malaklı" meaning "with lips" due to the breed's black, dropped, notable lips.[1]
Appearance
Aksaray Malaklısı looks similar to the English Mastiff and Kangal dog, despite some major appearance differences. The Kangal has thinner legs and body and the Aksaray has dropped lips. It has longer legs than an English Mastiff and an athletic body shape.[2]
Working dog
Aksaray Malaklısı is an instinctive guard dog. Malaklı dogs are also used as livestock guardian dogs. They are not recognized by any international or national kennel club.
Origins
There is no evidence about the origin of Malaklı dogs. It was once thought to be a mix of the English Mastiff and Kangal, or the English Mastiff and Anatolian Shepherd; but the American Mastiff is the result of the latter cross-breeding and presents a different appearance. Another possibility is that most shepherd dogs in the Caucasian-Anatolian area evolved from the same Mastiff-like dog that is the ancestor of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Alabai, Kangal, Akbash, Anatolian Shepherd and English Mastiff.
See also
References
- ↑ "Aksaray Malaklısı". Aksaraymalakli.com. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
- ↑ "Anadolu'nun en iri köpeği: Aksaray Malaklısı | Galeri". En Son Haber. Retrieved 2013-05-30.