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Turkish Kangal Comes to Cape Ann

Image On May 20-21, 2016, dog enthusiasts can observe of one of the world’s oldest canine breeds at the Kangal Dog Club of America’s Specialty Show in Rockport, MA. The single breed dog show will take place at the Windhover Center for the Performing Arts and feature approximately a dozen registered Turkish Kangal dogs from around the country.  Following United Kennel Club (UKC) guidelines, handlers and dogs will make their way around the ring in various classes under the appraising eye of a UKC-certified judge from Belmont, MA.
What makes this Specialty Show unique is the unusual profile of the Kangal dog. This breed claims a centuries old history as primitive working dogs in central Turkey’s Sivas Province.  Still today, these dogs are loyal flock guarding dogs to their shepherds although it is a disappearing way of life. Admired for their loyalty, strength and steadfastness, the Turkish consider the Kangal to be a natural, national treasure. A dog may be legally exported only by a Turkish citizen; an indication of how highly the breed is held in esteem. Noble in appearance, males may weigh 130-150lbs.; females average 100-120lbs.
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A rare breed in the U.S., many of the estimated 800 registered Kangals are working guardian dogs on farms. These dogs are a great resource for U.S. farmers in their efforts to promote sustainable farming practices through carnivore protection. Maine conservation biologist Geri Vistein will address this important role during one of four educational presentations on Saturday, May 20, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Emre Ekmekci from Ankara, Turkey, will talk about the state of the breed in Turkey today. Additional topics are Responsible Breeding Practices and Puppy Placement, and Kangals in the U.S.

Mary Hughes, show organizer and guardian of two Kangal dogs, points out that--unlike a Poodle or Retriever Specialty that may feature 60 dogs--the gathering of 12 Kangals in a single place is a rare opportunity for dog enthusiasts. “For those interested in flock or crop guarding dogs, working dogs, dogs who remain close to their roots, or simply want to enjoy a unique experience on beautiful Cape Ann, this is a great opportunity.”

Both the speaker portion and dog showing will be open to the public and are free of charge. Raffle tickets will be available for a variety of items generously donated, including puppy sculptures by noted artist Dale Rogers of Haverhill, MA. Raffle follows judging.

Regretfully, only exhibiting dogs are welcome on the show site.

May 20     
10:00 a.m.-11.30 a.m.        Dog handling class(spectators welcome)
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.           Four Educational Seminars (public invited)

May 21     
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.        Dog show  (public invited)

Additional information:

Kangal Specialty Show, May 21, 2016 at 1pm
Windhover Center for the Performing Arts
257(R) Granite Street
PO Box 2249
Rockport, MA 01966
http://www.windhover.org

About the United Kennel Club
The UKC or the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 U.S. states and 25 foreign countries.
Among its many roles, it stages events where dogs compete in a family-friendly environment.
http://www.ukcdogs.com  

About the Kangal Dog Club of America
The Kangal Dog Club of America is the national parent club for the UKC and the only club in North America dedicated to the breed.
http://www.kangaldogamerica.com
Last modified onSaturday, 06 May 2017 10:07
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