Aksaray Malaklisi
Other namesMalaklı Karabaş, Turkish Mastiff, Anatolian Lion, Turkish Shepherd Dog
OriginTurkey
Traits
Height Males 75–85 cm (30–33 in)
Females 70–80 cm (28–31 in)
Weight Males 65–85 kg (143–187 lb)
Females 60–70 kg (130–150 lb)
Coat short
Colour pinto, grizzly, and brindle
Litter size around 10
Life span 13-15 years
Kennel club standards
Turkish Dog Federation standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Aksaray Malaklısı or Malaklı Karabaş is a breed of large livestock guardian dog, from the Aksaray Province in central Anatolia, part of Turkey.[1][2][3] They are also known as the Turkish Mastiff or Anatolian Lion.[4]

The breed has become an increasingly popular livestock guardian dog across the world.[5] It is recognized by the Turkish Dog Federation.[6]

History

Aksaray in Turkey

The Aksaray Malaklısı is named for the Aksaray Province in Central Anatolia, where oral tradition reports it was brought by Sumerians 3,500 years ago.[4] The Aksaray Malaklısı Breed Improvement Association claims that the breed is one of the oldest in the world, with a 3,500 year history in Anatolia.[4] According to oral tradition, the Aksaray Malaklisi was used as a war dog by the Assyrians 2500 years ago.[4]

Genetic analysis has shown it to be a distinct breed from other Turkish livestock guardian dog breeds, including the Kangal, Akbash and Kars.[3][6]

The "malakli" part of the breed name is said to be due to their pendulous jowls.[2][3]

Characteristics

Appearance

Side profile of an Aksaray Malakli

The Aksaray Malaklısı usually stands between 70 and 85 centimetres (28 and 33 in) at the withers and weighs between 60 and 85 kilograms (132 and 187 lb),[6] with a body length of some 79 and 83 centimetres (31 and 33 in).[1] It is typically grey in colour with a black mask; the coat is short. The head and ears are large, the jowls are pendulous, and the tail is straight.[1][2][3]

Behavior

The dogs only obey commands from the master, and can be aggressive with other people. They typically do not tolerate working with other dogs of the same sex.[3]

Health

Their lifespan is 13–15 years.[3]

Use

The Aksaray Malaklısı is used in its homeland to protect flocks of sheep from predators, especially wolves. A pair of Aksaray Malaklısı, always a male and a female, can protect some 700-800 sheep.[3]

They have also gained worldwide popularity as home guard dogs.[7]

The Aksaray Malaklısı Breed Improvement Association (AKMID) has claimed the breed was used as a war dog by the Assyrians over 2500 years ago.[4]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aksaray Malaklısı.
  1. ^ a b c Ograk, Yusuf Ziya; Öztürk, Nurşen; Akın, Dilara; Özcan, Mustafa (2018). "Comparison various body measurements of Aksaray Malakli and Kangal Dogs". Journal of Istanbul Veterinary Sciences. 2 (3): 86–91. doi:10.30704/http-www-jivs-net.462546. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Büyükleblebici, Olga (2019). "Determination of Some Serum Biochemical Parameters of Aksaray Malakli Breed of Turkish Shepherd Dog". Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology. 7 (10): 1678–1681. doi:10.24925/turjaf.v7i10.1678-1681.2806. S2CID 204914784.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Aslım, Gökhan; Sinmez, Çağrı Çağlar (2017). "Aksaray ili folklorunda Aksaray Malaklısı yetiştiriciliği" [Breeding Aksaray Malaklısı in folklore of Aksaray Province] (PDF). Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 33 (3): 148–157. doi:10.15312/EurasianJVetSci.2017.151. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Turkey's Aksaray Malaklısı used by Assyrians as war dog 2,500 years ago, breeders association says". Daily Sabah. 2019-08-04. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  5. ^ "China's han sheep under protection of Turkish mastiffs". Daily Sabah. 2019-09-14. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  6. ^ a b c "Malaklı". Turkish Dog Federation inc. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  7. ^ "Turkey's Aksaray Malaklısı guard dog enjoys worldwide popularity". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
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