Kangal vs Lion: Who Would Win in a Fight?

Written by August Croft
Published: April 27, 2022
Share on:

Advertisement


Have you ever wondered which animal would win in a fight: a Kangal vs lion? If you didn’t know already, the Kangal is a dog that was bred to protect its farmland and people from large predators- including lions! But does this mean that a Kangal dog would truly win in a fight against a lion, and would they live to tell the tale?

In this article, we will hypothesize and theorize whether or not a Kangal would win in a fight against a lion. We will take a look at the strength and power of both of these animals, including if there is any existing evidence to suggest a victor already. Place your bets now, and let’s take a look at our two fighters in more detail: the majestic lion and the fearsome Kangal dog!

Kangal vs Lion
There are many key differences between a Kangal and a lion, but these differences ultimately lead to a lion winning the fight against a Kangal.
KangalLion
Size30-32 inches tall; 90-145 pounds40-48 inches tall; 200-400 pounds
Speed35 MPH consistently50 MPH in short bursts
Offensive Techniques743 PSI bite force, impressive agility, and muscular body. Obedient to commands and capable of attacking on command.650 PSI bite force, huge body and weight, and sharp claws. Large mouth and teeth compared to the Kangal.
Defensive TechniquesImpressive speed and agility may help it avoid attack. Thick fur may also provide some protection.Thick fur and skin may provide some barrier from damage.

Key Differences Between a Kangal vs Lion: Who Would Win?

Kangal vs Lion

While the Kangal is one of the largest guard dog breeds, it is still half the size of the average lion.

©Stephanie Periquet/Shutterstock.com

There are many key differences between a Kangal and a lion, but these differences ultimately lead to a lion winning the fight against a Kangal. This is largely due to the size differences present with these animals, and their offensive techniques. While the Kangal is one of the largest guard dog breeds, it is still half the size of the average lion. Additionally, the lion has sharp claws and a larger jaw compared to the Kangal. However, the Kangal does have more bite force and agility compared to the average lion.

Let’s take a look at all of these differences in more detail now. Perhaps you will consider a different outcome to this imaginary fight!

Kangal vs Lion: Size

Kangal vs Lion

The Kangal is a giant dog, but it doesn’t come close to the size of the average lion.

©shodography/Shutterstock.com

One of the primary advantages in the fight between a Kangal and a lion is the immense size difference between them. The Kangal is a giant dog, but it doesn’t come close to the size of the average lion. Even female lions are almost double the size of the largest Kangal dog- but how large are we talking exactly?

Lions range in height from 40-48 inches at least, while the Kangal reaches 30-32 inches tall only. Additionally, depending on the gender of the lion, you aren’t going to find a lion that weighs less than 200-400 pounds, while the Kangal only weighs 90-145 pounds maximum. Based on sheer size and musculature ability alone, the lion would win in this category against the Kangal dog.

Kangal vs Lion: Speed and Agility

Kangal vs Lion

The average Kangal dog can comfortably run up to 35 miles per hour, while lions exhibit bursts of speed up to 50 miles per hour.

©iStock.com/Shawn Levin

One of the main ways in which a Kangal might possibly win in a fight against a lion is through its speed and agility. However, even in this case, the statistics are not in the Kangal dog’s favor. The average Kangal dog can comfortably run up to 35 miles per hour, while lions exhibit bursts of speed up to 50 miles per hour. This is not something that a lion can maintain for very long, however.

When you consider the body sizes and agility of both of these animals, the Kangal dog might just be more agile compared to the average lion. Given their background in traversing farmland, protecting wayward livestock and cattle, the Kangal has an advanced way that it maneuvers through their environment. The average lion likely lacks these skills, and can’t run very fast for very long.

When it comes to agility and speed combined, the Kangal is likely going to win against a lion, especially when it comes to running away from a fight!

Kangal vs Lion: Offensive Techniques

Kangal vs Lion

It may surprise you to hear, but the average lion only has a bite force that averages 650 PSI, making it significantly less powerful compared to the bite of the Kangal.

©klenger/Shutterstock.com

As you may or may not have guessed, there appears to be a clear winner in the category of offensive techniques. While the Kangal dog has an extremely impressive bite force of 743 PSI, the average lion still has more offensive techniques and abilities compared to the average dog. But what might some of these abilities be? Let’s take a closer look now! 

It may surprise you to hear, but the average lion only has a bite force that averages 650 PSI, making it significantly less powerful compared to the bite of the Kangal. However, lions have extremely sharp and powerful claws, as well as larger jaws and teeth compared to the Kangal. If a lion truly wanted to attack and kill a Kangal, it could do so without much effort. 

That’s why, in a purely offensive battle between a Kangal and a lion, the lion would likely win every single time. Though the bite force of the Kangal dog is impressive, especially compared to an animal as large as the average lion! 

Kangal vs Lion: Defensive Techniques

Kangal vs Lion

Considering the fact that very few creatures actively attack lions, the average lion may not know what to do in a defensive position compared to the intelligent and adaptive Kangal dog.

©2021 Photography/Shutterstock.com

The final category to compare between the lion and the Kangal is their possible defensive techniques. In a battle between these two animals, the Kangal exhibits many defensive maneuvers, likely linked to their agility and speed. However, the lion also has a decent amount of defensive ability, given their thick fur and skin. 

Considering the fact that very few creatures actively attack lions, the average lion may not know what to do in a defensive position compared to the intelligent and adaptive Kangal dog. Additionally, defense and escape strategies are likely the only ways in which a Kangal dog will survive a fight against a lion, so hopefully they know what to do in a situation like this! 

It could be a toss-up, but in terms of defensive techniques, the Kangal dog may indeed win against a lion. However, a lion wins against a Kangal, just about every single time given their sheer size and strength.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/3dan3


Share on:
About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.