Tibetan Mastiff vs. Kangal: 7 Key Differences Explained

Tibetan Mastiffs and Kangals are both very large, powerful dogs. You’d be forgiven if you thought they were similar. However, these breeds are very different. They’re both livestock guardian dogs, meaning they have serious guarding instincts. However, that doesn’t make them interchangeable.

To learn more about these differing breeds, keep reading.

Tibetan Mastiff vs. Kangal: A Comparison

Key Differences Between Tibetan Mastiff and Kangal

These dogs have some similarities and some differences. They’re both very large breeds of dog that were designed for guarding. Therefore, they do share some similar characteristics. However, their subtle differences can make a huge difference.

Origin

The Tibetan Mastiff originates from the Himalayan region, particularly in Tibet. They were traditionally used to guard livestock and property in mountain terrain. Therefore, they were built to stand seriously tough climates.

The Kangal has a similar origin as a livestock guardian dog. However, they come from Turkey, where they were utilized to protect sheep from wolves and bears. They’re very large and imposing for this reason.

Size

Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs, with males typically weighing between 90 to 150 pounds (41 to 68 kg) and females weighing between 70 to 120 pounds (32 to 54 kg).

Kangals are also very large dogs. They were bred to fight bears, after all. Males weigh between 110 to 145 pounds (50 to 66 kg), and females 90 to 120 pounds (41 to 54 kg).

Appearance

Kangals have a short, dense coat that is pale tan to steel grey. They have a black mask on their face, usually, and a curled tail.

Tibetan Mastiffs have a thick double coat that comes in various colors, including black, brown, and golden. Their mane-like fur around the neck gives them a majestic appearance.

The main difference is their coloring and coat length, as you can see. Tibetan Mastiffs have long fur, while Kangals have short, dense fur.

Temperament

Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their loyalty, independence, and protective nature. They are often reserved and wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. They can be aloof but are generally affectionate with their families.

Kangals are very calm and composed. They have a very settled demeanor, which could apply to some Tibetan Mastiffs. Kangals are extremely loyal to their families and protective of the animals they’re charged with guarding. After all, they were bred to mind property and livestock.

They’re extremely gentle and affectionate with those they trust.

Training and Socialization

Neither of these dogs is easy to train. They were made to work alone, not necessarily listen to a human. Therefore, they weren’t bred with trainability in mind; it just wasn’t necessary.

Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent, but they can be extremely stubborn. Early socialization and regular training are vital to ensure they become well-behaved. Otherwise, they can turn into unmanageable dogs.

On the other hand, Kangals are intelligent and pretty trainable. However, they can also be independent – just less so than the Tibetan Mastiff.

Exercise

Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t extremely active. They are comfortable with only a moderate amount of exercise. However, regular playtime and walks are recommended, as they can become obese and lazy. Sufficient exercise is required to keep them in tip-top shape.

Kangals are similar on this front. They do require some regular exercise, but they aren’t extremely active. They need mental stimulation, as well, to stay healthy and happy. Walks are important to keep them healthy.

Health

Kangals are pretty healthy dogs, as they were bred for purpose. However, their larger size makes them prone to hip dysplasia and obesity. It’s important that they’re fed correctly to stay healthy.

Tibetan Mastiffs are also very large, so they, too, are prone to hip dysplasia. They are also more likely to battle certain eye conditions. Veterinary care is important to pick up on any health problems before they become an issue.

Wrapping it Up: Tibetan Mastiff vs. Kangal

The Tibetan Mastiff and the Kangal are two different breeds of large dogs with unique origins, personalities, and roles. The Tibetan Mastiff, which comes from Tibet, has a dense double coat in a range of colors and is known for being a devoted and defensive protector.

They need to be trained and socialized because they are naturally independent and have strong guarding instincts. They are also moderately active, so they require regular exercise. However, they aren’t nearly as active as some other dogs.

On the other hand, the Kangal comes from Turkey and has a short, dense coat. They come in shades of tan and grey. Their calm, gentle temperament makes them great livestock protectors. However, they still require early socialization and firm training. Because they’re prone to obesity, they also require regular exercise.

While the Tibetan Mastiff excels as a guardian of property and livestock, the Kangal specializes in protecting livestock specifically.