NPR: The Kangal is a national symbol of Turkey
National Public Radio (NPR) based in New york ran a feature on the Kangal dog calling it a "national symbol of Turkey". The report stated that the large white sheep dog from the cold mountains of Eastern Anatolia is a national symbol in Turkey, and that, "the Kangal is considered such an important cultural heritage that the Turkish government funds efforts to protect the breed."
The report went on to say that, "One of the myths about the big beast with the menacing bark is that it sprang from the union of a dog and a lion. Not true, of course, but adults weigh at least 140 pounds and were bred to fight wolves. Now they're so closely protected that to export a Kangal, you need a permit from the Turkish military."
http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/4416462.asp
I don't believe animals can be Turkish or Kurdish. But Kangals are living in Kurdish area's. Not Turkish ones.
The report went on to say that, "One of the myths about the big beast with the menacing bark is that it sprang from the union of a dog and a lion. Not true, of course, but adults weigh at least 140 pounds and were bred to fight wolves. Now they're so closely protected that to export a Kangal, you need a permit from the Turkish military."
http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/4416462.asp
I don't believe animals can be Turkish or Kurdish. But Kangals are living in Kurdish area's. Not Turkish ones.
