Introduction
The Dogo Argentino and Kangal are two large and powerful dog breeds often compared for their strength and fighting abilities. The Dogo Argentino was first bred in Argentina in the 1920s for big game hunting of wild boar and puma. It was created by crossing multiple breeds including the now extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog along with Great Dane, Boxer and more. The Dogo became popular outside Argentina in the 1980s. The Kangal originated as a livestock guardian dog in the Sivas province of Turkey, where it was used to protect sheep and goats from predators. It has existed for centuries in the Kangal district of Turkey. Both the Dogo Argentino and Kangal are mastiff-type dogs known for being loyal, courageous and protective.
Physical Characteristics
The Dogo Argentino and Kangal Dog have some notable physical differences.
The Dogo Argentino is a large, muscular dog originally bred for big-game hunting, including wild boar and puma. According to the American Kennel Club, male Dogo Argentinos stand 60 to 68 cm tall and weigh 40 to 45 kg. Females stand 60 to 65 cm and weigh 34 to 40 kg. They have a broad chest, thick necks and large, square heads. Their bite force measures at 500 PSI, which is stronger than pit bulls.
The Kangal Dog has its origins as a livestock guardian dog in Turkey. Per the United Kennel Club standard, Kangal males are 30 to 32 inches tall and weigh 110 to 145 pounds. Females are 28 to 30 inches tall and weigh 90 to 120 pounds. They have a heavy bone structure and powerful build. Their bite force can reach 743 PSI, making it one of the strongest in the canine world.
Overall, the Kangal Dog is significantly larger and more powerfully built than the Dogo Argentino. It also has a stronger bite force that could seriously injure or kill in an altercation between the two breeds.
Sources:
https://www.dog-learn.com/breed-vs-breed/dogo-argentino-vs-kangal-dog/
Temperament
The Dogo Argentino and the Kangal Dog have some similarities but also key differences when it comes to temperament. According to Dog Learn, the Dogo Argentino tends to be loyal, affectionate and protective with their family but wary of strangers. They are strong-willed and confident. The Kangal Dog is also devoted and protective of their family but can be aloof and suspicious with strangers. However, they tend to be more calm and gentle than the Dogo Argentino.
A key difference is that the Dogo Argentino has a strong prey drive, given its history hunting big game like boar and puma, whereas the Kangal Dog has more of a protective, guarding instinct. So the Dogo may be more prone to aggression with other animals. Both breeds need extensive socialization to minimize any aggressive tendencies. When properly trained and socialized though, the Dogo Argentino and Kangal Dog can be stable family companions despite their imposing size and strength.
Breed Purpose
The Dogo Argentino and the Kangal were developed to serve very different purposes. The Dogo Argentino was bred in Argentina in the 1920s specifically for big game hunting, including wild boar and puma. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed was intended to “find, chase, catch, and subdue” large, dangerous prey (Source).
In contrast, the Kangal originated as a livestock guardian dog in the Sivas region of Turkey. The breed was developed to protect sheep and goats from predators like wolves, jackals, and bears. According to the Kangal Dog Club of America, Kangals use their size, strength, and protective instincts to keep livestock safe (Source).
So while the Dogo Argentino is a tenacious hunter, the Kangal is a steadfast guardian. This difference in purpose has shaped their temperaments and behaviors. The Dogo has strong prey drive and aggression for taking down big game, while the Kangal is more calm and controlled when protecting its flock.
Aggression and Bite History
The Dogo Argentino and Kangal are both large, powerful breeds that have the potential to cause injury or worse. However, aggression levels and bite records can vary significantly between breeds and individual dogs due to factors like socialization, training, genetics, and environment.
According to statistics compiled in 2021, severe and fatal dog attacks often involve breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds. The Dogo Argentino has been involved in some fatal attacks, but data is limited given the breed’s rarity, especially in the US. There are even fewer records of serious Kangal attacks.
Overall bite statistics do not support the notion that either the Dogo Argentino or Kangal is inherently more aggressive towards people compared to other large dog breeds. With proper training and handling, both breeds can make loyal companions. However, every dog is an individual, so responsible precautions should be taken with powerful breeds to avoid potential injury.
Fighting Ability
Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kangal are powerful, athletic breeds developed for dog fighting and protection work. They have a strong prey drive and have been used for hunting large game. However, there are some key differences in their fighting abilities.
The Kangal is known for its extreme “gameness” – the willingness to continue fighting despite injury or exhaustion (1). This tenacity and refusal to back down enables it to prevail against dangerous predators like wolves. The Dogo Argentino may be less relentless, though still courageous.
In terms of stamina, the Kangal likely has greater endurance for prolonged battles. Its history guarding sheep flocks in Turkey’s harsh climate gave the breed superior hardiness. The Dogo was not bred to fight for as long a duration (2).
When it comes to technique, the Dogo may have a slight advantage. Dog fighting played a bigger role in its development, so it was bred for more refined fighting skills like targeting vulnerable points. The Kangal relies more on its brute power and instinct (1).
Overall, the Kangal’s extreme tenacity and stamina could give it an edge in a long, drawn-out fight. The Dogo’s greater agility and technical fighting prowess may allow it to prevail in a quicker skirmish. But in a battle between these two mighty molossers, either breed could potentially come out on top depending on individual dogs and circumstances.
(1) https://www.quora.com/Who-would-win-a-fight-between-a-Turkish-Kangal-and-a-Dogo-Argentino
(2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogo_Argentino
Legality
Both the Dogo Argentino and Kangal dog breeds face restrictions or bans in certain areas due to perceived aggression and fighting ability. The Dogo Argentino is banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act.[1] It’s also banned in many U.S. cities and states, including New York City and Denver.[2] The Kangal dog doesn’t face an outright ban in the U.S., but some homeowners insurance companies may refuse coverage if you own one.[3] Additionally, both breeds are subject to breed-specific legislation that may impose special requirements like muzzling in public, extra liability insurance, sterilization, etc. Owners should be aware of any laws or housing restrictions pertaining to these breeds where they live. Proper training and socialization is essential to ensure good behavior and avoid any incidents that could lead to breed bans.
[1] https://www.gov.je/Home/Pets/pages/banneddogs.aspx
[2] https://aepetsgo.com/restrictions-for-certain-breeds/
[3] Insurance research indicates some companies may deny Kangal dog owners coverage.
Risks of Dog Fights
Dog fighting carries tremendous risks for the dogs involved, both physically and psychologically. According to a PLOS One study, over 70% of fighting dogs had severe skin wounds and almost all had some form of dental trauma [1]. Fractured bones, deep puncture wounds, and heavy blood loss leading to shock are also common injuries dogs sustain in fights [2].
The pain and suffering caused by dogfighting have led many animal welfare organizations to campaign strongly against it. PETA considers it a form of animal cruelty and argues that “dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight” [3]. There are also ethical concerns around the use of violence for entertainment and gambling profits.
Beyond physical trauma, dogs bred and trained to fight experience ongoing fear, stress, and potential psychological damage. They are confined, socially isolated, and encouraged to act aggressively, which goes against their nature as social pack animals. The ethical issues around dog fighting thus relate to inflicting both physical and psychological suffering on dogs for human purposes.
Preventing Conflicts
The best way to prevent conflicts between breeds like the Dogo Argentino and Kangal is through proper socialization, training, and supervision.
Socialization from a young age is key for any breed. Exposing puppies to a variety of people, dogs, environments, and situations helps make them more confident and less reactive or aggressive as adults. Both the Dogo and Kangal should be extensively socialized as puppies to curb any unwanted behavior and promote friendliness towards strangers and other dogs.
Obedience training is also essential, especially for large, powerful breeds. This allows the owner to gain control and establish themselves as the leader. A well-trained Dogo or Kangal is much less likely to get into conflicts with other dogs. Basic commands like sit, stay, and come teach the dog to listen to its handler even when distracted.
Lastly, any interactions between the Dogo Argentino and Kangal should be closely supervised. Given their size and strength, things can escalate quickly between the two breeds. Keeping them on leash in public spaces and monitoring their interactions helps prevent any fights from breaking out. Caution is advised, especially when unfamiliar dogs are first introduced.
Conclusion
In summary, both Dogo Argentino and Kangal dogs are very powerful breeds that were originally bred to hunt large prey and protect livestock. They have strong bite force and protective instincts that could cause them to fatally injure another dog or human if provoked or threatened. However, aggression and uncontrolled behavior in any breed is often the result of poor training, socialization, or irresponsible ownership. Rather than comparing breeds and their potential for harm, the focus should be on promoting responsible ownership and breeding to minimize risk. No dog breed is inherently dangerous, but all large, strong dogs require extensive training and proper management to prevent tragedy. With responsible handling, any risks can be mitigated.