In an unusual turn of events attributed to climate change and warmer temperatures, Kangal dogs, a traditional working breed from Sivas in central Anatolia, find themselves without their winter coats in the middle of January.
Orhan Yalçınkaya, President of the Sivas Natural Breed Kangal Dog Lovers and Protectors Association, highlighted the adaptability of Kangal dogs to their environment and climate. He explained, “In summer, they have shorter hair structure. In winter, these hairs grow longer and thicker with the decrease in temperatures.”
Known for their resilience to cold weather, withstanding temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, Kangal dogs typically complete the transition into their winter coats by November. However, the current seasonal shift has disrupted this natural process.
Yalçınkaya expressed concern about the delayed thickening of the dogs’ fur, stating, “The seasonal shift prevented their hair from thickening. Although it is winter, their fur has not thickened yet. I believe that as the weather gets colder, they will lengthen their fur and grow into their winter coats. However, as a result of a sudden shift to colder weather, Kangal dogs will have a hard time for the next 15 days.”
This unexpected delay in the growth of their winter coats poses challenges for the Kangal dogs, who may face difficulties adapting to the colder weather in the coming days. The situation underscores the impact of climate change on not only ecosystems but also traditional practices and the lives of indigenous breeds like the Kangal dogs in Sivas.
