The Kangal Dog is an ancient livestock guardian breed that originated in the Sivas province of central Turkey  They were bred to protect sheep and goats from native predators such as wolves, jackals, and bears.  As a landrace breed they developed into a relatively healthy breed with uniform appearance and temperament in the isolated Sivas region.  The first Kangal Dog arrived in the United States in 1985 and the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1998.