The Aksaray Malaklısı is a native shepherd dog breed raised in Türkiye's Central Anatolia Region, particularly in and around the province of Aksaray (including areas such as Nevşehir and Şereflikoçhisar). The name “Malaklı” is derived from the regional word malak, meaning "drooping lips." In some sources, it is also referred to as “Malaklı Karabaş,” “Turkish Mastiff,” “Central Anatolian Shepherd Dog,” or colloquially, “The Anatolian Lion.”

Morphological Characteristics

The Aksaray Malaklısı is a large-bodied dog breed. Adult males can reach an average body length of 130 cm, a shoulder height of 90 cm, and a weight of 90 kg. Its body is long, with thick bones and well-developed muscle structure. The skull is large and broad, with a prominent brow ridge; the muzzle is short and blunt, and the cheeks and lips are droopy. The eyes are round with sagging eyelids, and redness can be observed in the pupils. From the eye line down, the nose has a sloped structure known as the “nose break.” A black facial mask (karabaş) is common.

The coat color is generally in shades of gray (boz), but other variants include ala (white with brown patches), çapar (tiger-striped), sarı (yellowish), and göğ (sky blue-gray). The tail is usually long with little curvature and is described with names such as “sadar,” “whip,” “L-tail,” and “buckle.” On the hind legs, there is often a non-functional fifth toe, known as “soya” or “mahmuz” (dewclaw); individuals with double dewclaws are considered more valuable.

^{Malaklı Dog (Anadolu Agency)}

Genetics and Breed Status

Genetic analyses have shown that the Aksaray Malaklısı forms a distinct group separate from other Turkish shepherd dog breeds such as the Kangal, Akbaş, and Kars dogs. This has led to scientific interpretations suggesting that Malaklı may be a separate breed. While it is not yet officially registered as a breed at national or international levels, in 2016, it was registered as a brand under the name “Aksaray Valiliği Malaklı Köpeği” by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office with the service trademark number 2015 106607.

Behavior

The Aksaray Malaklısı has a natural instinct for guarding and protecting herds. It is primarily used to defend sheep and cattle from predators. Typically, one adult male and one adult female Malaklı are sufficient to guard a herd of 700–800 animals. These dogs usually work alone and do not accept other dogs in the herd. Adult males are intolerant of male puppies older than 8 months, while adult females reject female puppies over 10 months of age.

Breeding and Feeding

Malaklı puppies are raised indoors for the first two months, then moved to an outdoor environment. At least one hour of daily exercise in an open field is recommended to promote muscle development. Individuals intended for herd protection are trained from an early age. Traditional methods include confining them to dark areas to develop aggressive instincts and feeding them livestock milk to reinforce herd attachment.

In terms of feeding, a traditional gruel called “yal” (made from barley flour or bread mash) is used for puppies. It is supplemented with goat milk, eggs, and molasses. Chicken meat is given only after being boiled. Adult dogs are generally fed twice a day: yal at noon and a solid mix called “top” (barley flour, milk, eggs, and molasses) in the evening. Meat, broth, and offal may also be included in their diet.

The Aksaray Malaklı is a slow-maturing breed. Puppies reach adulthood in about 24 months and full physical maturity by 42 months, requiring special care and regular feeding throughout this extended developmental period.

Cultural Significance

The Aksaray Malaklı is not only a shepherd dog but also a cultural symbol deeply embedded in the traditional pastoral lifestyle of the local community. Its historical significance is reflected in Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatnâme, where he writes: “I saw a lion in Anatolia” — a reference to this formidable breed.