Malaklı Dog (Aksaray Malaklısı)

Aksaray Malaklısı is a native Turkish shepherd dog breed raised primarily in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye, especially in Aksaray Province and surrounding areas such as Nevşehir and Şereflikoçhisar. The name “Malaklı” is derived from the regional term “malak,” meaning drooping lips. In some sources, it is also referred to as “Malaklı Karabaş,” “Turkish Mastiff,” “Central Anatolian Shepherd Dog,” or colloquially as “Anatolian Lion.”

Morphological Characteristics

The Aksaray Malaklısı is a large-sized dog breed. Adult males can reach an average body length of 130 cm, a shoulder height of 90 cm, and a weight of up to 90 kg. The body is long, with thick bones and well-developed musculature. The skull is large and broad, with a prominent forehead, short and blunt muzzle, and drooping cheeks and lips. The eyes are round with drooping eyelids; redness in the pupils may be visible. The nasal region features a distinct sloping structure known as the “burun kırığı” (nose break), starting from eye level. A black facial mask (karabaş) is common.

The coat color is typically shades of brown; however, subtypes include “ala” (brown spots on a white background), “çapar” (tiger-striped), “sarı” (yellow), and “göğ” (sky blue). The tail is generally long with minimal curl and is classified by shape into terms such as “sadar,” “kamçı,” “L kuyruk,” and “toka.” A fifth, non-functional digit known as “soya” or “mahmuz” is present on the hind legs; individuals with double mahmuz are considered more valuable.

Malaklı Köpeği (Anadolu Agency)

Genetics and Breed Status

Genetic analyses have shown that the Aksaray Malaklısı forms a distinct genetic group separate from the Kangal, Akbaş, and Kars shepherd dogs. This has led to scientific interpretations suggesting that the Malaklısı may constitute a unique breed. It has not yet received official recognition at the national or international level; however, in 2016, the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office registered the breed under the name “Aksaray Valiliği Malaklı Köpeği” with Service Mark Number 2015 106607.^【1】

Behavior

The Aksaray Malaklısı possesses an innate guarding and herd protection instinct. It is primarily used to protect flocks of sheep and cattle from predators. A single adult male and female Malaklısı are sufficient to guard a flock of approximately 700 to 800 animals. Malaklıs generally work alone and do not tolerate the presence of other dogs within the herd. Adult males show no tolerance for male pups older than eight months, while females do not accept female pups older than ten months.

Breeding and Nutrition

Malaklı puppies are raised indoors for the first two months, then moved to outdoor enclosures. Daily exercise of at least one hour in open terrain is recommended to support muscle development. Individuals intended for herding duties are trained from an early age. Traditional methods include isolating them in dark areas to develop aggression reflexes and feeding them goat’s milk to foster attachment to the herd.

Traditionally, puppies are fed “yal,” a paste made from barley flour or bread. Their diet is supplemented with goat’s milk, eggs, and grape molasses. Chicken meat is given only after boiling. Adult dogs are typically fed twice daily: “yal” at noon and “top,” a thick mixture of barley flour, milk, eggs, and grape molasses, in the evening. Meat, meat broth, and offal may also be included in their diet.

The Aksaray Malaklısı is a slow-maturing breed. Puppies reach full size at approximately 24 months and attain complete physical maturity at 42 months. This extended development period requires specialized care and consistent nutrition.

Cultural Significance

The Aksaray Malaklısı is not merely a shepherd dog but a cultural element deeply integrated into the traditional livestock practices of the local population. Evliya Çelebi’s reference in his Seyahatnâme to seeing “a lion in Anatolia”^【2】 highlights the breed’s historical importance.