Pet Wiki

Dikkulak

Also called Turkish Dikkulak, Dikkulak Köpeği, Çivikulak, Zagar

Rare breedShort profile

From Eastern Turkey, in the provinces of Ağrı, Ardahan, Erzurum, Iğdır and Kars.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male10.1 kg1
Weight, female10.5 kg1
Height, male27.9 cm1
Height, female27.7 cm1
Sizesmall

Average weights reported on Wikipedia from Turkish morphological studies; individual dogs vary.

alert watchdog
hardy working dog
compact size
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short

A small, short-legged dog with pricked ears and a short, easy coat, built along the lines of a spitz-type herder.1

Colourswhiteblackbrowntanpiebald1

Personality what they are like

A watchful little guardian that is quick to raise the alarm with a loud bark. It is reserved with people it does not know and is kept mainly as a working dog rather than a house pet.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to work outdoors on farms as a watch dog, so it is used to spending the day active around the property.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.1

Home where they are happiest

Traditionally kept outdoors on rural holdings, either on a tether or free within a fenced yard.1

Company who they like around

Bonds with its own household and keeps a distance from outsiders, so early and steady socialisation helps.1

The story where it all began

The Dikkulak is a native dog of north-eastern Turkey, sharing its home region with the much larger Kangal. Farmers there have long kept it as a small guard that warns of visitors. Turkish researchers have recorded it in surveys of the country's native dogs and note that numbers are going down.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its short legs and upright ears give it a look reminiscent of the Swedish Vallhund or Pembroke Welsh Corgi.1

  2. 2

    It comes from the same part of Turkey as the Kangal Shepherd Dog, yet is only a fraction of its size.1

  3. 3

    One of its local names, Zagar, is also used for erect-eared dogs in Turkish studies of native breeds.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Dikkulak' comes from Turkish 'dik kulak', meaning 'erect ear', referring to the breed's distinctive upright ears.3

Name ideas for your new friend

ZagarCivanKaraBoncukAslanPamukRüzgarDumanFındıkŞilaBademYıldız

A day in the life told by a Dikkulak

I wake up when the rooster crows. I stretch and pad to the door, time to patrol the farm. I walk the fence line, ears pricked for any strange noise. A crow lands nearby, so I give a sharp bark. It flies off. Good. My human brings me water, and I wag my tail. I spend the morning watching the sheep from the porch. In the afternoon, I chase a butterfly but let it go. At dusk, I curl up in my spot, listening to the crickets. My human pats my head. I am happy, guarding this place.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

None (native landrace)
A local Turkish working dog described in Turkish native-breed surveys; no international kennel club recognition was found.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Dikkulak. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Dikkulak tip

For a small, active breed like the Dikkulak, choose low-calorie treats and break them into tiny pieces to avoid extra pounds. Introduce any new treat gradually, as some Dikkulaks may have food sensitivities, and if you notice any tummy troubles, ask your vet.

Source: hillspet.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Dikkulak, and at what times?

Feed your Dikkulak at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent morning and evening times work well. Always follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet.4

What should a Dikkulak eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality commercial dog food is a great choice for your Dikkulak. Be sure to avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. For a full list, check with your vet.5

How often should I bathe a Dikkulak?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but since your Dikkulak may spend time outdoors, you can bathe more often if needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Dikkulak need brushing?

Brushing once a week keeps your Dikkulak's short coat looking its best. Furry Diary's plan recommends every 7 days, which is perfect for this easy-care breed.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Dikkulak's nails, and how often?

Trim your Dikkulak's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut small amounts at a time to avoid the quick. If you're unsure, a vet or groomer can show you how.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Dikkulak need?

Your Dikkulak needs daily exercise like walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They were bred to be active outdoors, so a fenced yard is ideal. A good walk each day will meet their needs.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Dikkulak's teeth and ears?

Brush your Dikkulak's teeth daily if possible, or at least a few times a week, using dog-safe toothpaste. Check their ears weekly for moisture or dirt and dry them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Dikkulak live?

Lifespan varies for each dog, so it's best to ask your breeder or vet for an estimate. With good care, many small dogs live into their teens.

Is a Dikkulak good with children and other pets?

Your Dikkulak bonds closely with its family and can be wonderful with children if raised together. They are reserved with strangers, so early socialization is key. Introduce other pets slowly and supervise interactions.1

Can a Dikkulak be left alone?

Your Dikkulak is used to spending time outdoors on a farm and can be left alone for reasonable periods in a secure yard. They may bark when alone, so provide toys and a comfortable space. If separation anxiety occurs, consult a trainer.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Dikkulak en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, size, coat, colours, temperament, uses, status (secondary)
  2. Yilmaz, Ertuğrul & Wilson: The domestic livestock resources of Turkey: guard and hunting dogs researchgate.netused for background survey cited by Wikipedia
  3. creatures.com creatures.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.