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Breed Characteristics
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Akbash Dog
| Other Names | Akbaş Çoban Köpeği |
| Nicknames | Akbash |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
| Weight | Male: 90–140 lb (41–64 kg) Female: 75–105 lb (34–48 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Male: 28–34 in (71–86 cm) Female: 27–32 in (69–81 cm) |
| Coat | Double coat with coarse outercoat and dense, fine undercoat; usually has a moderate ruff. |
| Colour | White |
| Litter Size | Average of 7 - 9 puppies |
| Life Span | 10-11 years |
| Origin & History | Also called the Coban Kopegi and the Akbas, the Akbash Dog is an elegant, rare breed from the area we now call western Turkey. It was developed 3000 years ago by shepherds who selectively bred for white-colored guarding sheepdogs, perhaps to differentiate them from predators. The Akbash is a probable relative of the other great white herd guarders of Europe such as the Komondor, Kuvasz, Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, and even the distant Pyrenean Mountain Dog. The name Akbash come from the Turkish word "akbas" meaning "white head." This breed was introduced to North America in the 1970s by Americans Judith and David Nelson who had been conducting research on white coloured dogs in Turkey. Archeological evidence suggests that the earliest civilizations arose in the parts of the world began to domesticate animals and cultivate (or domesticate) plants. In short order there would have been a need for livestock protection dogs to care for the livestock. |
| Personality | The Akbash Dog is a primitive guard dog breed, requiring owners who understand canine behavior. The dogs are a combination of submissive posturing to livestock and dominance aggression—to stand up against bears and wolves. They require owners dedicated to constant socialization if kept as companions. They are naturally dog aggressive. In town with sights and sounds everywhere, barrier frustration-aggression is common. This is a serious working breed and is best placed where it can have a job to do. They are opportunists for taking over control so they are best placed with children over eight years of age, when the child can participate in submission exercises, with an adult, on the dog. Barking and patrolling is their primary means of defense and so they will bark if out at night. Trouble usually occurs when friends come over and aren't supervised by someone the dog knows. As a guardian/guard dog breed, the trained and socialized dog will defer to the owner when the owner is present and will be friendly and happy to visit visitors, however they consider unsupervised people as suspicious. This is an intelligent, courageous and loyal dog, completely dedicated and devoted to its owner and any livestock in its charge. Independent with strong protective instincts. The Akbash is a natural guardian that even at a very young age will bond strongly with the livestock it is protecting. It has such strong maternal instincts that sheep will often allow this dog to sniff and clean their newborn lambs and will flock behind their guardian when threatened. Because of their strong maternal instincts, they are usually good with infants. The dog's independent nature allows it to respond swiftly and without guidance in an emergency. There is no difference in guarding ability between the male and female. Some of the animals the Akbash Dog has guarded include sheep, goats, cattle, horses, poultry and exotic birds, deer, alpacas and llamas. Once bonded, these dogs will not hesitate to risk their own lives to protect their charges. The Akbash Dog has even been used by American ranchers to ward off bears and coyotes. Because of its strong independent nature, it thinks twice upon receiving commands. Not recommended for first time dog owners, or people who do not wish to have a serious guard dog. Companion dog owners should be prepared to spend a fair amount of money on good fencing and a lot of time on socialization and maintaining the humans pack leader status over the dog. The Akbash dog needs a firm, but calm, confident, consistent owner. Akbash dogs are capable of bonding very closely with their owners and other animals and can display a range of emotion and sensitivity unlike many other breeds. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Although cases of hip dysplasia and OCD have occurred, as with any large, rapidly growing breed, the breed as a whole does not seem to be afflicted with these conditions to anywhere near the degree of many other large breeds. Buy only from OFA hip certified stock. |
| Grooming | The hard coat is clean, non-smelling and non-matting but does require brushing to help the shedding process. They are above average shedders. |
| Feeding | They need a balanced. high-quality diet to stay healthy. |
| Exercise | They are a low activity level dog, but also an extremely athletic dog requiring a long daily walk and a lot of space to run around off its lead. |
| Other Considerations | Akbash Dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a minimum of a ¼ acre and at least a 5' tall fence. They should live in semi-rural or rural settings. This breed is quiet and clean in the house. |
