Akbash Dog

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Turkey

Group: Working dog, Guard dog

Height: males, 28-31 in., females 27-29 in.

Weight: males, 90-130 lbs., females 75-100 lbs.

Life span: 10-11 yrs.

Trainability: medium

Good with children: with early socialization & supervision

Good with other pets: can be dog-aggressive

What is the origin of the Akbash?

The Akbash (Akbas meaning white head in Turkish) is an ancient Turkish breed. Its origins are both with molasser-type dogs and sighthounds, giving them protective traits, size and power and keen eyesight and fleetness. Centuries of natural selection have given the Akbash a strong maternal instinct making it an excellent guardian of livestock.

What does the Akbash look like?

The Akbash is a large, powerful dog. Males are 28-31 inches tall, females 27-29 inches. Males weigh 90-130 lbs. and females, 75-100 lbs. Ears are v-shaped with slightly rounded tips, pendant and held close to the head. Eyes are almond-shaped, color varying from light golden brown to very dark brown. The long tail has slight curl when relaxed and is carried over the back when the dog is moving. The coat is double, straight or slightly wavy, with coarse guard hairs. It can be long or medium lenght. The long-haired Akbash has feathering on legs and tail and can have a neck ruff. In warm weather, the coat is shed. Coat color is white with light biscuit on the ears and undercoat. Regular brushing will help keep the coat neat.

What is the temperament of the Akbash?

The Akbash is intelligent, brave, independent and loyal. Its strong maternal instincts help it to bond closely with 4-legged creatures and its family. Every dog requires basic training and socialization, always using positive methods. The Akbash will defend its family and territory against intruders, but should be trained against over-aggression when off home property. The Akbash can be dog-aggressive, especially with strange dogs. The adult Akbash is not very playful. Children under the age of 8 or 9 should be supervised with the dog because of its size. They are not high activity dogs, but do require daily exercise. They are not suitable for apartment living.

What is the Akbash used for?

The Akbash loves to work at its job of herding. Among its guarding charges are sheep, cattle, goats, horses, poultry, llamas, deer, alpacas. The Akbash is best as a companion for people who understand their temperament and are willing to spend time with training.

Possible Health Issues

Hip dysplasia, bone cancer and other cancers, deafness, arthritis, cardiomyopathy