Is the Akbash Dog The Right Dog Breed For You?

While said to be an outstanding companion animal, as well as a loyal tender of the shepherd's flock, the Akbash dog is not for everyone. Despite his preference for lazing about, these large dogs still require a fair amount of room and are not well suited for apartment living. Additionally, a minimum of one brisk 30 minute walk, per day, is essential for the health of these magnificent canines.

If you're looking for a dog that won't shed, the Akbash's thick white coat this certainly not for you. Shedding profusely during the spring and late summer, these dogs do require a minimum of one weekly brushing.

However, if you can look past the fur, you may find that these highly intelligent and loving white dogs are the perfect pets for you!

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Akbash Dog

The Akbash Dog is native to western Turkey in the region known as the Akba_, and it is primarily used as a Livestock guardian dog. It is a large dog, weighing between 90 to 130 pounds. It stands between 28-34 inches and has a distinct white coat, long legs, and feathered curved tail. Life expectancy is 10-11 years.

It possesses characteristics of both mastiffs and sight hounds. The breed is often referred to as a sheep dog. This solid white flock guard dog is equipped with keen hearing and superior strength. The Akbash Dog is one of the oldest of the flock-guarding group.

Akbash Dogs are calm, quiet, independent, protective, brave, and affectionate. They will be aggressive toward strangers and strange animals if they aren't properly socialized and trained. Akbash Dogs are steady and peaceful, but watchful at the same time. They are also thinking dogs.

They are good with children and are good learner. Their intelligence, sensitivity, and desire to please, combine to make them very trainable dogs. But all training should be undertaken from a positive and motivational. Akbash Dogs is very good guardian and socialize with stranger. Even at young age strong guarding instincts make him strongly bond with livestock. They are also good with infants.

Akbash Dogs are are not suitable for apartment life as they are rural dog and require big yard to roam and run. They indulge in rough play without getting hurt.

Akbash Dog Puppies have litter size of 7 to 9. 

Akbash Dogs does not require lot of grooming as they are non shredders.

They are very energetic and great dog for rural purpose.

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Akbash Dog Breed Profile

Breed group: Flock guard

Weight: 90-130 pounds

Height: 28-32 inches

Overview

The Akbash is a fairly rare dog breed, and they are originally from the western part of Turkey. Shepherds from this area established this breed about 3000 years ago. The Akbash were specifically bred to be white so that they can stand out between the predators. The name of the Akbash dog has been derived from the word "akbas" which is Turkish for "white head".

Temperament

The Akbash is a dog that loves to work, and will thrive in a location where there is work that they can do. This dog will try to take control, and will work best in families with older children so that they can teach the dog to be submissive. The Akbash will protect its families by patrolling and barking - so you might expect them to bark at night. Akbash dogs are very clever dogs that are also brave and loyal toward their families. This breed is very committed and loyal to toward their owners. They are also very independent, and they also have strong defensive instincts. As soon as these dogs have bonded with their families, they will not show any hesitation to protect them.

Care

In order to keep the shedding of these dogs to a minimum, they should be brushed on a frequent basis. The Akbash dog should only be bathed when it is really necessary. When bathing them, be sure to use a shampoo that is mild and that will protect their weather resistant coats. If you dry shampoo the dog, it will also be adequate.

Training

It is important to socialise these dogs from an early age onwards, especially if they are going to be a companion dog. Because these dogs have a very independent nature, they will sometimes object to commands given by their owner. This breed will not do very well in advanced obedience training, but will do so in basic training. The Akbash dog is a slow maturing dog, and they will do best in a training environment which is fair and consistent.

Health problems

Health problems that are known for the Akbash are hip dysphasia and OCD. These problems are usually evident in the larger dog breeds, but not so much in the Akbash as some of the other breeds. It is advised that you only but the Akbash from OFA hip certified stock in order to prevent many of these problems.

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All About Training Akbash Dog Dogs and Puppies

While he was originally bred for the purpose of guarding and protecting livestock, the Akbash dog is equally capable of protecting a home or enjoying a comfortable lifestyle as a companion animal. Known for his gentle demeanor and loyalty towards his family, the Akbash is said to be very affectionate towards his family and all other members of the household, including other pets. He can however the rather aloof and wary of strangers, making him an ideal watchdog.

Despite being a fairly independent breed, the Akbash dog responds relatively well to training and enjoys the one-on-one time with his humans. When training an Akbash dog, it's important to start young as these magnificent white dogs grow very quickly, and you're apt to find yourself with a 100 pound baby who doesn't know basic obedience if you don't. For this reason, it's highly recommended the you start your Akbash puppy in puppy obedience courses right off the bat. Then, throughout your Akbash dog's life, it's very important to maintain consistency and continue to make lessons short and interesting. Mixed with positive reinforcement, your Akbash dog is sure to be more cooperative and eager to please.

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Akbash Dog - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting An Akbash Dog

Coat

The Akbash Dogs have long, smooth, double coat. Their coats are thick, with fringing. Akbash coats have two varieties: a medium-haired with flat, sleek coat, and a long-haired with heavy, wavy coat and feathered lion-like "ruff" around their necks. Both varieties are non-matting, weather resistant, and have little dog-like odor.

A typical Akbash Dog is white all over. They are light biscuit on the ridge line, or on the ears. Undercoat coloration is acceptable.

Activity

The Akbash Dog's activity is low, yet they are also extremely athletic. They need a long walk daily and a fenced yard where they can play freely. They require at least a quarter of an acre of space where they can run unleashed. Two hours of free play every day keeps them mentally and physically happy. The typical Akbash tends to be less active when on a leash, yet although they may enjoy the exercise, they will get less out of it than they could in an open environment. So, always keep in mind that leash exercises are less important for this kind of breed. They should only be relied on when their play area is temporarily unavailable.

Temperament

Akbash Dogs are popular for their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery. Although they are not hostile by nature, they make good guard dogs since they are usually not personable with humans. They can be a great companion dogs, too, if trained properly. Their breed is known to be independent, and may think they are better than their handlers during training.

Overview

The Akbash Dog is a powerful and dedicated dog. They are natural guardians, and their independent nature enables them to respond gracefully in an emergency. Their protective instincts are ideal for home and estate guardians. They tend to be strongly attached with their owners and other animals, and may display sensitivity unlike other breeds.

Care

Akbash dog's coats are non-matting, inodorous, so little grooming is required. They shred more than the average, so constant brushing may be needed.

This type of breed has an average life expectancy of 10-11 years. They are known to be very healthy, but cases of dysplasia have been noted, so it is essential for potential owners to purchase an Akbash from an OFA hip certified stock.

Training

Akbash dog is naturally independent, and is expected to hesitate when given commands by their handlers. They may need intensive training and constant socialization if kept as companion. This type of breed does well in basic training, but is not befitting for advanced obedience training. As with other breed of dogs, they are trained best with firm, consistent, and fair handling.

Character

The Akbash Dogs are primal guard dogs that need dedicated, sensitive, and knowledgeable owners. They are a working breed, and guardians to the livestock they tend. They are loyal to their owners and flock, and works best in an environment where they can be of great use. A trained Akbash dog makes great companion, as long as they are constantly surrounded by their families. Akbash Dogs can be good with infants due to their maternal instincts, and will risk their lives to protect their families and flocks.

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