The
Akbash Dog is native to western Turkey in the region
known as the Akbash, and it is primarily used as a Livestock
guardian dog. The name comes from the Turkish word meaning
white head.
Apperance
It is a large dog, weighing between
90 to 130 pounds (41 to 59 kg), averaging 90 pounds
for the female and 120 (54 kg) for the male, but it
is leaner than other Turkish guard dog breeds, and has
a distinct white coat, long legs, and feathered curved
tail. It possesses characteristics of both mastiffs
and sight hounds. The breed is often referred to as
a sheep dog, but it does not herd its charges. Instead,
it is designed to live with the flock and act as a guardian.
The supposition of fact is that the
Akbash and the Kangal were originally distinct, natural
and pure breeds and that they were combined to create
the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
Temperament
The Akbash is not shy. When used as
a guard dog, it is not extremely personable with humans,
although the breed is not by nature hostile. The Akbash
can be used as a companion dog as well as a working
breed, and if trained appropriately can be extremely
personable with any creature no matter the size or age.
The Akbash has been bred to be independent and dogs
of this breed might think that they know better than
their owners during training. The Akbash is a relatively
low-energy breed. Because it is in their nature to lie
with the flocks they guard most of the day, they do
not require tremendous endurance and little energy.
That does not mean, however, that they can be happily
confined to small spaces. It is still very much a working
breed and is happiest when given a task to complete.
These dogs are known for their intelligence, bravery,
independence and loyalty.
Healt
Cases of hip dysplasia and osteochondritis
dissecans (OCD) have occurred with this dog; however,
the breed as a whole does not seem to be afflicted with
these conditions nearly as often as many other large,
rapidly growing breeds. Akbash dogs, like many large
breeds, can be expected to live 10 to 11 years.
