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.
Appearance
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.
Health
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.
History
The origins of the breed are not well understood but it is believed by some
to be an ancient pure breed. The Akbash Dog is thought to be the Turkish
equivalent of other white guardian breeds found in and around the northern
Mediterranean Basin. Unlike those breeds, only the Akbash Dog has its unique
combination of molosser and sighthound qualities. This breed was developed 3000
years ago, probably by shepherds who purposely bred for white-colored guarding
sheepdogs, perhaps to tell them apart from predators.
