About Akbash Dog Breed

About Akbash Dog Breed

One of the oldest flock-guarding dog or livestock guardian dog, Akbash Dog is comparing as a counterpart of the French Great Pyrenees, the Hungarian Kuvasz, the Italian Maremma and other white sheep guarding breeds. The Akbash Dog, native in plains and mountains of western Turkey dog while the word "Akbash" means "White Head" in Turkey, was a large lean, muscular and powerful with an elegant, racy appearance dog breed. Despite of being a large dog, they move with surprising speed and agility, able to run at great speed with a gazelle-like grace. He also has an acute sense of sight and hearing. Coat color is white all over. It is light biscuit on the ears or on the ridge line. Coloration in the undercoat is acceptable. They are weighing between 90 to 130 pounds (40 to 60 kg), averaging 90 pounds for the female and 120 lb (55 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.

According to a Roman author in the 1st Century A.D., "Sheepherders wish to have white dogs in order to avoid confusing them with wild animals, since, when the wolf attacks in the twilight, it is important that there be a color difference between the dog and the wolf; otherwise the sheepherder might strike his dog, thinking he was killing a wolf."

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 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 possess tremendous endurance or energy.

Akbash Dogs characteristics are a combination of the Mastiff and Gazehound, they still carries the same mental and physical traits that characterized it thousands of year ago.. They are powerful dogs with medium to long white fur, bred specifically to distinguish them from wolves. They have been bred as a guardian dog whose primary function is to protect sheep from predators. Akbash dogs are calm, quiet and brave. They deserve require respect in training and raising them. They will protect you and be affectionate to their family as well. But to strangers, this dog is a good guardian and watchdog. There is a graffito in the Phrygian civilization that portrays a dog similar to the Akbash wearing a large spiked color, such that they still wear to this day to help protect their necks.

Akbash dog's lifespan was ranging from 10 to 11 years. The Akbash Dog has a non-odorous, non-matting coat so minimal grooming is required. They do shed more than the average dog and could use regular brushing. They need regular exercise such as a run off-lead even though their actively level is low. Hip dysplasia, OCD, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, seizures, and umbilical hernias.