The Complete Guide to the Intelligent Breed of Akbash Dogs

What is a Akbash Dog Breed?

The Akbash a dog that guards livestock and lives in the plains and mountains of western Turkey. The Akbash is a rare, Turkish purebred dog. These puppies have numerous excellent traits, like loyalty, alertness, and intelligence.

Akbash dog in Turkey is an example of another white-coated breed that is widespread in and around the northern Mediterranean basin. These cute puppies have strong protective instincts and are very loyal to their families.

They are large dogs, they do best in homes with lots of space and yards, or in regions where there are open spaces. They are fiercely independent, they prefer to live with their human relatives.

Akbash Dog History

Akbash’s origins are unknown given that his family has been in Turkey for thousands of years. The Akbash breed is believed to have been developed around 3,000 years ago to protect herds of shepherds from raptors.

The breed has long been used as a livestock guard due to its white coat and its ability to blend in with flocks of sheep and other animals. Akbash breed is afraid of outsiders and territorial people, so out of fear it keeps to itself and the herd.

Akbash is a Turkish name meaning “white head.” They need to wear their white jackets. They serve as the national dog of Turkey. The still fairly rare breed Akbash began to spread in the United States in the 1970s. The United Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this outstanding breed under the parent breed in 1998

Different Names or Types

Akbash Dog Other Names

Akbaş
Coban
Köpeği

Recognized Names

Recognitions

UKC: United Kennel Club
FCI: Fédération Cynologique Internationale

Appearance & Characteristics

The Akbash Dog is a huge, muscular, lean dog with a watchful expression. Akbash dog is long-legged, slender, powerful and imposing. The dog has a wedge-shaped head with drooping ears, a long tail that is slightly higher than long.

When the dog is moving or excited, it is usually carried in a curl on its back. The majority of dogs used to herd animals are white. Akbash have a bright white color. Its coat comes in both short and long forms, and both have two coats a topcoat and an undercoat.

Its guard hairs on the outside are lengthy, and its topcoat is rough. On its legs, thighs, and neck, the hair will be a little bit longer. The type with the lengthy coat has long body hair.

Breed Basic Characteristics

Country of origin: Turkey
Breed group: Working Dogs
Life span: 10-12 Years
Size: Medium To Large
Height: 27-34 Inch
Weight: 75-140 Pound
Coat: Medium To Long , Double Coat
Type: Purebred
Shedding: Infrequent
Colors: White and Biscuit
Also as known: Coban, Köpeği, Akbaş, Aky
Good with children: Yes
Personality traits: Intelligent, Loyal, Independent, Brave
Good with pets: Yes
Barking: Infrequent
Competitive registration: UKC, FCI
Eyes: Their eyes are almond shaped and medium in size.
Ears: They have floppy ears.
Body: Strong body

Coat

The Akbash’s double coat is medium in length. Akbash has only a white coat. Their white coats help them blend in well with the flock of sheep. There are no other recognized colors in the pure Akbash breed.

Color and Markings

Common coat colors for This breed include.

White
Biscuit

Coat Color and Markings

Akbash dogs always have a white coat. Some of them may have very slight hints of light biscuit or gray in their undercoat or around their quivering ears.

Personality and Temperament of Akbash Dog

The Akbash is a kind dog that is fiercely devoted to its family. They are autonomous and occasionally enjoy having their own space. They were originally designed to watch herds of animals, and they still exhibit strong guard instincts.

These cubs are highly intelligent, and yet lack explosive energy. Akbash agile and strong when it comes time to take action. They also have a keen sense of fear. They will bark at visitors but are not very hostile.

If you want a watchman or guardian who will alert you to any potential visitors at the door. They develop early social skills with other dogs or household pets. Akbash autonomous and generally do not feel separation anxiety from their human counterparts.

Activity Requirements

Akbash does not need a lot of activity because it is not a herding dog. These dogs can gather and relocate cattle without running, and they do so while keeping a close eye on their herd from a comfortable vantage point.

Try to exercise for at least an hour every day to maintain healthy hips. Playing games outside and taking long walks are excellent methods to get children moving. Allow outdoor activity only in gated areas for the safety of these stray dogs.

These dogs enjoy running free, therefore only allow off-leash play in fenced settings. The Akbash is not a particularly lively breed, puzzle toys can test the Akbash’s thinking. He wants to spend time alone and does not like to play inside.

Trainability

The Akbash require the same initial training as other breeds, and three months is a good place to start. It requires a strong, firm, yet patient and experienced handler who does not use harsh language or physical punishment.

When you start training and socializing the Akbash as a puppy, you may establish positive behaviors and stop undesirable tendencies from taking hold. While being extremely intelligent and capable of understanding orders, the breed’s independence and stubbornness can make training challenging.

Provide Akbash a lot of early, good encounters with unfamiliar people, pets, and environments. This may assist in taming his territorial and defensive tendencies. You must use caution when the Akbash interacts with people and other dogs because it might be challenging to totally curb that tendency.

Health & Problems

Purebred Akbash are generally more susceptible to various health problems than working breeds. The Mastiff can experience some of the same conditions that the Akbash breed is predisposed to. It’s crucial to maintain proper care and schedule routine veterinary examinations.

This dog has hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, hypothyroidism Problems like dilated cardiomyopathy, gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), cancer, kidney disease, epilepsy can occur.

Hip dysplasia: The most prevalent is hip dysplasia, which affects the hips’ ball and socket joints and can significantly restrict a person’s range of motion as they age.

Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland in the dog’s body does not create enough thyroid hormones, this ailment develops. This in dogs is extremely rare.

Dilatation volvulus (Bloat): This severe medical illness is brought on by the stomach rotating and expanding, which traps gas and stops blood flow. Dogs with deep chests and large breeds are more prone to this problem. It might even be lethal.

Feeding Plan

The Nutritious food suited to the life stages of puppies, adults and seniors helps puppies thrive. They profit by eating food designed for larger breeds. This aids in preventing them from growing too quickly and getting hip dysplasia as they get older.

Their diet consists of vegetables that are abundant in vital vitamins and minerals, ground bones, and proteins that are biologically appropriate, as well as healthy fats. Akbash needs to consume fiber.

Their eating regimen Akbash puppies from 8 to 12 weeks require four meals daily. The puppy between the ages of three and six months has to be fed three times per day. A dog between the ages of six and one should be fed twice every 24 hours.

Living Conditions

The average lifespan of Akbash is 10 to 12 years. He can make a wonderful, hard-working friend. They can easily manage the exuberant play of children. They are low energy monsters and may prefer to live with adults or older children.

Akbash dogs are susceptible to hereditary health issues, just like all individuals are to inheriting particular diseases. Akbash dogs are “easy keepers” because of their working history they require little food.

Due to their thick coat they require frequent grooming at least once a week. Young Akbash dogs need more activity than older dogs. They should be properly socialized and trained starting from puppyhood.

Also Read: Morkie Dog Breed

How to Take Care of Akbash Dog?

The Akbash doesn’t need a lot of exercise, and grooming it is not too difficult. In order to have a well-behaved dog, you will need to invest some time and effort in training and socializing.

Akbash dogs have the potential to develop many genetic problems so it is very important to take care of them. It is crucial to give him good training. Providing nutritious food is advantageous.

Grooming & Brushing

Grooming is very important for Akbash dogs. It has a double coat with three different lengths it can be. Both carpet vacuuming and weekly brushing are necessary. During the seasonal shedding period when its coat changes, more frequent brushing is necessary.

Akbash should be brushed at least once a week to remove ingrown hairs and avoid mats and tangles. Expect peak shedding season twice a year, in spring and fall. Perform Akbash bath once every month depending on how impure it is.

Every month, check to see if she needs her nails trimmed. Dental disease is one of the most prevalent medical problems in adult dogs. Try to brush his teeth every day.

Feed Healthy Food

The Akbash Dog demands premium dog food because it is a huge breed. The stomach of a dog is not physically suited for the fermentation and digestion of carbohydrates.

Even kibble made without grains frequently include a lot of starchy vegetables like beans, peas, and lentils. The growth of the neurological and immunological systems depends on essential fatty acids. They ought to be chosen above carbohydrates as a source of energy.

The Following items Should never be feed to Akbash Dog

Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit
Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
Onions, chives, and garlic
Chocolate, coffee, or tea
Grapes or raisins
Yeast dough
Poultry bones
Salt & salty foods

Puppy Information

Akbash Dog Puppy Training

Akbash should train the dog as soon as he brings it home. Every dog needs training. Puppies require socialization, obedience and manners training. Through all these training methods, a young Akbash learns how to get along with every member of the household.

Behavioral Training

Akbash dogs require extensive behavioral training. This advice is very useful for caring for dogs. If you want to train a puppy through positive reinforcement, you must first identify some typical behavioral issues, such as barking, hostility, food security, whining, mouthing and chewing, separation anxiety, etc.

Obedience Training

The first and most fundamental step in teaching an Akbash to obey you is to let the puppy grow connected to it. It’s crucial to teach them appropriate doggie behavior around other dogs.

Akbash dogs are not difficult to train due to their high intelligence, dedication and desire to please. You have to be persistent and patient to train one of these creatures. Start with direct requests like “sit,” “stay” and “down.”

Socialization

Socialization is important for every dog. Do not socialize with individuals at the dog park. Change good habits regularly. Excellent options for socialization include puppy lessons and obedience training. Let them develop a sense of awareness and adaptation to their environment.

Akbash Dog Puppies for Sale

The Akbash dog is a brave, sedate, and composed breed. These gentle giants are trustworthy watchdogs and devoted family members. They are great pets and get along nicely with kids. Akbash dogs generally cost between $700 – $900 USD on average.

Things to Consider Adopting a Akbash Dog

This breed is not appropriate for novice dog owners because it is a working breed that requires tasks.
Due to its large size and tendency to run away, this breed is not suitable for tight spaces.
Akbash can perform without being directed, his forceful head-butting and independent nature necessitate early training.
If the Akbash is bored or disturbed, it may dig holes in the ground or act in similar destructive ways.

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Akbash Dog Breed