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{"id":2781,"date":"2021-10-08T17:00:04","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T21:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/?p=2781"},"modified":"2021-10-08T17:10:05","modified_gmt":"2021-10-08T21:10:05","slug":"akbash-dog-breed-information-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/akbash-dog-breed-information-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"Akbash Dog Breed Information & Facts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A native of Turkey, the Akbash is a foreign breed with tons of qualities needed in any household. They also have requirements that should be met before they can call a place a home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting a pet dog is a wonderful thing. Not only do you have a companion and a friend, but you also get some added advantages including loyalty, security, helping hands for work, a cuddle buddy, and a sports partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re new on the journey or a veteran who wants to experience another adventure with a different breed, the pet quest is fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be daunting as well. It is one thing to fantasize about a little furry running around your living room, it is another to actually get one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the real world, you need to check a lot of criteria like energy level and lifestyle to make sure you fit with the breed of your dreams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we bring you the complete Akbash dog breed information and facts, including characteristics, history, temperament, and more, to help you decide if the Akbash is the right dog for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash Dog Breed Information & Key Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Puppy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Dog Breed Group<\/strong><\/td>Workers<\/td><\/tr>
Height<\/strong><\/td>27 to 34 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>75 to 140 pounds<\/td><\/tr>
Coat<\/strong><\/td>Medium, double<\/td><\/tr>
Color(s)<\/strong><\/td>White<\/td><\/tr>
Life Expectancy<\/strong><\/td>10 \u2013 12 years<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Loyal, alert, gentle<\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/strong><\/td>Turkey<\/td><\/tr>
Bred For<\/strong><\/td>Guarding sheep<\/td><\/tr>
Nickname(s) \/Other Name(s)<\/strong><\/td>Coban Kopegi, Akbas \u00c7oban K\u00f6pegi<\/td><\/tr>
Recognized by the AKC<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Recognized by the UKC<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Akbash Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Characteristics<\/th>Rating<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Adaptability<\/td>3\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Friendliness<\/td>4\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Child Friendly<\/td>4\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Pet Friendly<\/td>3\/5<\/td><\/tr>
General Health<\/td>4\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Grooming Needs<\/td>3\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Trainability<\/td>3\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Intelligence<\/td>4\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Playfulness<\/td>3\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Exercise Needs<\/td>2\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Energy Level<\/td>2\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Tendency to Bark<\/td>3\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Tendency to Drool<\/td>2\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Tendency to Snore<\/td>1\/5<\/td><\/tr>
Tendency to Dig<\/td>3\/5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Little Known facts about Akbash Dog Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Akbash<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fact #1: Akbash were bred to guard livestock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Akbash’s first purpose was to look after livestock, and they continue to play that role in rural Turkey today. They are not herders, however. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the German Shepherd, they don’t guide livestock except to steer them away from danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their main aim was to keep watch. With their alertness, it wasn’t hard for them to detect danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once they notice anything unusual\u2014say, a wild animal\u2014they alert their owners with a bark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fact #2: They always come with a white coat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Akbash is a plain white-coated breed. The color made it easy for them to camouflage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are no stripes or color mixture tainting the white, except around the ears where you find a little gray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people have a thing for white dogs because of the aesthetic appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is you, then you’ve got one strong reason to consider our Turkish friend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget that a white coat should be cleaned on a regular basis. It helps maintain purity and makes them beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fact #3: They make good watchdogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Akbash dogs still use their guardian skills in today’s America, except with a different purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of livestock, they watch over humans and their properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have a strong sense of discernment and can often sense when someone is up to no good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a warning sign if your dog shows discomfort consistently at the sight of someone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are not given to aggression and may not attack strangers, especially if well trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, they would bark. They make good watchdogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fact #4: They have thick fur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don’t have to worry whether your Akbash can survive the harsh winter or wonder if you need to keep them cooped up indoors at the sight of the first snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash dogs have furs that are thick. These furs cover them like a sweater during a cold climate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fact #5: They are calm dogs <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Akbash are low-energy dogs who won’t always run around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They love their space and won’t be all clingy with you. Separation anxiety isn’t their thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their calmness doesn’t translate to shyness or laziness, however. Akbash remains confident and on alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash Dog Breed History & Origin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Much of Akbash’s historical facts have been lost in the sands of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, it is believed that they existed 3000 years ago when they first started the business of guarding livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With their white coats, they blended in with the sheep to confuse intruders. They are also recognized as the national dog of Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash came into America courtesy of the works of Judith and David Nelson in the 1970s. The results of their work sparked interest in this breed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It didn’t take long before the Akbash got to the shores of North America. In 1998, the United Kennel Club recognized them as guardian breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash is the biggest guardian dog in Turkey, topping breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are also believed to be ancestors of the Mastiff and sighthounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash Temperament & Intelligence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Akbash is a rare breed with its own benefits and drawbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do note that the temperament of a particular dog depends on a lot of factors such as training, individuality, and gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two Akbash dogs may not act exactly alike. Take what you get here as a broad stroke to help you understand how your Akbash is likely to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash is a gentleman with a touch of chivalry towards his family. He is protective, loyal, and friendly with those he loves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always on the alert, he observes the environment to ensure no one comes against his masters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once he detects something or someone unusual, he lets out a warning bark. He also has a strong gut instinct that you shouldn’t overlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides his job as guardian, Akbash is a family pet. With a calm disposition and easy vibes, you don’t have to bother trying to keep up with his energy because it isn’t high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This calmness isn’t shyness, but it does make an Akbash suspicious of strangers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These dogs are usually not hostile, however. The wariness comes from old instincts that never died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a busy 9-5 worker or an entrepreneur with little time for the indoors, Akbash dogs are cool with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, they prefer being on their own and are independent enough to not wait for you to come back home before they keep themselves busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They enjoy their own company and are not prone to separation anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Is an Akbash a good family dog?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

Akbash dogs make it easy to be with. They are gentle and loyal, traits that any family would like.<\/p>\n

Rest assured they won’t slack in making sure you are protected. They are easy to keep up with as well.<\/p>\n

You don’t have to deal with a hyperactive pet when you are with the Akbash.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, don’t take this to mean that they are meant for everyone. Akbash dogs have their needs and challenges.<\/p>\n

For instance, their independence makes it hard for them to obey their masters. New dog owners are not advised to get this breed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Is Akbash good with kids?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

Akbash Dogs flow well with kids as they do with adults. In fact, one may argue they love children more.<\/p>\n

Back in their livestock guardian days, they looked after lambs and goat kids well enough. There is one thing to consider though. Children are energetic, noisy, and touchy-feely.<\/p>\n

They would want to be all over your dog, a situation the Akbash will not appreciate.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Though they are patient with children and their size makes it easy to accommodate the excitement kids bring, they’d rather be around grown-ups or the bigger kids who won’t overwhelm them.<\/p>\n

That said, if your child knows how to interact with a big dog like Akbash, they will flow.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Is Akbash good with other dogs and pets?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

Akbash dogs have no natural inclination to coexist with other dogs and pets. They aren’t really interested in getting along or making a new pet friend.<\/p>\n

They’d rather be the only animal in the room. However, training and socialization go a long way. If they are exposed to dogs and other animals as puppies, they’d grow up not minding that you have a cat.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The good news is they were never hunters, so their prey drive is low. You don’t have to worry about them chasing after a smaller animal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Male vs Female Akbash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Male<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just as humans have differences of sex, dogs have too. For some breeds, the difference isn’t spelled out. In others, you won’t miss it. While it may not be a thing to consider for some owners, it is for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some pet parents prefer getting the female of a breed for reproduction purposes. It is also said that females are less aggressive than males, though this is not always a given and depends on the breed in question. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others may prefer a male version for good reasons. Then there are neutral ones who don’t care. Whichever category you fall into, learning about their differences helps a lot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first difference between the male and female Akbash boils down to size. While the males have a height and weight of 32 inches and 140 pounds, the ladies are 30 inches tall and weigh 105 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is obvious which gender is bigger. Another obvious difference would be their organs, as well as the fact that females can reproduce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can choose to get your dog neutered (for males) or spayed (for females). Some people may advise you to go ahead with these procedures and cite their advantages, others won’t because of the downsides. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Be sure to do your research and ask questions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caring for an Akbash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All dogs have health, exercise, feeding, training, and grooming needs. They need to live long, workout, eat, get trained and look proper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take your Akbash to the vet for constant checkups. If you also detect any abnormal activities or a hint of infection, don’t hesitate to get them treated. Some ‘little’ medical conditions can lead to bigger complications if left unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your vet can also help you develop a care routine that suits your individual Akbash. What we give here is general information. Your dog may have some quirks that differ from the norms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, though Akbash dogs aren’t given to high exercise, you still need to get them moving to prevent obesity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also means regulating their food intake. Bear in mind their age, current size, and laid-back disposition while dishing out their meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their calmness doesn’t mean they are fit for apartment living, by the way. Due to their size and reputation as barkers, they are not suitable for an apartment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their white double coat comes in handy when winter arrives, just as it did while they were outdoors guarding flocks. That coat needs some grooming and trimming, as do other parts like their teeth and ears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akbash Food and Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Good food makes a big difference between a balanced healthy Akbash and an obese\u2014or underweight\u2014 counterpart. For them, as with other dogs, dieting and proper meal proportioning are essentials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risk of a poor meal is not worth it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give your Akbash a meal rich in nutrients. Keep in mind their size and get a diet fit for large dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not be negligent with their meals as that can endanger them. Akbash dogs, in particular, are prone to obesity because of their low energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An adult Akbash do well with 2 small meals a day. Quality dry food gives this breed the nutrition they need. Also, Akbash dogs need a lot of meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, Akbash dogs get obese with ease, so do not overfeed them. Obesity brings with it weaknesses and various other complications that would drain your income and endanger your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice your dog is putting on weight, check his meal and exercise rate. Counsels from a veterinarian can equally go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Here are some nutrients good for an Akbash:<\/p>\n\n\n\n