Akbash Dog Breed Description
Flock Guard Group
The all white Akbash Dog is a large and ancient guard dog breed from Turkey. The body is muscular, long-legged and slightly longer than tall. They are capable of running at great speed, have stamina, and a gazelle-like grace. In addition, Akbash Dogs have acute senses of slight and hearing. Males and females can look strikingly different; males grow faster and larger and take longer to mature, whereas females are more refined in appearance.
Recognized Registries: NKC, UKC, CKC, ADI, ARPI, ACR
Country of Origin: Western Turkey
Life Range: 10 to 11 years
Height Range: 27” to 31”
Weight Range: 75 to 130 lbs.
Colors: All over white. Light biscuit on the ears or on the ridgeline, or coloration in the undercoat is acceptable.
Trainability: Because of its strong independent nature, it thinks twice upon receiving commands. Not recommended for first time dog owners, or people who do not wish to have a serious guard dog.
With Children: Because of their strong maternal instinct, they usually are good with children.
Other Pets: Akbash Dogs begin to bond to other living creatures at a very early age. They have been known to form strong attachments to sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and other livestock; to poultry or exotic dogs, to deer, alpacas, llamas and other animals.
Climate: Tolerates cold well.
Indoor / Outdoor: Outdoor. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a minimum of ¼-acre and at least a 5’ tall fence.
Exercise Required: They are a low activity level dog, but also an extremely athletic dog requiring a lot of space to run around off lead.
Grooming Required: The hard coat is clean, non-smelling and non-matting but does require brushing to help the shedding process. They are above average shedders.