Akbash
Also known as Akbash Dog
- Height at the withers
- 71 to 86 cm
- Weight
- 41 to 64 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Turkey
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A large livestock guardian dog from Turkey, with an all-white coat and an athletic, lean build. Independent and very protective, it lives among the livestock; its color helped shepherds tell it apart from wolves at a distance.
History and origins
An ancient breed from western Turkey, used for centuries to guard flocks. Its name means “white head” in Turkish (ak baş). Brought to North America in the 1970s to protect livestock from predators, it is not recognized by the FCI, so it cannot be registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF).
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Hypothyroidism
- Osteochondrosis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Akbash FAQ
How big does the Akbash get?
The Akbash stands 71 to 86 cm at the withers and weighs 41 to 64 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Akbash shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Akbash live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Akbash need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Akbash good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Akbash live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric torsion (bloat).
