Akbash Dog Breed Description

An Owner's Akbash Dog Description
There are many things I love about Sebastian. The way his kind inner feeling are expressed is absolutely wonderful. I got Sebastian as a guardian for my small herd of mixed animals, mostly sheep and goats, although I have a few emu and llama. Not only does he watch over them, he really concerns himself with their well-being. As is common with this breed, Sebastian actually acts as if he is adopting the herd, never mind which animal or breed they are.

He is rather aloof of strangers and would rather be with his mixed family. They, in turn, have come to trust my giant as their protector. It is common to see a lost sheep or misplaced newborn under the care of Sebastian. He will care for them as long as is needed or until the mother reclaims the lost.

Sebastian often endures abuse from the animals that are in his charge if it means endearing himself to them. He bonds so deeply with his 'new' family that he will exhibit a certain amount of depression if they are separated from him. Of course Sebastian views himself as an equal with our family, including our children. He has bonded with us much the same way as he has with our herd. He just loves to love. What a wonderful and beautiful creature this guardian is. I've never owned an animal that displays such nurturing characteristics outside of his own species and immediate family circle. I truly wish humans could be as caring as Sebastian.

Introduction

Dogs- A native of Turkey, these dogs are striking, white flock guards that have made a name for themselves on American farms and ranches They are used to guard livestock from grizzly, black bears, wolves and coyotes. Akbash Dogs stand 32" at the shoulders and can weigh 120 lbs. and up. These dogs need plenty of exercise and prefer a working environment.

History

Akbash Dogs have been herding livestock in Turkey since ancient times and appear to have primitive origins. Like many herding dogs, these large and majestic white animals appear to been bred to (visually) blend easily with white-coated sheep. Akbash literally translates to 'white head' in Turkish. That blending would make it look as if the flock was unprotected, so that predators would be more open in their behaviors and therefore easier for these brave dogs to stop.

Description

Akbash Dog is a big animal, slightly longer than tall, with a large head featuring powerful jaws. They run gracefully and have the visual acuity common to sight hounds, a distinct advantage for a herding dog. They have pendant ears with a rounded vee shape, set close and high to the head. Their almond-shaped eyes are oblique-set; color can range from dark brown to a light golden brown. Muscular throughout, they have a long tail that reaches to their rear hocks. Feet and toes are prominent and densely padded.

Temperament

Akbash Dogs are guardians of livestock, pure and simple. They DO NOT adapt to apartment life and do not thrive unless they are working. People who own Akbash Dogs as housepets must make a commitment to keeping them exercised and alert by every means at their disposal: daily walks of several miles' duration, intellectually challenging games and sports, etc. Today, many Akbash Dogs work as guardians of estates and ranches, tasks at which they excel. Like many herders, these dogs have been bred to be independent thinkers. Do not expect instant obedience to commands, as they prefer to think for themselves. They are instantaneous problem solvers when it comes to the protection of their flock or property. Their caring and nuturing ways guarantee total acceptance by the flock or herd they protect; this too increases their guardianship success. Socialize them early to forge the best human/Akbash Dog relationships.

Health and Care

Herders need little grooming as a rule, and the Akbash Dog is no exception. The dogs come in long haired and short haired varieties and both shed considerably. The outer layer of fur on the long haired variety will do best with regular brushing. That outer coat has a protective layer that repels dirt and grime, so Akbash Dogs rarely if ever need a bath. Both have a dense undercoat that sheds seasonally (and which may shed twice a year depending on the climate the dog resides in).

 

Sources

 

The Akbash Dog Association of America, The American Kennel Club, Akbash Dog Rescue, Wikipedia

Colors

White

Living Area

Akbash Dogs were most likely bred in wide open areas, and those same wide open areas are still their ideal living environment. The dogs will not do well in urban apartments or suburban houses, and will become listless and dispirited if kept indoors for too long a time. When kept in rural or sparsely-populated suburban areas, they should be given a large fenced area for exercise.

Recognized By

CKC, UKC, NKC, APRI, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Akbash Dog breeders with puppies for sale.