Akbash Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

45-65 kg

Height

60-86 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Akbash

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

If you’re looking for a large breed that’s a natural watchdog, the Akbash dog breed could be a good choice for you. However, if you’re not an experienced dog owner, choosing your new furry family member can be overwhelming.

Is the Akbash right for you? What is the breed’s temperament like? Are they easy to train? You probably have a lot of questions, but don’t panic, this guide has all the Akbash dog breed information you need.

Whether you’re considering giving a home to an Akbash or you just want to know more about this fascinating breed, read along as we take an in-depth look.

What is the history & origin of the Akbash Dog?

The Akbash originates from Turkey where it was used as a livestock guarding dog. These large guardian dogs are thought to trace as far back as 750-300 B.C. Many believe that the dogs also wore spiked collars to protect them during fights with predators.

Because the breed developed during early civilisation, it’s possible that many breeds contributed to its creation such as Sighthounds and Mastiffs.

Flock guardians have been bred to bond with the flock which can be anything from sheep to children. These dogs are typically independent because they have to be able to operate without human help a lot of the time.

These livestock guarding dogs are used in the US and across the world, as well as being great service and assistance dogs.

What is an Akbash Dog breed?

The Akbash is a large guarding breed (United Kennel Club) that has a white coat with a medium to a long length which makes it look very similar to the Great Pyrenees. It has a wedge-shaped head with triangular ears, big dark eyes, and a long tail that can often be seen curling up and over its back.

The long legs enable it to move quickly and the loose skin around the neck offers protection against attacks. This serves the dog well whilst it’s guarding livestock against wolves and other dangerous predators.

Who is an Akbash Dog best for?

The Akbash has a very independent personality which can make it difficult to train. For this reason, this rare breed would be better suited to an experienced dog parent who has the knowledge and patience to carry out the right training.

This is a big dog and it will need a large home with a yard or a nearby open space where it can roam – this is not a breed that can live in an apartment! It’s also preferable that the Akbash live in a home with no other dogs or pets, as it may see them as “predators”.

However, if you introduce other dogs and animals early and slowly, your Akbash can learn to share their home with them peacefully.

Akbash Dog Grooming & Shedding

Because of its thick sheep guarding coat, you’ll need to brush your Akbash once a week to prevent tangles and get rid of loose fur. The areas of the coat with feathering will need special attention as they can easily become matted.

The Akbash usually sheds twice a year and during this time you may have to brush your pup every day to prevent your home from getting covered in dog hair! Bathing should be done around once a month, depending on how much your pooch loves rolling.

Be sure to clean and check your Akbash’s ears regularly to get rid of wax and dirt buildup. Additionally, a nail check should be done every month, with a trim if necessary and the teeth will need to be clean every week.

Do Akbash Dogs bark a lot?

The Akbash dog’s guarding tendencies mean that this breed often barks as an alarm, sometimes going a bit over the top. Expect your doggo to alert you if it feels there’s danger nearby.

Boredom can also cause excessive barking, however, daily walks and mental stimulation can help prevent this.

What is the average weight & height of an Akbash Dog?

The Akbash is a large breed that can reach heights of 86 cm for males and 75cm for females. When fully grown, males should weigh around 45-65kg and females around 35-55kg.

Young Akbash dogs typically weigh around 6kg once they reach 7 weeks old and they’re considered fully grown once they’re around 2 years old.

Are Akbash Dogs easy to train?

For an Akbash to become an acceptable family pet, early training and socialisation as a puppy are essential as this will instil good behaviour and stop bad habits from developing. The breed has a very stubborn and independent personality which means training can be a challenge.

Always choose positive reward-based training with both treats and verbal praise. Give your pooch plenty of positive experiences in unfamiliar surroundings and introduce it to new people and dogs as early as possible.

This can help to limit the Akbash’s territorial and protective nature. But, this instinct is very strong and will be difficult to get rid of completely. You’ll need to be very cautious when your pup meets new people and dogs just to be on the safe side.

How do Akbash Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The dog breed characteristics of the Akbash’s temperament are protective, loyal, and independent. They like having time to themselves now and again and since these dogs were bred to be guardians, their watchdog instincts are still present today.

Dogs bred to be guardians are known for being independent and so separation anxiety is not very common in Akbash dogs. They’re very intelligent and even though they’re not energetic, they are incredibly agile and can move quickly if they sense danger.

If they feel like something is wrong, you can expect growling or even a warning bark but aggression is not usually seen. If you want a reliable watchdog, you can’t go wrong with an Akbash!

Does the Akbash Dog have any common health issues?

The Akbash is prone to some of the same health conditions that Mastiffs may suffer from because of the distant relation. Although most are usually healthy, there are certain health conditions to look out for, which is why regular vet checkups are essential.

Some common health issues your Akbash may be at risk from include:

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid that can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Hip Dysplasia: A joint condition where the hip doesn’t fit properly, which can result in pain and arthritis.
Gastric Torsion (Bloat): A serious condition where the stomach twists, requiring immediate medical attention.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A heart condition that affects the heart muscle, potentially leading to heart failure.

What is the lifespan of an Akbash Dog?

Like most large dog breeds. the Akbash has a fairly short lifespan of 10-12 years. This is because large dogs age more quickly than their smaller counterparts.

However, providing a healthy lifestyle such as a balanced diet, regular vet visits and plenty of exercise to maintain the correct weight can help your dog to live as long as possible.

How much does an Akbash Dog need to be fed?

Your Akbash should always have access to fresh, clean water and a large water bowl may be necessary for this huge breed. A high quality and nutritionally balanced diet should be given, with food designed especially for larger breeds being a good idea. However, always discuss your pooch’s diet with your vet.

Most of the time, two measured meals should be given each day. However, the Akbash is a breed that is predisposed to bloat, possibly resulting in the stomach twisting which can be life-threatening.

This is caused by fast eating, so feeding small amounts more frequently can help to stop this from happening.

How much can you expect to pay for an Akbash Dog in Australia?

The Akbash is a pure breed and is considered a working dog and it’s not very popular as a pet, show dog, or an agility competitor. Because of this, prices for Akbash dogs are typically around $800.

Akbash Dog FAQs

How can you tell the difference between an Akbash Dog and a Great Pyrenees?

The Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are very similar in appearance so it’s easy to confuse the two breeds. However, there are certain differences. Firstly, the Akbash is leaner than the Great Pyrenees.

They also have long legs and tails with heavy feathering and many characteristics of Sighthounds and Mastiffs. They also have smaller heads than the Great Pyrenees and their coats are typically much shorter.

What colour eyes do Akbash dogs have?

An Akbash dog typically has medium-sized and almond-shaped eyes that are set far apart. The eye colour can range from dark brown to golden brown, with many people preferring the dark “puppy-dog” colour.

How many puppies do Akbash dogs have?

On average, Akbash dogs have 7-9 puppies in each litter. Like many large breeds, Akbash puppies take a long time to mature, with many not becoming full-grown until they reach 36 months old.

Do Akbash dogs roam?

Since Akbash dogs have been bred as guarding dogs to protect flocks, their roaming instinct is quite strong since they often have to work unassisted by humans. However, as long as you have a secure fence around your home, there’s very little chance of your Akbash roaming!