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| Breed: Akbash Dog |
| Also Called: NULL |
| Height: The Akbash Dog is about 28-34 inches tall. |
| Weight: The Akbash Dog weighs between 90-140 lbs. |
| Colors: The Akbash Dog can be all over white. Light biscuit on the dog's ears or on the dog's ridge line, or coloration in the dog's undercoat is acceptable. |
| General Appearance: The Akbash Dog is a long-legged, lean, muscular dog. It has great size and strength as well as a large amount of stamina and courage. The Akbash Dog is slightly longer than it is tall, having a wedge-shaped head with pendant ears. The dog's long tail is usually carried in a curl over it's back when it is moving or excited. The Akbash Dog represents a mixture of Mastiff and gazehound characteristics that are important to maintain. The gazehound influence is apparent in the dog breed's long legs, deep chest, arched loin, shallow lower jaw, tucked up flank, speed, and agility, while the Mastiff's contributions can be seen in the dog breed's height, weight, broader head, and overall impression of power. Gender differences can be striking in this breed. Typically the dog is proportionately taller and heavier than the female. The female appears feminine in comparison to the dog. |
| Temperment: The Akbash Dog is calm, quiet, and steady. The dog is highly suitable as a home companion or estate guardian. The Akbash Dog is a loyal, gentle, and affectionate family dog. The dog gets along well with children and other family pets, but remains aloof and suspicious toward strangers. It is also by nature watchful of other dogs and may, on its own territory, react aggressively toward intruding dogs. |
| Care: The Akbash Dog has a non-odor, non-matting coat so minimal grooming is required. The dog does shed more than the average dog should be brushed regularly. |
| Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, OCD. |
| Training: The Akbash Dog is independent in nature, but responds well to basic training. If the Akbash Dog puppy is properly socialized and trained, it is an ideal family pet and home guardian. |
| Activity: The Akbash Dog needs regular exercise such as a run off-lead even though their actively level is low. |
| Life Span: The Akbash Dog lives an average life of 10-11 years old. |
| Litter Size: The Akbash Dog has an average litter of NULL |
| Country of Origin: The Akbash Dog originated in Turkey. |
| Brief History: The Akbash Dog is a white livestock guardian breed native to the plains and mountains of western Turkey. The origins of this dog's breed is not known, but the Akbash Dog is known to be an ancient pure breed. The Akbash Dog is the Turkish counterpart of the other white guardian breeds found around the northern Mediterranean Basin. However, only the Akbash Dog possesses its unique combination of Mastiff and gazehound characteristics. In Turkey, Akbash Dogs are owned and bred by villagers and shepherds to protect their sheep from wolves and other predators. Recognition of these great white guardians as a distinct breed resulted from fieldwork done by Americans David and Judy Nelson who studied the dogs in Turkey beginning in the 1970s. The Nelsons have imported over 40 Akbash Dogs to the United States. These dogs became the foundation stock for the breed in the United States and Canada. In 1980, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced Akbash Dogs to its Predator Control Program where the dogs performed successfully. |
| Registries: UKC |
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