The Akbash dog is a rare guardian dog from Turkey. Originally bred as livestock guardians, they’ve become protective pets over the years. They thrive as loving family dogs with the proper training and environment.
“An Akbash is highly intelligent and independent,” says Dr. Nita Vasudevan, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance. “They require early and consistent training and socialization to become well-rounded pets.”
Read on to learn more about Akbash dogs, including details on their history, personality, and ideal environment, and learn if they’re the right breed for you. We’ve also got some helpful tips from experts on finding and raising an Akbash.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Turkey
- Size:
- Size: 28-34 inches
- Weight: 80-120 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Shedding:
- Shedding: Seasonal
- Hair type: Medium to long double coat
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
- Drooling level:
- Escape artist: yes
Appearance
Akbash dogs are large, powerful dogs with a unique appearance that combines Mastiff and Gazehound characteristics.
A few of their key traits include:
- Long body
- Long legs
- Deep chest
- Tail that curls up
- Large, wedge-shaped head
- White coat
Akbash dogs have ears that naturally fold down, pendant-style, over the head. In Turkey, however, the ears are often cropped when the dogs are puppies.
Healthy adult female Akbash dogs usually weigh 90 pounds, on average. Male Akbash dogs tend to grow taller and weigh more, with an average weight of 120 pounds for healthy adults.
Origin And History
The Akbash dog is one of several dog breeds native to Turkey. In their home country, they live in the plains and mountains as livestock guardian dogs. Mainly, they work to keep sheep safe from wolves and other predators. You can find them doing this work even today!
Their origins remain somewhat unclear, but they seem to have first appeared sometime in the 1900s. The United Kennel Club recognized them as an official breed in 1998. They came to the United States in the 1970s, and you can also find them in Canada.
Personality And Lifestyle
Akbash dogs have an independent, protective, and purpose-driven temperament, Dr. Vasudevan says. In short, their personality centers around their role as guardian.
Because these dogs are very smart, they respond well to training and can become loving family dogs.
That said, since their primary purpose is to protect, they can become wary of other pets and children they’re not familiar with. However, Dr. Vasudevan explains that exposing them to various people, places, and situations from a young age can help them get along well with people and other pets who enter their environment.
Due to their purpose-driven nature, Akbash dogs will do best with attentive families who can take the time to train and care for them properly.
Ideal Environment
Akbash dogs have a natural instinct to roam and watch over their territory, so they do well living on farms or spaces with a lot of land.
A large backyard may work for an Akbash dog—but it’s important to maintain a secure, fenced yard at all times, according to Dr. Vasudevan. “Akbash dogs are known to be escape artists, especially if they feel the need to patrol a larger area or become bored.”
Although Akbash dogs are natural protectors, they usually only bark when necessary. You typically won’t need to worry about them making too much noise throughout the neighborhood.
Dr. Vasudevan also explains that Akbashes aren’t used to much human supervision, so they usually do OK when left alone for a period of time, especially if they have secure space to wander. She adds, though, that they aren’t immune to loneliness and separation anxiety and do need regular human interaction.
Like most dogs, Akbashes need regular exercise. They enjoy roaming across their territory, but walks and interactive toys, like puzzles, can also do a lot of good for their mental and physical well-being!
Training
“An Akbash’s puppy phase typically lasts until they’re about 18 to 24 months old,” Dr. Vasudevan says. “However, they may continue to mature emotionally and mentally beyond this age, even as their physical growth slows down.”
She emphasizes the importance of beginning training as early as possible, ideally once your dog reaches the age of 8-10 weeks old. Early and consistent training is necessary to establish boundaries and prevent potential behavioral issues. Socialization should also play a major role in training, since Akbash dogs tend to be hesitant around strangers and other animals.
“Due to their independent nature, an Akbash dog may resist training if they don’t see the purpose,” says Dr. Vasudevan. “Therefore, confident training, positive reinforcement, and consistency are key.”
Specialized training
Once you’ve completed basic training with your Akbash dog, you can help give these intelligent guardians a purpose with other types of training.
Dr. Vasudevan shares a few examples:
- Nosework training can help stimulate an Akbash dog’s mind and fulfill their natural instincts.
- Agility training can offer entertainment and exercise, though it may not be the first choice since Akbash dogs aren’t as agile or driven as some other breeds.
- A job like guarding livestock or protecting your home can tap into their guardian instincts.
Grooming Needs
Akbashes have a double coat that’s long and coarse on the outside with an undercoat of soft, fine hair. They usually shed their undercoat once yearly, at the beginning of summer. You’ll probably also notice some light to moderate shedding throughout the year.
Due to their thick hair, Akbash dogs usually need brushing once or twice weekly, and maybe once every few days when they shed their undercoat.
To thoroughly brush through both coats, you can use grooming tools for long-haired dogs, like a brush, undercoat rake, and comb.
Health
According to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, veterinarian and spokesperson for Figo Pet Insurance, Akbash dogs have a higher risk of developing certain health concerns:
- Hip dysplasia: This condition involves a shallow hip socket that may cause pain and inflammation over time.
- Epilepsy: This neurological disorder causes recurring seizures.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: This heart disease is common among large dogs.
- Hypothyroidism: With this condition, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroxine hormone. Signs include lethargy, weight gain, and excess panting.
- Bloat: When large dogs eat too fast, the stomach can fill with gas and expand, causing serious gastrointestinal issues. Bloat is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Dr. Ostermeier explains that a dog’s size, genetics, and lifestyle can all play a role in health issues. That said, you can get a healthy Akbash from a reputable breeder who understands the dog’s history and lineage—and completes the necessary testing to lower their risk of an inherited disease.
It’s not possible to predict or prevent all health conditions, including allergies, internal issues, and cancers, Dr. Ostermeier says. However, you can lower your dog’s risk of health concerns by providing a healthy lifestyle that includes a quality diet, daily exercise, and regular vet visits.
The best diet for an Akbash dog depends on their life stage, daily activity level, and their metabolism rate. Dr. Ostermeier recommends discussing your pet’s lifestyle with your vet so they can offer guidance on their ideal diet.
Getting An Akbash Dog
Since Akbash dogs remain relatively rare in the United States and many other countries, you may not find one easily. Rescued Akbash dogs also prove somewhat challenging to come by, but a few reputable breeders in the U.S. sell Akbash puppies for around $1,000 each.
Before you get an Akbash dog, you’ll want to do some research—on the breeder as well as the breed! You can start with Akbash Dog Association of America (ADAA). This organization shares helpful information about Akbash dogs and breeders who accept the UKC Code of Ethics and ADAA standards.
When choosing a breeder, you’ll want to take steps to make sure they’re reputable:
- Read reviews of other people’s experiences
- Visit before committing
- Ask to see where the mother and puppies live
- Ask questions about the dog’s family history and health testing
Above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off or the puppies seem unhealthy or fearful, choose another breeder.
Alternative Dog Breeds To Consider
If you bring home an Akbash dog, you’re making a serious commitment that requires understanding their unique needs and providing the right environment, training, and socialization to help them thrive, Dr. Vasudevan emphasizes.
These dogs may not be the best match for first-time pet parents and people who don’t have much experience with large breed or highly independent dogs.
Not sure if an Akbash dog is right for you? You might consider other breeds with a similar personality or appearance. Examples include:
Whatever breed you choose, make sure to stock up on important puppy supplies and have a plan for training your new puppy!
It’s also a good idea to consider pet insurance plans. Getting pet insurance for your new dog can provide some peace of mind, not to mention save you some money on vet bills!
Resources
- About. (n.d.). https://www.akbashclub.com/about
- Akbash. (n.d.). https://www.ukcdogs.com/akbash
- Ostermeier, N. (2024). Personal interview.
- Vasudevan, N. (2024). Personal interview.
