BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
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Breed Registries:
Note: The Akbash Dog breed is not recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), the American Kennel Club (AKC) or its Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. |
Origin:
Turkey
Height:
Males: 28 to 31 inches (71 to 79 cm); - Females: 27 to 29 inches (69 to 74 cm)
Weight:
Males: 90 to 130 lbs (41 to 59 Kg); - Females: 75 to 100 lbs (34 to 45 Kg)
Breed Profile:
The Akbash Dog is an ancient breed originating in Turkey where he was used to guard livestock. It is believed that his ancestry was influenced by both Sighthound and Mastiff breeds. Though a large dog, he moves with surprising speed and agility, able to run at great speed with a gazelle-like grace. He also has an acute sense of sight and hearing.
The Akbash Dog learns quickly; however, he can be easily bored with repetitive obedience training exercises so may not be the ideal candidate for Obedience competition. As a livestock guardian, the Akbash is an independent thinker and can be dominant toward other dogs. He is naturally calm but can display ferocity when protecting property or livestock. His aloofness toward strangers, loyalty, affection, complete dedication and devotion to his family and any animals in his charge make him the ideal guard dog.
Another characteristic of the Akbash Dog is, both males and females, have a strong maternal instinct, especially toward small and young animals and children. The Akbash will bond to whatever he is raised with. This is why it is always suggested that the working Akbash pup be placed with the livestock he will eventually be expected to protect.
There are two major coat types with variations in between: A medium, smooth coat of one to three inches in length; and a longer coat that may grow to six to eight inches. Both types have a coarse outer coat that is non-matting, and a softer, shorter undercoat.
Health Issues
Although the Akbash Dog is generally a healthy breed, the following conditions can occur:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Ruptured Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- Hypothyroidism
- Umbilical Hernias,
- Cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma, Lymphoma and other cancers
- Kidney Failure
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat) — As with any deep-chested dog, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Akbash Dog. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
While some of these conditions may be caused by environmental and/or nutritional factors, others can be of a hereditary nature. If you are considering the adoption of a Akbash puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Starting the LGD Pup by Catherine de la Cruz
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Akbash Dogs: A Breed Apart — By Judith Nelson (Judith Nelson and her husband David introduced the Akbash Dog to the United States in 1978.)
- Working Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD) — What is their Job?
- Livestock Guardian Dogs: Their Current Use Worldwide by Robin Rigg (PDF Format)
- Livestock Guardian Dogs Factsheet
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
