Family:
Breed Group: Mastiff
Origin: Turkey
Date of Origin: Ancient
Originally used for: Guarding livestock
Used today: Guarding livestock, companion
Other Name(s):
History of the Breed: Akbash is a Turkish word meaning white head. The Akbash Dog is a white livestock guardian
breed native to the plains and mountains of western Turkey. This breed is the Turkish version of other white guardian
breeds found around the northern Mediterranean Basin. However, only the Akbash Dog has the combination of mastiff and sighthound
characteristics. The Akbash Dogs are owned and bred by villagers and shepherds in Turkey to protect their sheep from wolves and other predators.
General Appearance: A very large and powerfully built ancient breed with a heavy white coat. The large head is wedge shaped and
broad across the skull. The muzzle has great strength at the base and is less than half the total length of the head. The top of the muzzle
is broad with a moderate stop. The muzzle tapers to a broad black nose with wide-open nostrils. The v-shaped ears are set high with the
tips slightly rounded and are carried pendant style. The Almond shaped brown eyes are set well apart.
The body has a long and deep chest that extends to the elbows with well-sprung ribs. The arched loin and long and powerful legs provide
the dog great speed. The tail is long and reaches to the hocks and is carried low with a slight curl when relaxed. When working the tail
is typically carried up over the back. The dog is covered in a dense white coat with the length and amount of feathering based on the coat variety.
Height & Weight:
Height 27-31 Inches
Weight 75-130 Pounds
Coat: A double coat, thickness of the undercoat will vary with the climate.
There are two varieties of coat length:
Long coat - The outer coat is long and may vary from straight to slightly wavy. Short smooth hair covers the head, ears, paws, front of the
forearms up to the elbow, and on the lower hind legs. There may be a pronounced ruff. The back of the forelegs, thighs, and the entire tail
are feathered.
Medium coat - The outer coat is medium in length and usually lies flat. In some specimens the coat
is bushier, but still shorter than the long coat. There may be a light to moderate ruff which is generally larger on males. They may have
little to moderate feathering on the legs, thighs and tail.
Color: White
Grooming needs: Low
Temperament of Breed: The Akbash Dog is loyal, gentle, and affectionate with its own family, including children and family pets,
but remains aloof and suspicious towards strangers.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, provided socialization is started at an early age.
Suitability as a watchdog: Good
Exercise Level: Medium
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Canine hip dysplasia, seizuring, hypothyroidism, umbilical hernias, cardiomyeopathy, bloat
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: Not Ranked
First Registered by the AKC: Not Registered
Registries: NKC, UKC, CKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
NKC -National Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Akbash Dogs International (ADI)
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