Akbash Dog, Akbash Dog Breeders, Akbash Dog Picture

The Akbash Dog is native to Akbash, western Turkey where it is primarily used as a Livestock guardian dog. The name means "white head" in Arabic.

Appearance
They are a large breed, weighing between 90 to 130 pounds (41 to 59 kg), averaging 90 pounds for the female and 120 (54 kg) for the male, though it is leaner than other Turkish guard dog breeds. It has a white coat, long legs, and feathered curved tail. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a sheep dog, it is in fact a livestock guardian dog. At some point, the Akbash was combined with the Kangal to create the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

Temperament
Though historically a guardian dog, they are not by nature aggressive and make wonderful pets. The are very trainable, and whilst they enjoy activity, they are not overly active dogs as they were bred to lie down and watch a herd, not to round them up. That is not to say they are suitable apartment dogs, they aren't.

Health
Cases of hip dysplasia and Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) have occurred with this dog; however, the condition occurs rarely, and far less often than in other large, rapidly growing breeds. They will live to around 10 years.

Akbash Dog, Akbash Dog Breeders, Akbash Dog Picture