May 30 • Breed of the Week
Akbash
Akbash
The Akbash is a breed that originates from the old country of Anatolia which is now modern day Turkey. They are considered related to the Kangal, also known as the Karabash, which is also from modern day Turkey. Akbash is Turkish for “white head” (and Karabash is Turkish for “dark head”).
The precise history of the Akbash is currently unknown but they are thought to be the oldest livestock guardian breeds at around 3,000 years old according to some Turkish sources. Much like the Great Pyrenees, the Akbash was bred to blend in with livestock to have the upper hand (upper paw?) on predators.
The Akbash is a rather large dog with one of the oldest canine jobs since dogs had become domesticated: livestock guarding. They are considered one of the, if not original, main livestock protection dog breeds and their origin is thought to go back as far as the founding of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent which is located in the middle east. The Akbash was dominantly kept in the western part of the country where there was plenty of sheep herding. As modern day starts to roll around and vehicles aid in better and faster transportation it is likely that various livestock protection dogs interbred which also caused there to be variety in the coat color (cream and white).
The breed is thought to be a cross between a sighthound and a mastiff according to a couple of the sources. This cross gave them the athleticism of the sighthound with the size of the mastiff. The sources where I found this information did not provide any primary context as to why this was believed. Perhaps the answer lies in DNA testing. They are typically between 90-145lbs with a short-medium double coat and stand between 28-34in tall. They are very independent and know how to do their job well but are not typically the type to get into a fight if they believe they will be overpowered such as with a bear or pack of wolves.
The breed can be found outside of Turkey, including the United States, and is still used for livestock guarding all around the world. They are most popular with farmers and ranchers but are piquing the interest of families to have them as pets. The Akbash specifically is typically good with children, other animals including smaller ones due to low prey drive compared to other livestock protection breeds. Just be mindful if you do have smaller animals since the Akbash is such a large dog as accidents could happen. Keep in mind who the Akbash sleeps around they will develop a deep bond with and that is who they will feel most protective of.
They are very independently minded and are not for beginners especially with things like socialization and being in public. If not exposed early and correctly the Akbash may feel as if everyone outside of their home is someone to protect the family from. If you plan on getting one, and especially if you do not have a job for it to do, contact a trainer with experience with this particular breed or similar. Be sure to do your due diligence and check their training methods and do your own research on how this dog learns and what they respond best to based on your concerns, your goal and what method you are comfortable with.
Sources: https://akbashdogs.org/history-of-akbash-dogs, https://dogacademy.org/breeds/akbash,https://ncraoa.com/akbash-breed/
I did my best to make sure these are in fact Akbash in the photos and not Anatolian Shepherds 🤪
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Akbash
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