Overview
The Akbash is a traditional livestock guardian dog from western Turkey. Its name means white head, setting it apart from the dark-faced Karabaş.
It is a powerful, independent worker that guards flocks against wolves and other predators. It does not herd; it simply stays with the sheep and defends them.
History
The Akbash has long protected flocks across the rugged terrain of western Anatolia, mainly in the provinces of Afyon, Ankara, Eskişehir and Manisa, with smaller numbers elsewhere in the country.
A national standard was published by the Turkish Standards Institution in 2002, and in 2006 the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs listed it among recognised native breeds. It is not recognised by the FCI.
Appearance
A large, strong dog, the Akbash averages about 45 kg and stands a little over 75 cm at the withers. The double coat is long or medium in length, usually white and sometimes shaded toward biscuit, with feathering behind the legs and a heavily feathered tail.
The white coat is practical, helping shepherds distinguish the dog from a wolf even in the dark.
Temperament
The Akbash is calm, watchful and self-reliant, bred to make decisions on its own while guarding a flock. It is devoted to its charges and reserved or suspicious with strangers.
It is not a dog for novices. It needs firm, patient, experienced handling and thorough socialisation from a young age.
Care and exercise
This is a working guardian that needs space, ideally with livestock or a large secure property with strong fencing. It is not suited to small homes or city life.
It needs steady daily activity rather than intense exercise. Brush the coat regularly, especially during the seasonal shed.
Health
The Akbash is generally a hardy working breed. As with other large dogs, hip problems and bloat can occur, and a lifespan of about 10 to 11 years is typical.
