Akbash
- Giant
- UKC Guardian Dog Group
The Akbash is a giant white guardian from the mountains of western Turkey, long bred to protect sheep from predators. Calm and gentle at home yet brave and independent on watch, it is a loyal companion that takes its work seriously.
- Height
- 27 to 34
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 71 to 141
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12
- years, median 11
- Senior from
- 8.2
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Origin
- Turkey
The Akbash is a giant guardian breed from the mountains and plains of western Turkey. Large, lean, and muscular, it has an alert, regal look that blends Mastiff and gazehound characteristics. Males and females stand 27 to 34 inches tall and weigh 71 to 141 pounds, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
In temperament the Akbash is courageous, quiet, and calm. True to its guard-dog roots it is loyal, brave, and steady, fast enough to chase off predators and independent enough to size up a threat and respond on its own. Despite its imposing size, it is gentle and affectionate at home and gets along well with kids, making a strong family companion.
The breed is considered ancient, though its exact origins are unknown. Villagers bred these large white dogs to protect sheep, work they still do today. The Akbash mostly stayed in western Turkey until the 1960s, and the first dogs arrived in the United States in 1978 with a couple who imported dozens that became the foundation of the American breeding program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture began using the breed as a livestock guardian in the 1980s, and a major U.S. kennel registry accepted it in 1998.
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
As puppies they benefit from food formulated for large breeds, which supports a steady growth rate rather than fast growth.
Because of their deep chests, these dogs face a higher risk of bloat (a twisted stomach). A few feeding habits help: break the daily food into several smaller meals, use a bowl designed to slow eating, and avoid feeding right before or after vigorous activity. Talk with your veterinarian about other approaches, including surgical options.
To help your Akbash hold a healthy weight, measure portions and watch overall intake so you do not overfeed. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
Grooming
Akbash shed heavily. Their double coat needs weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep them comfortable. During spring or early summer, when they blow their coat, daily brushing works better. Expect hair on dark clothing.
Build a dental routine as well. Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in adult dogs, so include at-home teeth brushing along with professional cleanings.
Exercise
An Akbash is best suited to a semi-rural or rural setting where it has a job. Daily walking should still anchor the general adult exercise routine. Slower sniffing walks, play, and brain games can add mental activity, but games do not replace walking. The amount and type of exercise should be adjusted for the dog's age, health, fitness, and personality, with veterinary input when needed.
Outdoor areas used to confine an Akbash should have very secure fences.
Training
The Akbash's independent nature makes it a capable guardian, but that same trait can make training a challenge. Set clear, consistent expectations early and stay firm and steady throughout your dog's life.
Early socialization matters. These dogs tend to be suspicious of strangers and may react strongly when an unknown dog enters their territory, and good early exposure helps them grow into well-mannered adults. Akbash also mature slowly, so expect the puppy phase to stretch well into adulthood. Since they grow to over 100 pounds, address any behavioral issues during puppyhood before they become harder to manage.
Health conditions
2 conditions are documented for the Akbash.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Demodectic MangeSkin & Connective Tissue
- EntropionEye
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