Akbash Dog Information

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Although the Akbash Dog is leaner than many other Turkish guard dog breeds, he is still a massive and powerful creature. The Akbash Dog has a huge head with very strong jaws and a set of well-developed teeth. They are muscularly built, and they have strong, arched toes with thickly padded feet. The breed’s solid white coat does not mat easily, and it contains very little odor. The hair is short to medium in length, coarse, and weather resistant. An Akbash Dog’s ears are curved at the tips, lie flat, and sit high on his head. Their eyes are wide-set, almond-shaped, and can vary from golden to dark brown in color. The breed has a distinctive tail that is feathered, curved, and long in length.

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Character

Akbash Dogs are primitive guard dogs that require sensitive, knowledgeable, and dedicated owners. They are naturally aggressive towards larger animals and other dogs, but they are extraordinarily loyal and brave to their owners and livestock. They are not hostile, despite their guard dog tendencies. Contrary to common belief, Akbash Dogs are not sheep dogs. Rather, they are guardians to the flock they tend. Akbash Dogs are independent and serious, and they do best in an environment where they can work or be of legitimate use. Trained Akbash Dogs make good companions, as long as they receive constant socialization from their families. They are natural guard dogs and form strong bonds with the people and livestock they protect. Akbash Dogs can be especially good with infants because of their maternal instincts, and they won’t hesitate to risk their lives in order to protect their families and/or livestock.

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Size

28-32 inches

30-34 inches
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Weight

90-130 pounds
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General Health

In comparison to many other large-sized dog breeds, Akbash Dogs are very healthy. Cases of dysplasia have been recorded, but the same can be said for any other breed of similar stature. When purchasing an Akbash Dog, it is vital to buy from OFA hip certified stock. The breed has an average life expectancy of 10 to 11 years, and they average 7 to 9 puppies per litter.


Due to inbreeding, loose tendons and knee caps sliding off to the outside in the back legs is a recessive gene condition.

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History

The Akbash Dog originated in Turkey about 3,000 years ago. The breed was initially developed by shepherds who sought a white-colored sheepdog. The exact reason for this color choice is unknown, but it’s possible the shepherds wanted a dog they could easily differentiate from predators. The name Akbash is derived from the Turkish word “akbas”, meaning “white head”.

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Maintenance

Brushing this breed is beneficial to assist the shedding process. Akbash Dogs are above average shedders, but their coats stay clean and do not mat easily. Overall, the Akbash Dog does not require a great deal of grooming.

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Ideal Environment

Akbash Dogs need a great deal of space and they do best in rural settings. Large fenced yards are ideal for this breed. The Akbash Dog is comparatively inactive indoors, so he should spend a substantial amount of time outdoors. No matter how much exercise they are given, Akbash Dogs do not do well in an apartment-type setting. They are very clean and quiet indoors.


Most Akbash dogs are perfectly happy living outside but may require a large doghouse in order to be comfortable.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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Akbash Dog Q&A

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1) Can my Akbas stay outside during the day over the Minnesota winter? She has a wooden shed, Dogloo dog house, and straw. 2) Will my Akbas shed more or have a less than optimal winter coat if I keep her inside at night? (I do). Mike

My female lives outside year round in Canada. She is happy with the cold winters and hot summers. She has a straw bed, but mostly, unless it is really cold - she just lies on the snow in winter and digs a hole in the mud in summer to keep cool. She has a thick coat in winter and sheds in late spring.

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do akbash dogs shed alot??

Mine sheds less then my other dogs but mine also has meduim lenght hair too.

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Do alaskan malamutes eat small animals like huskys do?

Are they good with people coming into the home and small children?

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Can akbash dogs stay outside in a dog house for some of the day or are they supposed to be kept indoors?

my akbash likes to roam alot outdoors and she usally only likes to come in to get breakfeast and dinner.

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What is a average price for a Akbash?

I have one and she cost $500 but I think it was a bit too much

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Is the Akbash the same dog as the Anatolian Shepard - just different name?

no

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Do Akbash have dew claws on their hind legs?

yes

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Do Akbash dog shed alot? Because my mother is very sensitive to dog hair but she does want a dog.

no akabash dogs do not shed that bad (or really at all)

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Are Turkish Akbash dogs aggressive with small children.

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We have 3 small grandchildren. Are they safe being outside with this dog?

yes yes yes they the are the best protector they have if you train them right

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