Akbash Dog
Dogs
Akbash Dog
Akbash Dog |
|
Country of origin |
Turkey |
Classification and breed standards |
Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
The Akbash Dog is native to western
Turkey in the region known
as the Akbash, and it is primarily used as a
Livestock guardian dog. The name comes from the Turkish word meaning white
head.
Appearance
It is a large dog, weighing between 90 to 130 pounds (41 to 59 kg), averaging
90 pounds for the female and 120 (54 kg) for the male, but it is leaner than
other Turkish guard dog breeds, and has a distinct white coat, long legs, and
feathered curved tail. It possesses characteristics of both
mastiffs and
sight hounds. The
breed is often referred to as a
sheep dog, but it
does not herd its charges. Instead, it is designed to live with the flock and
act as a guardian.
The Akbash was combined with the
Kangal to create
the
Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
Temperament
The Akbash is not shy. When used as a
guard dog, it is not
extremely personable with humans, although the breed is not by nature hostile.
The Akbash can be used as a
companion dog
as well as a working
breed, and if trained appropriately can be extremely personable with any
creature no matter the size or age. The Akbash has been bred to be independent
and dogs of this breed might think that they know better than their owners
during training. The Akbash is a relatively low-energy breed. Because it is in
their nature to lie with the flocks they guard most of the day, they do not
require tremendous endurance and little energy. That does not mean, however,
that they can be happily confined to small spaces. It is still very much a
working breed and is happiest when given a task to complete. These dogs are
known for their intelligence, bravery, independence and loyalty.
Health
Cases of hip
dysplasia and
Osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) have occurred with this dog; however, the
breed as a whole does not seem to be afflicted with these conditions nearly as
often as many other large, rapidly growing breeds. Akbash dogs, like many large
breeds, can be expected to live 10 to 11 years.
History
The origins of the breed are not well understood but it is known to be an
ancient pure breed. The Akbash Dog is the Turkish equivalent of other white
guardian breeds found in and around the northern Mediterranean Basin. Unlike
those breeds, only the Akbash Dog has its unique combination of
Mastiff and
sighthound
qualities. This breed was developed 3000 years ago, probably by shepherds who
purposely bred for white-colored guarding sheepdogs, perhaps to tell them apart
from predators.
External links
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