Today, we have another big, white, livestock guardian dog to talk about – the Akbash! Many thanks to Emily Musgrove for the information and Amanda Kaiser for the pictures 🙂
If you currently have an Akbash, please list the name, age, and gender.
I have fostered 14 Akbash mixes and 1 purebred mom. Ages ranging from 2 days old to 2 years old.
Are there any names/nicknames for the Akbash?
I only know them as Akbash, many mistake them for pyrs, or lab/pyr/golden mixes. They only come in white and are descents of the Anatolian Shepherd which comes from the Turkish Kangal. Akbash are basically white Anatolian’s but are now considered their own breed like the white GSD.
What are three words you would use to describe the Akbash?
Aloof, watchful, and loyal once they trust you.
What is the Akbash’s average size?
Breed size is 90-150lbs
What is the average lifespan?
10-12 years
What are common health problems of the Akbash?
Joint issues
How much grooming does the Akbash require?
Grooming, lots of brushing, lots of shedding. Tend to have double dew claws watch for rear dews too.
What was the Akbash originally bred to do?
Originally bred for guarding livestock mostly sheep and goats. They have less coat than a pyr so they do better in warmer climates.
What do you wish people knew about the Akbash?
This breed is aloof unless they trust you. If they choose to work you must still feed and take care of them or they will get up and leave. They can be difficult to motivate so they are not the dog for dog sports. They tend to be very quiet unlike the pyr and they also tend not to have prey drive problems. Mine have always loved cats.
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With the face you can see why they’d be mistaken for a cross. Beautiful dogs.
Great info!
“Rescued” ours from a craigslist ad. Would you believe he was living in a second floor apartment? ! The first few weeks he was with us his feet were so tender he could hardly walk he had only really been on carpet! He’s the biggest goofball! So big, so gentile, so happy! Love this guy!
I have never met any Akbash and also heard about the breed 😮 Thank you for the info. They looks so cute!
We adopted Beau (male 4 yr old) in March and can’t believe someone gave him up. So lovable and sweet, he’s a big hit anywhere we take him. Barks a little, sheds a lot, but he’s worth the work.