Akbash: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The akbash is a large guardian dog breed from Turkey with a white coat that comes in medium and long lengths. The breed closely resembles the more common Great Pyrenees. This dog features a wedge-shaped head with dark eyes and triangular drop ears. And their long tail often curls up and over their back.

Their long legs allow them to move swiftly, and the loose skin around their neck helps protect them from attacks. These features serve the akbash well in their role defending livestock from wolves and other predators. 

Learn more about the akbash, from the dog’s history and temperament to their exercise and grooming needs.

Breed Overview

Group: Guardian Dog (United Kennel Club)

Height: 28 to 32 inches (females); 30 to 34 inches (males)

Weight: 90 pounds (females); 120 pounds (males)

Coat: Medium to long double coat

Coat Color: White; light biscuit or gray shading acceptable

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

Temperament: Alert, independent, courageous

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: Turkey

Characteristics of the Akbash

The akbash generally has an independent and watchful temperament. Even though this dog is quite intelligent, they can be difficult to train due to their self-governing personality.

The breed also has strong protective instincts and will bark at—and potentially become aggressive with—perceived threats.

History of the Akbash

The akbash’s origin is unclear, as their ancestors date back thousands of years in Turkey. It’s possible that this dog has some mastiff and sighthound breeds in the mix. 

The akbash long has been used as a livestock guardian in part because the white coat allows them to blend in with flocks of sheep and other animals, giving them the element of surprise if a predator were to draw near.

However, this is not a herding dog. The breed tends to be territorial and wary of strangers, and will calmly lie among their flock scanning for danger.

The akbash began to gain a foothold in the United States in the 1970s, though it’s still a very rare breed. The American Kennel Club does not yet recognize it. But the United Kennel Club does classify it as part of its Guardian Dog Group.

Akbash Care

The akbash doesn't require a great deal of exercise, and grooming is fairly straightforward, though they can shed a lot. But you will have to put some time and effort into training and socialization to ensure that you have a well-mannered dog.

Exercise

Because the akbash is a guardian dog and not a herding dog, the breed doesn’t have extreme exercise requirements. These dogs don’t have to run around gathering and moving livestock, but rather they watch over their herd from a comfortable vantage point.

Aim for at least an hour per day of exercise to keep your akbash healthy. Walking, jogging, and hiking all are ideal ways to get some energy out.

Puzzle toys can challenge your akbash’s mind as well, though this isn’t an overly playful breed.

Grooming

Brush your akbash at least weekly to remove loose fur and prevent tangles and mats. Pay special attention to areas of the coat with feathering, which can tangle easily.

Expect periods of higher shedding twice a year in the spring and fall. You might have to brush daily to keep up with the loose fur during those times.

Bathe your akbash about once a month, depending on how dirty they get. Check your dog’s ears weekly for dirt, wax buildup, and other abnormalities. In addition, check their nails monthly to see whether they need a trim. Aim to brush their teeth daily.

Training

Begin training and socializing your akbash when they’re a puppy to instill good behaviors and prevent bad habits from forming. The dog’s independent and stubborn nature can make training difficult, even though they’re quite smart and can understand commands.

Always use positive-reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise. And be consistent in the behavior you expect when you give a command.

Give your akbash lots of positive experiences around new people and other dogs, as well as in various locations from an early age. This can help to curb the breed’s protective and territorial nature. However, that instinct is difficult to fully quell, so you’ll likely have to exercise caution when your akbash is meeting strangers and even other dogs.

Common Health Problems

The akbash is overall a healthy breed, though it is prone to some hereditary health issues1, including: 

• Hip dysplasia: This is an orthopedic condition that adversely impacts the hip joint, leading to symptoms like pain, unusual gait, and limping.

• Cruciate ligament injuries: This is an injury to the ligament that stabilizes the knee joint. Also known as ACL or CCL tear, it causes limping, and can be treated surgically.

• Hypothyroidism: This is an endocrine condition. It occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like thin coat, lethargy, weight gain, and intolerance to cold conditions.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy: This is a type of heart disease and a cause of heart failure in dogs. Symptoms include rapid breathing, weakness, coughing, collapse, and more.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat): This is an emergency situation that requires veterinary care, as it can be fatal. It happens when the stomach expands and twists.

• Cancer: All dogs can develop various types of cancer. This breed can be prone to lymphoma and osteosarcoma.

• Kidney disease: This inhibits the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the body, and it eventually leads to renal failure. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and more.

• Epilepsy: This is a neurological disease that causes seizures. Veterinary treatments can help manage or treat it.

Diet and Nutrition

Always make sure your akbash has access to fresh water. You might want to get a large water bowl for this big breed. Feed a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. A food formulated especially for large breeds might be beneficial. But you should always discuss both the diet type and the amount with your vet.

It’s typical to feed two measured meals per day. But the akbash is a breed that’s prone to bloat and potentially life-threatening stomach twisting, which can arise from eating too quickly. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help to prevent this, along with keeping your dog calm around mealtimes.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Akbash

The akbash is a rare dog breed. It’s not easily found at animal shelters and rescues, though it’s still worth checking. You also might have trouble locating a breeder, depending on where you live.

An akbash puppy from a reputable breeder can cost around $600 to $2,000 on average.2

For further information to help you find an akbash, check out:

• Akbash Dog Association of America

• Akbash Dogs International

• Akbash Rescue

Akbash Overview

If you have the right home and lifestyle to care for a large dog, the akbash is a loyal and loving companion. This rare dog breed doesn’t have complicated care needs when it comes to grooming and exercise, but it is important to properly train and socialize them from a young age.

Pros of Akbash Dogs

• Good watchdog

• Doesn't need lots of exercise

• Typically loyal and devoted to family

Cons of Akbash Dogs

• Can be stubborn about training

• Territorial and often wary of strangers

• Goes through periods of high shedding

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before bringing home an akbash, do thorough research to ensure that the breed is right for your lifestyle. Talk to akbash owners, rescue groups, responsible breeders, and veterinary professionals. Try to spend some time around the breed, too, if you can.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Anatolian Shepherd

• Kuvasz

• Great Pyrenees

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!