Akbash Dog

Akbash

Akbash Characteristics (Turkish Mastiff): The fearless and self-reliant Akbash is a Turkish breed of large dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group. The Akbash, is characterized by its imposing, long-legged, lean appearance exhibiting the unusual combination of characteristics associated with a gazehound and a mastiff. The Akbash has a powerful and muscular body, a wedge-shaped head and an alert, noble expression. Other characteristics include brown, medium sized, almond-shaped eyes with white eyelashes; V-shaped, pendulous ears, slightly rounded at the tips; a thick, tapering tail and an easy, fluid gait.

The temperament of the Akbash can be described as Independent, Loyal, Brave. The coat type of the Akbash is described as short / medium coarse coat in white coat color.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Akbash demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Herder and Guard Dog and is known by its nick name the "Turkish Mastiff". The origin of the Akbash dog breed was in Turkey where it was developed in the Ancient Times.

Fast Facts about the Akbash: The following facts provide fast information about the Akbash breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group *** Nick name: "Turkish Mastiff" *** Origin: Turkey *** Male Height: 28 to 34 inches *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 90 to 120 pounds *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: short / medium coarse coat *** Coat Colors: white coat color *** Litter Size: 7 - 9 puppies  *** Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Cardiomyopathy *** Lifespan: 10 to 12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Akbash Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group: The Akbash is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group.

Other names for the Akbash: The Akbash is known by the nickname of the the "Turkish Mastiff" and the "White Guardian". Other names for this breed of dog include the Coban Kopegi meaning Shepherd Dog.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Akbash" derives from the Turkish word meaning "white and black head", reflecting the appearance of the dog.

Akbash History and Origin: The country of origin of the Akbash breed was in Turkey during the Ancient Times. Its nickname of the "White Guardian" reflects the use of the dog as a protector of the home and of farm animals were it was employed as a livestock guard dog whose role was to guard and protect livestock as opposed to typical sheepdogs that herded flocks and herds. The Akbash (Turkish Mastiff)  was also used as a military dog taking on the roles of sentries, patrol duties and to protect and control military livestock. These large dogs were given the nickname of the Turkish Mastiff can be quite aggressive especially if they are angered or feel their flock is threatened. The Akbash is believed to be the ancestors of the fierce Kangal Dog. For further information refer to the History facts and info about all the Mastiff breeds

Akbash Modern History: The modern history of the Akbash moved on and was imported to North America in the late 1970s. Today the Akbash breed continues to be used as a working dog and is now used as a used as a Guard Dog, Watchdog, Farm worker and as a military and police dog. The Akbash breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but is officially recognized by the KIF, aka the Turkish Kennel Club. The United Kennel Club (UKC) and the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) that officially recognized the Akbash breed in 2015.

Akbash Height: This breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 28 to 34 inches. The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less.

Akbash Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 90 to 120 pounds. The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male.

Akbash Coat Type: The coat type is described as a smooth short or medium full coarse double coat.

Akbash Coat Colors: The color of this dog breed is a distinctive white coat color. The white coat of the Akbash sometimes has biscuit or gray colored shading around the ears.

Akbash Grooming Needs - LOW Grooming needs: The grooming requirements of the Akbash is fairly minimal, one grooming session per week is generally enough to maintain a healthy coat. Casual brushing is all that's generally required to its hardy, weather resistant, coarse, double, short to medium length coat. Grooming Requirements of the Akbash should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Akbash Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 7 - 9 puppies. Akbash puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Akbash puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Akbash Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Fearless, Independent, Loyal, Brave and Self-reliant. Other personality and temperament traits include faithfulness and confidence.

Akbash Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Akbash requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has an easy, fluid, vigorous gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Akbash Diet: A fully grown Airedale Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Akbash Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Akbash breed include Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Cardiomyopathy. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Akbash dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Akbash Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Akbash breed is 10 to 12 years.

Akbash Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Akbash breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Akbash names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Kerem *** Yigit *** Zafer *** Tolga *** Halil *** Okan *** Kaan *** Burak *** Mustafa *** Hakan.

Akbash Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Akbash names are Zeynep *** Beyza *** Sena *** Damla *** Busra *** Zehra *** Nisa *** Aylin *** Seher *** Kubra.

Fast Facts about the Akbash: The following facts provide fast information about the Akbash breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Turkey *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Akbash Height: 28 to 34 inches *** Male Akbash Weight: 90 to 120 pounds *** Coat Type: short / medium coarse coat *** Litter Size: 7 - 9 puppies  *** Akbash Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Akbash Lifespan: 10 to 12 years ***

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