Short History of the Akbash

Little is known about the ancient origins of the Turkish Akbash Dog or its white guarding cousins. However, experts believe that the breed was developed in Turkey about 10,000 years ago as a livestock guard dog.

They differ from herding dogs in the way that they don’t herd, but rather become an integral part of the group and protect it whenever predators are near.

The name “Akbash” is Turkish and means “white head,” which adds to the theory that these dogs were specifically created to blend with the herd. This allowed the dogs to be less detectable, hence making them more efficient guard dogs.

Similarly, the “Karabash” dog (meaning “black head” in Turkish) is also thought to have been developed for the same purposes, except for their herd is typically black.

For centuries, these dogs were used by farmers to guard their livestock from predators such as wolves. It wasn’t until the 70’s that an effort was made by U.S. natives David and Judy Nelson in Turkey to have the breed recognized for their working skills. The pair studied the breed and decided to import about 40 dogs to the U.S. By the 80’s, the United States Department of Agriculture took an interest in the dogs and successfully incorporated them into the Predator Control Program.

Unfortunately, the dogs are not yet recognized by the AKC, but can participate in ARBA and IABCA shows. The UKC accepted the breed on January 1, 1998.

Temperament

The Turkish Akbash’s personality is widely based on its original purpose as a livestock guard dog. It is big and brave enough to scare off large predators, whilst agile and speedy enough to capture smaller, quicker predators. These dogs are often described of as being; independent, serene, patient, and protective.

They are also faithful and loving with their family, but tend to be naturally cautious with strangers and other animals that are not part of the “pack.” Despite of their independence, Akbash Dogs respond surprisingly well to socialization and obedience training. However, one thing that owners must keep in mind is that the breed matures at a much slower rate than other dog breeds, so patience is essential when going through the training process.

Grooming & Bathing

The Akbash’s long, beautiful coat can be misleading when it comes to grooming because at first glance, it can seem as if they’d be high-maintenance; but in reality, they have a waterproof coat that doesn’t get soiled, wet, or matted easily. Brushing the hair once a week is enough to keep the coat tidy, clean, and tangle free.

However, it may have to be done more frequently when shedding occurs (two times a year) to minimize loose hairs. Baths can be difficult to accomplish due to the dog’s size. Fortunately, they don’t have to be given on a regular basis, and can be carried out outdoors.

Owners need to be careful not to bathe these dogs too often, as this can harm the coat and reduce its protective abilities. Additional grooming responsibilities that should be taken into consideration include; brushing the teeth/coat, nail clipping, and cleaning the ears/eyes.

Exercise & Training

Akbash Dogs have low activity levels and do not require much exercise. Nevertheless, they are not suitable for apartment life, as they need plenty of space to run around freely. This characteristic comes from the dog’s history as a guard dog, when it needed to move slowly with its herd and stay still for long periods when the flock was not moving, so that it could better protect them from predators.

Naturally, these dogs love to lounge around the house, but occasionally need to get rid of all the extra energy. They are large and fast, so a big, open environment is ideal for housing this breed of dog. Walking these dogs once a day is also helpful in keeping them happy and at ease.

Positive reinforcement is the training method of choice for Turkish Akbash Dogs, but some may require negative reinforcement once in a while to suppress dominant behavior. Negative reinforcement includes things such as making the dog perform obedience commands before getting meals or treats, using an assertive voice, and restraining the dog until submissive behavior is shown (licking, showing belly, etc.).

Owners must also be consistent with their training in order to develop an authority or “pack leader” figure. Last but not least, it is crucial that these dogs are socialized at an early age to prevent their territorial and protective nature from turning into aggression, as this can become a problem later on with strange people, pets, and new situations/environments.