Akbash: features, advantages and disadvantages, temperament and basics of care

Akbash is a unique shepherd dog, and in its working qualities it stands out from the other breeds used to protect the herd. Being an excellent security guard with a well-developed sense of duty, Akbash under no circumstances will throw not only a flock, but also a lamb or a weakened individual lagging behind it.

The history of the creation of the Turkish akbash breed is rooted in the distant past. According to some sources, their closest relatives are the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Kangal Karabash, Pyrenees Mountain Dog, Hungarian Komondor and Podhalyan Shepherd. Since ancient times, the main purpose of the breed has been the protection and grazing of livestock, which Akbashi dealt with much better than other shepherd dogs living at that time in Turkey. The large dog was able to compete on equal terms with several wolves and repel the attacks of the bear, which other breeds could not boast of course.

For a long time, dogs of this breed were bred exclusively in Turkey, and they became more widespread only in the second half of the 70s of the last century, when they were imported to the United States of America. The Americans really liked the hitherto unknown breed, and they began to actively breed this noble and fearless dog. However, in America, the animal was no longer used for its intended purpose - as a shepherd, but more as a guard and companion.

Due to the non-recognition by the International Kennel Federation of an official standard, the Akbash breed simply does not exist. However, based on the results of breeding work by specialists from large nurseries in Turkey and the USA, a fairly clear description of the breed can be made. So, its representatives are large dogs of a white color, with long and straight legs and a shaggy tail. It is the color that the breed owes its name to, since in translation from Turkish the word "akbash" means "white-headed". A distinctive feature of dogs is the well-developed muscles of the back and legs, as well as a head of impressive size.

As for the coat, there is no clear standard here, and dogs inside the breed can have several coat options.

In both cases, the color always remains white, and the undercoat, consisting of soft, tight-fitting hair, reliably protects the dog from temperature extremes. Akbash is a rather tall breed, and if the growth of bitches varies from 69 to 75 cm at the withers, then in some males it reaches 86-87 cm. The weight of animals ranges from 40 kg in females and up to 60 kg in large males. The life expectancy of representatives of this breed is 10-12 years.

Describing akbash, one cannot but mention the fact that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in early 2019 released an updated version of the list of dogs of especially dangerous breeds.

Akbash is also on this list for a number of reasons, and therefore needs special content rules that must be followed. However, with the proper upbringing and use of the dog for its intended purpose, akbash can turn out to be an excellent shepherd, a reliable property guard and a fearless defender.

The demand for Akbash among livestock owners and a genuine interest in the breed among the inhabitants due to a number of indisputable advantages of this unique breed.

• Dogs are distinguished by high intelligence and quick wit, because of which they can increasingly be found in the roles of a guard and companion.
• The loyalty and independence of Akbash is well known to dog handlers. The dog will never give offense to the owner, and she herself will determine the degree and reality of the threat emanating from the offender.
• Representatives of the breed are distinguished by an enviable responsibility and under no circumstances leave their post. In this they differ from many shepherd breeds, for example, from a kangal who, without hesitation, will drop the herd and run after the wolf or any other predatory animal. Akbash will either deal with the predator on the spot, or simply scare him away from the flock, but will never rush after.
• High endurance and unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention allow you to use the dog to protect nomadic herds, which constantly move long distances in search of better pasture. The dog will tirelessly help the shepherd and keep the herd in full control.

The disadvantages of the breed include difficulties in education, which are especially felt at the initial stage of training. During this period, the young animal tries to dominate the owner or members of his family, requires the owner of iron endurance and perseverance. However, with a professional approach and observing the recommendations of experienced dog handlers, the dog’s indefatigable energy can be quickly directed into the right direction, after which such problems, as a rule, do not arise. It should be said about the ruthlessness of the offender, whom Akbash is unlikely to bite out of his mouth on his own initiative.

It is precisely because of excessive aggressiveness towards territory violators or attackers that the dog was classified as dangerous. For the sake of justice, it is worth noting that Akbash dearly loves his family and friends of the family and will never allow himself aggression against them. However, the owner under such a guard should be treated quite respectfully, and even jokingly do not raise his voice and raise his hand. Otherwise, the Akbash will not particularly understand the jokes of the attacks, answering the alleged "offender" in all seriousness.

Despite the fact that in Turkey Akbash is considered to be a wolfhound, out of work in the herd and in a relaxed home environment, they are absolutely not cocky and get along well with all the pets living with them in the same house. Akbashi strangers are very wary, so any territorial invasion of neighboring cats and dogs can end very sadly. It is worth noting that in neutral territory the dog will not pay any attention to outsiders, unless the owner is threatened by it. However, visitors who first come to the house will not immediately bite the dog, but at first they will analyze the purpose of the visit and look at the reaction of the owner.

If the Akbash sees the owner’s friendliness to the newcomer, he will step aside and settle down with an independent look. However, indifference will only be ostentatious: in fact, the dog will closely monitor the situation and keep it under control. According to this character trait, many breeders compare akbash with a German shepherd, well-known for its high intelligence, "worldly" wisdom and the ability to make decisions independently.

Another important advantage of the character of akbash is his ability to get along with children, which can not be said about most other shepherd breeds, which at best simply ignore babies. Akbash, in relation to the child, will show some dominance, but absolutely without malice and aggression. Even if the child begins to annoy the Akbash too much with his games, the dog will endure his liberties for a long time, and then just go to a secluded place.

However, due to the size of the dog being too large, it is impossible to leave very young children alone with it. An animal, not wanting it, can crush or drop a child on the ground, which greatly scares or even injures him.

It is necessary to keep an Akbash breed dog on the outside. If the dog is taken not as a shepherd, but for personal protection and property protection, then a large personal plot will be the best option. Due to the availability of space for games and walks, the animal will fully satisfy the requirements for physical activity and develop correctly. And on the contrary, individuals that are kept in apartments and walk a little, look rather passive and depressed. Therefore, housing maintenance is permissible as a temporary measure and only in exceptional cases, for example, in case of an animal illness or other force majeure circumstances. At any other time, dogs of this breed should live in the fresh air and be able to run and play a lot.

Considering the conditions of the breed, it is necessary to touch on another important topic - landing on the chain. In no case should this be done, since shepherd dogs cannot be in this position, and this is especially true of Turkish Akbash. The chain animal quickly loses its working qualities and sociability, becomes uncontrollable and overly aggressive.

As an option, you can consider the construction of a spacious aviary, but it is strictly forbidden to put on a chain.If it is not possible to organize a dog a large personal space and engage in its upbringing, then it is better to look at some other breed, since the Akbash needs to create special conditions of detention and a careful attitude of the owner.

Another important aspect of the maintenance of Akbash is the safety of others. In this regard, owners of dogs living in society must undergo a training course, protect the territory of the household with a strong fence and hang a sign warning of the presence of an angry dog ​​on the gate and gate.

The diet of Akbash dogs is no different from the diet of other large dogs and may include natural food or feed. The menu of an adult dog eating regular foods should be half full of raw or slightly boiled meat, buckwheat, rice or oatmeal, as well as a small amount of vegetables and fruits. They don’t give whole milk to dogs, but fermented milk products are very useful for them, like sea fish, which is offered to animals in small quantities. As well as dogs that are breastfed, they are given vitamin and mineral complexes, bone meal and fish oil.

It is strictly forbidden to feed the dog sweets, flour and confectionery, smoked meats and pickles: such food can cause an allergic reaction and adversely affect the functioning of the pancreas. You should not combine food, that is, mix specialized food and ordinary food. Such a diet will lead to an unbalanced diet and will cause an excess of some trace elements against the background of a shortage of others.

As for the feeding regimen, puppies are usually fed 3 to 5 times a day, and an adult animal - 1-2 times depending on the conditions of detention and time of year. When working to protect the herd, the dog is usually fed once a day, but very plentifully, while in domestic Akbash it is allowed to divide the daily ration by 2 times and feed the animal in the morning and evening. During severe colds, the dog is also fed twice a day, thus replenishing the calories spent on heating the body.

When choosing feeds, preference should be given to formulations with a high content of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system. This is due to the fact that their lack can lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia, which are a problem place for most large breeds.

Representatives of the Akbash breed are very clean animals and have no dog smell. In order for the dog to always look neat and well-groomed, it must be combed carefully at least twice a week. This will help to remove lost hair in a timely manner and prevent them from tangling and knocking in tow. During molting, the combing procedure is recommended to be carried out daily, and with intensive hair loss twice a day. In addition to combing, you should regularly cut the claws of the animal and clean the ears. A dog should be bathed as necessary, but not more than once a month.

This aspect of keeping the dog of the Akbash breed is very important, and sometimes it is precisely because of the need for regular training and training that many dog ​​breeders choose more simple breeds in terms of education. The main key to raising a mentally balanced and obedient dog is perseverance and patience. It is better not to delay the training of Akbash puppies, starting it as soon as the baby reaches the age of 9-10 weeks.If there is no experience in raising shepherd dogs, then it is better to entrust training to professional dog handlers who correctly organize the processes of formation of guard and protective qualities and curb the excessive aggression of young dogs.

By its nature, Akbash is a very smart and understanding dog., which literally grasps everything new on the fly and with interest assimilates the information received. When choosing the right methodology, animals very quickly and well remember commands, obediently execute them. Experienced dog handlers are confident that the foundations of education are laid up to 6 months of age, therefore it is the first six months that are decisive in shaping the character of the dog, and mistakes made during this period can turn into big troubles in the future. For example, practicing exclusively security and guard qualities will result in excessive aggressiveness and distrust of the animal, and therefore, along with protection exercises, the dog needs additional socialization.

Without this, the dog will throw itself at every one it encounters and cause its owner many problems. In addition, like many shepherd dogs, akbash takes for a herd not only a flock, but also a large company of people. He does not allow anyone to separate from the "herd", and begins to guard and graze her in all seriousness. In order to prevent this from happening, you should bring the puppy to places with a large crowd of people as often as possible, while not forgetting to teach him to a short leash and a muzzle.

Like any shepherd dog, akbash is obedient and efficient, but it requires fairly solid communication. It is important from the first days to show the puppy that the main thing in the house is not him, but the owner, and to fulfill his commands is the dog’s direct responsibility. Training is carried out by the classical method using the "carrot and stick", without using physical force.

However, not everything is so smooth in raising a Turkish Akbash, and the main thing is the ability to find a common language with the dog. This is due to the innate restraint and developed self-esteem, which requires appropriate communication and respect for the dog. Due to this character trait, experienced dog handlers do not recommend starting a Turkish Akbash as the first dog. But people who have experience in training shepherd dogs will be able to educate themselves from akbash an excellent guard, reliable watchman and sincere companion.

In the next video you can get acquainted with an amazing breed of Akbash dogs.